Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
This is a whisky tour like no other! Led by a former whisky brand ambassador who travelled around the world promoting Scottish Whisky, you will be in the hands of one of Scotland’s foremost experts as you explore the history, flavours and spirit of whisky.
In this four hour, leisurely, story driven walk through Edinburgh, we will tie major milestones in Scotland’s whisky history to real locations, drams, and characterful pubs.
As this is a private tour for your group only, we will meet you and take you back to your hotel – or leave you at a suggested whisky pub near your hotel, as you wish.
What's included
Experienced guide: whisky expert
Drinks/drams at any of the pubs (optional)
Meals
What to expect
Royal Mile
45m
‘Aqua Vitae & the Church’
We will begin our tour at St Giles’ Cathedral, at the top of the Royal Mile, to anchor whisky’s medieval origins and its early association with monks. As we stroll down the Royal Mile, why not stop over at the Royal Mile Whiskies for a glance of the many whiskies on offer.
Surgeons' Hall Museum
30m
‘Whisky as Medicine’
We will then walk down past the High Street toward Surgeons’ Hall, as we discuss whisky’s role as the “water of life” dispensed by medics.
Edinburgh Old Town
45m
Doctors - Historic Pub
Going through Cowgate, we will have the opportunity to skip by the Doctors pub for a dram. This pub founded in 1874 is a historic landmark with links to Edinburgh University and the old Royal Infirmary, and has a great selection of whiskies on offer.
45m
Expansion & Industry — Union, Taxes & Prosperity
We will head north across North Bridge into the Georgian New Town, as we discuss England’s influence on whisky regulation, taxation, and commercial opportunity. We will stop over at the Cafe Royal, considered the oldest dedicated whisky pub in this district.
45m
The Age of Blending: Grocers & Innovation
We will then walk toward Calton Hill, which spans stunning views of Edinburgh. We will discuss how grocers like Valvona & Crolla pioneered blending and helped whisky reach mass appeal. From the Calton Hill viewpoint, we will note the industry highs and lows.
Panda & Sons
30m
Future of Whisky
We will finish off our tour with an optional stop at Panda & Sons for a modern whisky cocktail experience. This will be a good opportunity to discuss innovation, mixology, and whisky’s current renaissance.
From here, we can either walk you back to your hotel, or leave you to enjoy the rest of the day as you sample the many whisky cocktails on offer.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Our guide will meet you at your hotel, AirBnB or other holiday accommodation, and take you back at the end of the tour.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
