Edinburgh Whisky Tour: Dewar’s & Glenturret Distilleries Day Trip

Summary

Scottish whisky day trip from Edinburgh with distillery tours and Highland village lunch

You’ll taste Highland single malts at Dewar’s Aberfeldy & Glenturret distilleries on this Edinburgh whisky tour, stroll through Aberfeldy village for lunch, and share stories with locals and your guide along the way. Expect laughter, quiet moments by riversides, and a deeper appreciation for Scotland’s “water of life.”

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to care much about the difference between single malts before this day trip from Edinburgh. But as soon as our little group piled into the minibus and our guide, Jamie, started joking about “water of life,” something shifted. First stop was South Queensferry — just a quick photo break, but the bridges looked dramatic against the grey morning sky. I could smell the river even through the window, cold and metallic.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery was up next. Jamie handed us over to a local guide who seemed to know every inch of the place (and probably every ghost story too). Walking through those old warehouses, you can actually feel how cool and damp it is — there’s this sweet, earthy smell that clings to your jacket. The tasting was more fun than I thought; their 12-year-old single malt is smooth but there’s a little burn at the end. I tried to swirl it like I’d seen in movies but mostly just spilled a bit on my hand. No one judged me.

Lunch in Aberfeldy was slow and easy — honestly, I could’ve sat by that river for hours if we didn’t have another distillery waiting. The town has these stone cottages and everyone seems to know each other; someone waved at Jamie like they see him every week. The drive out to Glenturret Distillery felt quieter somehow, maybe because we were all a bit sleepier (or maybe it was the whisky). At Glenturret, seeing that old hand-operated mash tun — apparently the last one still used in Scotland — made me realize how much work goes into every bottle. There was this moment where sunlight caught the copper stills and everything looked golden for a second.

I keep thinking about that warmth — not just from the whisky but from being let into these places that are older than anyone I know. If you’re curious about Scottish whisky or just want a day out of Edinburgh with some good company, this tour feels real. Not fancy or staged, just honest and kind of comforting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whisky tours and Aberfeldy visit

• Photo stop at South Queensferry Bridges
• Tour Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery
• Taste Aberfeldy's 12 year whisky
• Lunch and explore Aberfeldy village
• Tour Glenturret Distillery
• Taste whisky at Glenturret Distillery

Top questions

How long is the Edinburgh whisky tour?

The tour lasts one full day departing from Edinburgh.

Which distilleries are included on this day trip?

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and Glenturret Distillery are included; Blair Athol replaces Glenturret in January.

Is lunch included on the whisky tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is time to buy food in Aberfeldy village.

Are entry fees for distilleries included?

No, admission for both distilleries is not included in the price.

Is transportation provided from Edinburgh?

Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle transports guests throughout the tour.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 4 years old; minimum drinking age is 18 with ID required.

Does this tour operate year-round?

Yes, but Glenturret Distillery is closed in January when Blair Athol is visited instead.

Are guides knowledgeable about whisky?

Yes, live commentary comes from an experienced driver-guide plus local distillery staff lead tastings.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Edinburgh with live commentary by your driver-guide throughout. You’ll visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and Glenturret (or Blair Athol in January) for guided tours and tastings—though admission fees aren’t covered—and spend time exploring Aberfeldy village for lunch before heading back to Edinburgh together.