Edinburgh: Scotch Whisky Experience Tour & Tasting Glass

Summary

Edinburgh whisky tour with tasting, aromas and rare collections

You’ll step into Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience for an honest look at Scotland’s five whisky regions, try your hand (or nose) at picking out aromas, and stand among thousands of rare bottles before tasting your chosen dram. With stories from local guides and a keepsake crystal glass, it feels less like a tour and more like being welcomed into something old and proud.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start because I got distracted by a street performer outside the Scotch Whisky Experience — bagpipes echoing off the stone, you know how it is. But our guide, Isla, just grinned and waved me in with the rest of the group. She had that Edinburgh warmth, not too much fuss but quick to laugh when someone (me) mixed up Lowlands and Highlands on the map. The place smells like old wood and something sweet — maybe caramel? Or just my imagination running wild.

The tour started with this new immersive bit instead of the old barrel ride — I won’t spoil it, but it’s not what I expected. Isla explained how Scotland’s weather shapes each region’s whisky; I liked how she didn’t make it sound too fancy. There was a moment when she handed around little aroma jars — peat, honey, sea air — and everyone tried to guess. Someone said “burnt toast” and we all cracked up. It felt less like a lesson and more like being let in on a secret.

Standing in front of that massive wall of bottles — apparently one of the world’s biggest Scotch whisky collections — was almost overwhelming. Light bounced off all that amber glass; you could see people’s faces reflected back at them. The actual tasting was quieter than I thought it’d be. My dram tasted smoky at first, then kind of soft? Hard to describe. Isla said there’s no wrong way to taste whisky, which helped me relax about not picking up “notes” or whatever. They even gave us a crystal glass to keep (I wrapped mine in my scarf for the walk home).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided Scotch whisky introduction tour

• Arrive at Scotch Whisky Experience
• Learn whisky aromas and regions
• Discover single malt production secrets
• View large whisky collection
• Enjoy guided whisky tasting
• Receive crystal whisky tasting glass

Top questions

Is the Scotch Whisky Experience guided tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, this tour is designed as an introduction to whisky and is ideal for novices or families.

How long does the guided whisky tour last?

The experience lasts about 50 minutes from start to finish.

Where is the Scotch Whisky Experience located?

It’s right next to Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh's Old Town World Heritage site.

Is there a tasting included in the tour?

Yes, adults receive a dram of Scotch whisky for tasting; under-18s can have Irn Bru instead.

Do you get to keep anything from the tour?

Adults receive a souvenir crystal whisky tasting glass to take home.

Are audio guides available in other languages?

Yes, audio guides are offered in 20 languages including ASL and BSL devices.

Is this whisky tour accessible for wheelchairs or prams?

The entire venue is wheelchair accessible and prams are allowed throughout.

Can children join this tour?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; only adults may taste whisky.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to the Scotch Whisky Experience next to Edinburgh Castle, guidance from an expert local host, hands-on aroma exploration across Scotland’s five whisky regions, a dram of single malt or blended Scotch (or Irn Bru for under-18s), access to view one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky bottles, use of an audio guide in 20 languages if needed, plus a crystal tasting glass as your souvenir before you head back out onto the Royal Mile.