Whisky Tastings in Edinburgh Around the World: 9 to Book

1.Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,451 reviews · 2 hours · from $24Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at Hot Toddy, just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, for two hours of Scottish whisky and storytelling. You’ll taste four single malts from Scotland’s main whisky regions, learn how to taste them, and hear tales of kings, smugglers, outlaws, and local folklore. Alternatives are available if whisky is not your drink.

“Great tour, we had Ben who was very engaging and new his stuff. Well worth going.”

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2.Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 972 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24Top rated

Spend about two hours at Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street with a whisky guide and storyteller. Taste four single malts from Scotland’s main whisky regions, compare Highland and Lowland styles, and hear folklore, family tales, and Edinburgh whisky history. Non-whisky drink alternatives are available on request.

“Do this tour- so fascinating and educational and not cheesy or weird. I was concerned at first but our storyteller was so engaging and entertaining the time flew by and we walked away with such good history and awareness of this great city-- I never do dinner attached to a tour and it seemed those that did were not happy but the actual whiskey tasting and story telling was 5 stars!”

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3.Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 628 reviews · 9.5 hours · from $63

Travel from Edinburgh into Highland Perthshire with an English-speaking guide, stopping in Dunkeld, the Hermitage, Pitlochry, and at Queen’s View. Walk to Black Linn Falls, see Britain’s tallest tree, then tour Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and taste Scottish whisky. Guides such as Duncan, Graeme, Mac, and Kylie are praised for lively stories and music.

“The guide was the best !! William is a gem of a person .. also the Dewar tour was really nice”

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4.The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whisky Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 474 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $53

Meet your guide outside John’s Coffee House & Tavern, just behind St Giles Cathedral, then head into The Lost Close, a newly uncovered underground venue. Over 1.5 hours, taste four Scotch whiskies from Scotland’s main whisky regions while hearing stories about the industry. Upgrade to intermediate or high-end drams if you want rarer bottles.

“Absolutely loved the tasting! Lydia was awesome, very personable and kept us laughing. Had a great time!”

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5.90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Meet at John’s Coffee House on Parliament Square for a 90-minute introduction to Scotch whisky in The Lost Close, an underground Old Town venue. A guide such as Mark, Dan, Haley, or Nicky leads you through four regional drams, whisky-making basics, tasting skills, and Edinburgh stories. Groups are limited to eight.

“There are a number of steps involved, although there might be a lift. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and answered questions with clarity. I would recommend this experience.”

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6.Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults | 90min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 140 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $131

Meet at John’s Coffee House and descend into The Lost Close for five whiskies from five Scottish regions. Guides such as Mark, Eleanor, Sara, and Nicky explain whisky-making, local history, tasting technique, and the characters behind the trade. Groups are capped at 10, making this a focused experience for both whisky fans and curious beginners.

“It was very informative and enjoyable. Guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Whiskey was wonderful.”

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7.Scotch Whisky Tasting – The True Spirit of Scotland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet at John Knox House on Edinburgh’s High Street, then walk to a central whisky bar for four tastes: three single malts and one new make spirit. Your local guide explains Scotch regions, production, history, and tasting technique in a relaxed 90-minute session. Guides may include Marcus, Nick, David, Victoria, Richard, or Carlos.

“Marcos hey Siri knowledgeable About the history of whiskey, and how it intertwined with the history of Scotland. Very informative and enjoyable.”

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8.ScotchandScran OldTown Tour, Whisky Tasting, Scottish Charcuterie

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Spend about three hours in Edinburgh’s Old Town with guide Iain, visiting landmarks, closes, Harry Potter photo spots, and storied streets. Then join whisky expert Hector Maclean for several Scottish drams paired with haggis bon bons, venison, pork salami, cheddar, and West Coast Brie. Groups are limited to 15.

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9.Afternoon Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $54

Meet Neil at 2:30pm near Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket for four single malt Scotch whiskies in the traditional Jolly Judge bar. He adjusts the tasting to your experience, explains production and flavors, and shares advice on whisky shops and bars. Groups are limited to six, making this a relaxed introduction for beginners.

“Neil was so great. He was so knowledgeable about whiskey and everything whisky related. We had a great time learning about the process and trying new flavors.”

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