Whisky Distilleries In or Near Edinburgh: 9 Places to Celebrate Whisky in the Capital
August 19, 2024
Often referred to as the “water of life”, Scottish whisky is enjoyed all around the world. With over 140 malt and grain distilleries spanning five distinct regions, the country constitutes the world's largest concentration of whisky production, with Edinburgh whisky distilleries in particular regarded as amongst some of the finest makers across the globe.
If you’re thinking of exploring the historic city to discover the rarest and most loved whiskies, you’ll find no shortage of world-leading distilleries and quirky experiences in which to sip a distinguished dram or two.
To truly appreciate the depth of Scottish whisky, head north, where history and hospitality meet to create an unforgettable whisky adventure.
From Scotch whisky experiences to tour tastings, read on for our picks for 9 places to enjoy whisky in or near Edinburgh.
Scotch Whisky Experiences In or Near Edinburgh
1. Holyrood Distillery
This distillery located in Edinburgh is a favourite amongst whisky enthusiasts. Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned whisky drinker, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Holyrood Distillery.
Established in 2019 in the centre of Edinburgh’s historic old town, this distillery prides itself on innovation and challenging traditional whisky-making techniques, exploring new recipes using heritage malts, speciality malts and different yeasts in their production process.
You can choose from a number of tours, varying in price and duration. Find out more about their malt whisky tours in Edinburgh on their website.
How to get there by foot:
From Waverley Station, the distillery is only a 20-minute walk that will take you past the University of Edinburgh and into the Southside of the city. Find directions here.
How to get there by public transport:
For those looking to travel to Holyrood Distillery by public transport, it will take 17 minutes, depending on traffic and the local bus timetable. You can jump onto the following buses from South Bridge: 49, 29, 30 and 51. For more information, visit here.
2. The Port of Leith Distillery
Describing itself as a “distillery like no other”, the Port of Leith Distillery prides itself on its whisky, working with a single farmer in Edinburgh for their barley production. They offer 90-minute tours of their distillery where you can learn all about their history, discover their impressive building and even bottle your own New Make spirit.
They also have a remarkable gift shop to allow you to take a souvenir or grab a thoughtful gift to mark your day of whisky exploration in Edinburgh.
How to get to there by public transport:
Located near the Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh, you can reach them by tram, train, bus or by car. Full details on how to get there can be found on their website.
3. The Witchery by the Castle
When you dine with us in the Old Town at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, indulge in some truly rare and special Scottish whiskies. From whisky connoisseurs to curious novices, there’s an option for everyone to enjoy with their meal or afterwards as you enjoy the opulent atmosphere of our dining rooms.
We showcase over 45 aged, venerable whiskies, each a testament to tradition and craftsmanship. Explore our carefully curated á la carte menu and elevate your dining experience with exquisite whiskies such as Highland Park 25 Year Old from Orkney, Lagavulin Distillers Edition from Islay, and the 2022 special release of Cardhu 16 Year Old from Speyside. Opt for a whisky cocktail such as our Skye Island Ice Tea made with Talisker 10 year old, Drambuie, Breakfast Tea syrup and lemon juice and raise a glass to the essence of Scotland.
Discover our historic dining rooms and á la carte menu on our website. Book your table and allow time for utter decadence in Edinburgh’s Old Town at The Witchery by the Castle.
4. Glenkinchie Distillery
Located in Falkirk, Glenkinchie proudly serves as one of the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries of Johnnie Walker, producing the Edinburgh Malt that is so well known and so loved around the globe. The lowland home of Johnnie Walker, discover their flavours and secrets of how the malt whisky is created in Edinburgh. This distillery also has a bar area where you can enjoy drams, cocktails, coffee and more on your visit.
They advise to book your tour in advance of your visit to avoid any disappointment. The distillery has a “silent season” where tours are not available from April until mid-June, so please check details of distillery tours on the Glenkinchie Distillery website before planning your trip.
How to get to Glenkinchie Distillery:
You can take a bus from Edinburgh to Glenkinchie Distillery, which takes approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes. By car, it’s a 40-minute drive down the A68 and A1. You can find out more information on how to get from Edinburgh to the distillery using our directions on Google Maps.
