A Whisky Lover’s Guide to Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic and cultural capital, is a dream destination for whisky lovers. As the birthplace of some of the world’s finest single malts and home to countless whisky bars, shops, and experiences, the city offers a rich exploration of Scotland’s national drink. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, Edinburgh provides the perfect setting to indulge in the world of whisky. Here’s your ultimate guide to discovering the best whisky experiences in Edinburgh.
1. Edinburgh’s Whisky Bars: Where to Sip the Best Drams
Edinburgh boasts a plethora of whisky bars, each with its unique character and selection. These bars are perfect for sampling a wide variety of whiskies, from rare single malts to popular blends.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Located on the Royal Mile, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must-visit for anyone serious about whisky. It offers a range of guided tours that take you through the history and production of Scotch whisky, with tastings along the way. The highlight is the impressive whisky collection, one of the largest in the world, where you can sample drams from all regions of Scotland.
Whiski Rooms
Also situated on the Royal Mile, the Whiski Rooms is both a bar and a shop. It offers an extensive selection of over 300 whiskies, including some rare and vintage bottles. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through a tasting flight tailored to your preferences, making it an ideal spot for both whisky novices and aficionados.
The Bow Bar
For a more traditional pub experience, head to The Bow Bar on Victoria Street. This cosy, no-frills bar is beloved by locals and whisky lovers alike for its impressive selection of over 300 whiskies. The Bow Bar is particularly known for its single cask whiskies and cask ales, making it a favourite among those who appreciate a good dram in an authentic setting.
The Devil’s Advocate
Tucked away in Advocate’s Close, The Devil’s Advocate offers a modern twist on whisky drinking. Housed in an old Victorian pump house, this stylish bar features over 300 whiskies, including an impressive range of rare and limited editions. The knowledgeable bartenders are happy to help you navigate the extensive menu, and the bar’s creative whisky cocktails offer a fresh take on traditional drinking.
2. Whisky Shops: Where to Buy the Perfect Bottle
Edinburgh is home to several specialist whisky shops where you can purchase bottles to take home. Whether you’re looking for a specific bottle or need advice on what to buy, these shops have you covered.
Royal Mile Whiskies
One of Edinburgh’s most famous whisky shops, Royal Mile Whiskies, is a haven for whisky enthusiasts. The shop offers an extensive selection of Scotch whiskies, including rare and collectible bottles. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect bottle, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. They also frequently offer in-store tastings, giving you the chance to sample before you buy.
Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop
As Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop on Canongate is a must-visit for anyone interested in rare and unique whiskies. The shop offers a wide range of single cask whiskies, which are bottled without chill-filtration or added colouring. This allows the true character of each whisky to shine through. Cadenhead’s also has a selection of rums and other spirits, making it a great place to explore different flavours.
The Whisky Shop
Located on Princes Street, The Whisky Shop is part of a chain with a strong focus on customer experience. They offer a wide selection of Scotch whiskies, from well-known brands to exclusive bottlings. The shop also has a range of whisky-related gifts, making it a great place to pick up a souvenir.
3. Whisky Tasting Experiences: Expand Your Palate
Edinburgh offers a variety of whisky tasting experiences, perfect for deepening your knowledge and appreciation of Scotch whisky.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
In addition to its guided tours, The Scotch Whisky Experience offers a range of tasting experiences that cater to all levels. The “Silver” and “Gold” tours include guided tastings of whiskies from the different regions of Scotland, allowing you to compare and contrast the flavours. For a more in-depth experience, the “Platinum” tour offers a private tasting of rare and aged whiskies.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
For those looking for something truly exclusive, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) offers a unique whisky experience. SMWS is a members-only club, but non-members can enjoy tastings at their Queen Street venue. The society bottles and sells only single cask whiskies, meaning each bottle is one-of-a-kind. The venue itself is elegant and welcoming, with knowledgeable staff to guide you through a tasting flight of rare and unique whiskies.
Whiski Rooms Whisky Tastings
In addition to its bar, Whiski Rooms also offers dedicated whisky tasting sessions. These tastings cover a variety of themes, such as regional whiskies, cask strength whiskies, or food and whisky pairings. The sessions are led by experts who provide insight into the history, production, and tasting notes of each whisky.
4. Edinburgh Whisky Festivals: Celebrate Scotland’s National Drink
Throughout the year, Edinburgh hosts several whisky festivals that are perfect for those looking to explore a wide range of whiskies in a festive atmosphere.
The Edinburgh Whisky Festival
Held annually, The Edinburgh Whisky Festival brings together whisky lovers from all over the world. The festival features hundreds of whiskies from Scotland and beyond, with opportunities to meet distillers, attend masterclasses, and participate in tastings. It’s a great way to sample a variety of whiskies in one place and learn from industry experts.
The Scotch Whisky Experience Whisky Fringe
Another highlight on the whisky calendar is The Scotch Whisky Experience’s Whisky Fringe, an annual event that offers tastings from over 300 whiskies. Held at the historic Mansfield Traquair, the festival is known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on premium whiskies, including many rare and limited editions.
5. Edinburgh’s Whisky Heritage: A Walk Through History
Edinburgh’s connection to whisky runs deep, and a walk through the city reveals many historical sites linked to Scotland’s whisky heritage.
The Vaults
One of the most historic whisky sites in Edinburgh is The Vaults in Leith, the home of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. This 18th-century building was originally used as a wine and spirits warehouse, and today it serves as the society’s headquarters. The Vaults is a place where whisky history comes alive, offering visitors a chance to explore rare and unique whiskies in a historic setting.
Holyrood Distillery
For a more contemporary whisky experience, visit Holyrood Distillery, which opened in 2019. Located near Arthur’s Seat, this modern distillery offers tours that take you through the whisky-making process, from grain to glass. Holyrood Distillery is unique in that it produces both whisky and gin, making it a great place to explore Edinburgh’s evolving drinks scene.
6. Whisky and Food Pairings: Where to Enjoy Whisky with a Meal
Edinburgh’s culinary scene is thriving, and many restaurants offer whisky pairings to enhance your dining experience.
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
Located on the Royal Mile, Whiski Bar & Restaurant offers a menu of traditional Scottish dishes paired with whiskies from their extensive collection. The staff can recommend the perfect dram to accompany your meal, whether you’re enjoying haggis, smoked salmon, or a hearty steak.
Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience
For a more curated whisky and food pairing experience, head to Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience. The restaurant’s menu is designed to complement the whiskies on offer, with dishes that highlight the best of Scottish produce. The whisky flights are expertly paired with the food, offering a true taste of Scotland.
Conclusion
Edinburgh is a whisky lover’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to explore Scotland’s national drink. Whether you’re sipping a dram in a historic pub, purchasing a rare bottle from a specialist shop, or attending a tasting event, the city is brimming with whisky experiences waiting to be discovered. So, raise a glass and toast to the spirit of Scotland in one of the world’s most whisky-rich cities. You can also try whisky on our Royal Mile tour Slàinte mhath!
