Scotch Whisky Experience
354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2NE
While it’s not a distillery, the Scotch Whisky Experience showcases the country’s beloved whisky to visitors from around the world. So if you want to know how whisky is made in Scotland, or learn about the differences between the world’s many whiskies, you’re in the right place. Entry includes a tour with at least one tasting, and the attraction also has an on-site whisky bar and restaurant that serves up seasonal Scottish food.
The Basics
A Scotch Whisky Experience tour is the perfect way to begin a day of exploring the Royal Mile or end a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Various tours are available, including the Silver Tour, a 1-hour overview of Scotch whisky and two tastings; the Gold Tour, which builds on the Silver with additional tastings and perks; a Masterclass for those with a preexisting love of the drink; and the Taste of Scotland, a showcase of the country’s cuisine with whisky pairings. Most tours begin with the Barrel Ride, an interactive journey through a replica of a whisky distillery.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must for whisky lovers visiting Edinburgh.
The Amber Restaurant serves an à la carte menu featuring seasonal Scottish ingredients and the whisky bar boasts more than 450 varieties.
Experts can pair you with the perfect bottle to take home at the state-of-the-art souvenir shop.
Be sure to book tours in advance, as popular time slots may fill up quickly.
The center is accessible to wheelchair users, and sign language tour videos are available free of charge.
How to Get There
The Scotch Whisky Experience is located on the Royal Mile, just steps from the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. The nearest transit stop is Princes Street on buses 1, 22, 25, and N16; Waverley rail station is half a mile (800 meters) away.
When to Get There
Tours run daily from the mid-morning; check online for schedules. The center is busiest on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings. If booking last minute, aim for a morning tour or afternoon tour earlier in the week. However, because tour numbers are capped, tours and tastings never feel overly crowded.
All Are Welcome
There's always a place for nondrinkers and children at the Scotch Whisky Experience. In addition to offering a compelling history of Scotland’s national drink, tours involve scratch-and-sniff cards to learn about the smells and flavors of the finished product. Those who don't drink whisky are always offered a complimentary Irn Bru, Scotland’s most popular nonalcoholic carbonated beverage.
Ways to explore
With its prime Royal Mile location, the Scotch Whisky Experience is ideal for sightseers visiting central Edinburgh or nearby Edinburgh Castle. While you can visit the shop and the Amber Restaurant freely, the attraction itself is only accessible via a tour, which can be booked in advance or on the day.
Different tour options include the 50-minute Silver Tour, which offers an overview of Scotch whisky with a tasting; the longer Gold Tour, which builds on the Silver Tour’s offerings with extra tastings and perks; and the Taste of Scotland Tour, which offers a full whisky tasting session, followed by a tasting menu of classic Scottish cuisine in the Amber Restaurant.
Accessibility
The attraction is wheelchair accessible with automatic entrance doors, elevators, and disabled restrooms.
Age limits
Children are welcome on the Silver tour, which includes a glass of Irn Bru, Scotland’s favorite non-alcoholic drink.
What to pack
Cash or cards for payment
What to wear
There’s no dress code, but if you plan to eat in the on-site restaurant, opt for a smart-casual look.
Not allowed
Children under 18 on the Gold or Taste of Scotland tours
Amenities
Bar, restaurant, restrooms, shop
Address
The Scotch Whisky Experience is on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, just a short walk away from Edinburgh Castle.
Driving
Edinburgh’s city center has been designated an LEZ (low emission zone), so there are restrictions on driving through it for certain higher-emission vehicles. Check before you enter the city center to avoid a fine. If you do choose to drive, leave your car at the NCP car park on Castle Terrace, or opt for more-expensive street parking nearby.
Public transportation
There are no buses that stop right outside the attraction, but North Bridge is a nearby stop used by many services. By train, opt for a service that stops at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, which is a 5-minute walk from the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Best times to visit
Tours are offered through the day, from mid-morning to early evening. The morning tours tend to be quieter.
Best days to visit
The Scotch Whisky Experience is open daily, however weekends are busier with more visitors. If you can, visit between Monday and Thursday for a quieter experience.
Best months to visit
Open year-round, the Scotch Whisky Experience is an inside attraction, so there’s not really a bad month to visit. However, if you visit in December there are some festive tasting events and special menus in the on-site Amber Restaurant.
Special events
Visit in December to enjoy festive-themed events such as the Festive Tasting Tales and a Distillers Fair at the end of the month.
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