The Scotch Whiskey Experience offers the opportunity to taste handcrafted Scotch whiskey and view a vast collection of bottles to learn about the art and craft of making this spirit. It's located on Castlehill at the top of Old Town's Royal Mile and offers tours, taste-testing sessions, tutoring and whisky-making seminars and plenty of information about the history of whiskey as the national spirit of Scotland.

This attraction is popular among whiskey connoisseurs and history buffs who are interested in learning about the differences between Scotch and other types of whiskey and its development as a spirit. The bottle collection is a prime attraction, and the restaurant and gift shop allow for a great way to relax, grab a bite to eat and find the perfect gift or souvenir after your exploration of the attraction. Join in on all the fun here, or simply kick back and enjoy a spirit.

The Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)

photo by Neil Turner (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

Highlights and features of the Scotch Whiskey Experience

The Scotch Whiskey Experience offers tours of the facility where you can view one of the world's largest collections of historic whiskey bottles, learn about the history and craft of distilling and taste a range of Scotch varieties. On some tours, you can take special regional miniatures home and even have a food pairing in the onsite restaurant. 

If a simple tour isn't enough for you, a Morning Masterclass is available to learn how to distill whiskey yourself in just 90 minutes or enjoy a whiskey and food-tasting experience. Even if you're not looking for a tour or a masterclass, you can visit the restaurant for excellent food and an unmatched selection of whiskey varieties. The gift shop lets you buy the ideal souvenir to remember your trip, including an extensive range of whiskey bottlings to enjoy at your leisure.

photo by Enchufla Con Clave (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

About the Scotch Whiskey Experience

The Scotch Whiskey Experience opened in 1988 on the premises of a former school after 19 Scotch whiskey companies put up £2 million to create the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Center dedicated to the history and heritage of this spirit. It changed its name to the Scotch Whiskey Experience in 2006, and in 2008 became the home of a collection of 3,384 Scotch whiskey bottles – one of the largest of its kind in the world that was built up over 35 years by a Brazilian enthusiast of the drink.

In 2013, the Experience celebrated its 25th birthday and commemorated the date with a special anniversary blend and a special small-batch quaich. In addition, its restaurant underwent a major renovation, enabling it to offer more than 360 varieties of whiskey from across the nation. Today, over 300,000 people a year visit the Scotch Whiskey Experience.

photo by FlyingCrimsonPig (CC BY 2.0) modified

Good to know about the Scotch Whiskey Experience

The hours of admission depend on whether you take the silver, gold or platinum tour, the Taste of Scotland, the Morning Masterclass or the Tasting Tales experience. The coffee shop, restaurant and gift shop maintain separate regular hours and can be visited anytime when open. The bar offers flights of whiskeys for sampling. If you live out of the country, check local regulations for transporting alcohol before you buy bottles to take away.

The tour does not have a minimum age, but in the UK only those over the age of 18 can be served alcohol. Those under 18 will be served Irn-Bru, a Scottish soda, instead of whiskey. The facility is completely accessible for those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs. Assistance dogs are permitted, but not regular pets. Magnifier sheets are available for the visually impaired, and staff undergo disability awareness training.

The Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh

Location: The Royal Mile, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK

Phone: +44 (0)1312 200441

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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