5. Deanston Distillery
Located 8 miles from Stirling, Deanston Distillery can be found on the banks of the River Teith. What makes Deanston unique is that it started out in 1785 as a cotton mill designed by Sir Richard Arkwright, and remained as such for 180 years until it was transformed into a distillery in 1966. The constant supply of pure water from the River Teith played a significant role in the decision to make the switch, and today, Deanston is the only distillery in Scotland to be self-sufficient in electricity, with power generated by an on-site hydro-energy facility.
The single malt whisky distillery is a subsidiary of Heineken N.V and is the largest distillery they operate. They offer whisky & gin tasting, as well as distillery and warehouse tours, ranging from £15 to £150 depending on your selection.
You can book your tour and find out more about their distillery on their website.
How to get to Deanston Distillery:
It should take about 1 hour and 54 minutes to get from Edinburgh city centre to Deanston Distillery by public transport. You can find out more information on trains and buses using Google Maps.
6. The Glenturret Distillery
Explore Scotland’s oldest whisky distillery with a trip to Glenturret Distillery in the beautiful Perthshire countryside. Having been in operation since 1763, this distillery is not one to miss for whisky lovers and is truly a gem. Their long history reflects a commitment to traditional methods of whisky production. Notably, they use the only remaining hand-operated mash tun in Scotland.
The distillery offers tours that take visitors through the whisky-making process, showcasing the craftsmanship and skill involved. You'll get a firsthand look at the traditional techniques used to create their single malt whisky. Tours conclude with a tasting, allowing you to experience the finished product. Find out more about their locations, history and whisky tours on their website.
7. Tullibardine Distillery
Visit Tullibardine Distillery located in Blackford, Perth and Kinross, and uncover their history, whisky and distillery. Producing a Highland single malt Scotch whisky, the site has a long and interesting history dating back to 1488 when King James IV of Scotland visited what was then a brewery to purchase beer. They are now one of the few distilleries in Scotland that carries out all the stages of whisky production on-site, except for malting.
Tullibardine Distillery operates a visitor centre where you can learn about the whisky-making process, take a tour of the distillery, and enjoy a tasting of their whiskies. If you're looking for a distillery rich in history and offering a traditional whisky-making experience, Tullibardine Distillery is a great option. You can find more information and plan your visit through the Tullibardine Distillery website.
How to get to Tullibardine Distillery:
By car, it’ll take about an hour to reach the distillery from Edinburgh. If you’re planning to arrive via public transport to Tullibardine Distillery, please note that it will take around 3 hours and require multiple buses and/or trains. You can view routes via Google Maps.
8. The Scotch Whisky Experience
Neighbours to us on Castle Hill, visit the Scotch Whisky Experience in the Old Town and embark on a whisky journey as they guide you through their tours, tasting and learning as you go. This one is a fantastic option for those not able to travel outside the city and allows you to experience whisky tasting in Edinburgh right on the Royal Mile. Established in 1988, it's been a go-to spot for visitors wanting to learn about and enjoy Scotch whisky for over 30 years.
They offer a variety of tours that cater to different interests and knowledge levels. These tours take visitors on a journey through the world of Scotch whisky, from the history and production process to the various regions and flavour profiles, as well as exhibits, tastings and more.
Learn more about The Scotch Whisky Experience on their website, and plan your visit and tour.
How to get to The Scotch Whisky Experience:
From Princes Street, it’s around a ten-minute walk to the top of Castle Hill and the Scotch Whisky Experience. You can also take a taxi that will drop you off down the street but, please note, that there is still an uphill walk of less than five minutes to reach the location. Due to the historic layout of the Royal Mile, there are sections cars cannot access, so some walking is required.
9. Johnnie Walker Experience
Discover one of the world’s most loved whiskies with an afternoon at the Johnnie Walker Experience.
Located in New Town, right on Princes Street, enjoy whisky cocktails, interactive demonstrations, a light show and rooftop views from their bar area. For those looking for something a little different, this is a fantastic choice and a fine way to spend an afternoon.
Learn more about their location, offerings and tours on their website.
Explore more of Edinburgh
Discover more wonderful things to do in Edinburgh, and continue reading:
- Find the the most magnificent castle near Edinburgh
- Explore Edinburgh City to find the best viewpoints and photo opportunities
- Bring your significant other with our list of the most romantic things to do for couples in Edinburgh
- Find out about Edinburgh’s eerie history and haunted hotels
