Glenkinchie Distillery Edinburgh
Discover the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker, just 15 miles from Edinburgh. Experience whisky heritage, sensory delights, and warm Scottish hospitality...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Glenkinchie Distillery Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker, just 15 miles from Edinburgh. Experience whisky heritage, sensory delights, and warm Scottish hospitality.
"A beautiful distillery, an in-depth tour and delicious drams. Would highly recommend!"
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Edinburgh
Just 15 miles from the city, it's a perfect half-day or full-day trip. Consider a tour for hassle-free travel!
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss the immersive scent room – it's a fun way to learn about whisky aromas!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Distillery Tour
Distillery Floor
Step into Scotland's whisky heritage, from copper stills to aged casks. Learn the craft behind every drop.
Sensory Experience Room
Visitor Centre
Engage your senses and test your nose to identify whisky aromas. A unique and interactive part of the visit.
Lowland Bar & Cocktails
Bar Area
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails or a dram in a stunning bar setting, with options for non-whisky fans too.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Getting There from Edinburgh
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Edinburgh
Just 15 miles from the city, it's a perfect half-day or full-day trip. Consider a tour for hassle-free travel!
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss the immersive scent room – it's a fun way to learn about whisky aromas!
🥃 Taste the Lowland Spirit
Enjoy a complimentary dram after your tour, or explore the bar's extensive selection.
✨ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Guides like Kirsten and Paul are praised for their passion and in-depth knowledge. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Edinburgh
Just 15 miles from the city, it's a perfect half-day or full-day trip. Consider a tour for hassle-free travel!
👃 Engage Your Senses
Don't miss the immersive scent room – it's a fun way to learn about whisky aromas!
🥃 Taste the Lowland Spirit
Enjoy a complimentary dram after your tour, or explore the bar's extensive selection.
✨ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Guides like Kirsten and Paul are praised for their passion and in-depth knowledge. +1
🛍️ Souvenir Shop Delights
Find unique whisky-related gifts and local products in the well-stocked shop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Glenkinchie Distillery, highlighting its beautiful location, knowledgeable and passionate staff, and the immersive tour experience. The Lowland Bar is praised for its great drinks and food, making it enjoyable for all, even non-whisky drinkers. Some find the tour informative, while others appreciate the sensory aspects and the overall welcoming atmosphere.
"We popped in on our way past to grab a drink, the grounds and building are beautiful. We were greeted by Willie, who was just such a lovely wee character. He chatted away to us about where we’re from before showing us where the bar is. Lovely bar staff and drinks (and lovely loo’s too!). No pushy sales in the shop, just lovely genuine people. I’ll be recommending a visit to all my Scottish friends and hopefully will be back myself one day."
Laura Adams
"A beautiful distillery, an in-depth tour and delicious drams. Would highly recommend! Kirsten, our tour guide, was brilliant and very knowledgeable. The bar area was stunning with a great selection of drinks, including a wide range of options for non-whisky fans and drivers. All in all a great experience!"
Olivia Carlin
"We have the Flavour & Cask Experience tour. Our guide, Paul, gave us a detailed and thoughtful account of the distillery's history. Answered all our questions with passion. We left with fantastic smells, flavors and memories."
JL MAUPEU
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glenkinchie Distillery is conveniently located about 15 miles east of Edinburgh. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-share. Many visitors opt for organized day tours from Edinburgh that include transportation, making it a seamless experience.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Glenkinchie Distillery for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! You can arrange a taxi or ride-share from Edinburgh. Alternatively, several tour operators offer day trips from the city that include transportation to and from the distillery.
The journey from Edinburgh to Glenkinchie Distillery typically takes around 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
While direct public transport can be limited, combining local buses with a short taxi ride is possible. However, tours or private transport are generally more convenient for a relaxed visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the experience. The standard tour typically includes a tasting and costs around £20-£30 per person. More in-depth experiences like the Flavour & Cask tour are priced higher. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and booking options.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, especially for specific experiences or during peak season, to guarantee your spot.
Glenkinchie Distillery is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
A standard tour usually includes a guided walk through the distillery, an explanation of the whisky-making process, and a complimentary dram of Glenkinchie whisky at the end.
While tours are the primary way to experience the distillery, you can visit the visitor centre and bar area without a formal tour booking. However, a tour offers the most comprehensive insight into their whisky production.
🎫 🥃 Whisky & Tasting
Glenkinchie is a renowned Lowland single malt Scotch whisky, known for its lighter, more delicate character. It's a key component in Johnnie Walker blends.
Yes, a complimentary dram of Glenkinchie whisky is typically included with the standard distillery tour. Special tasting experiences are also available.
Beyond the complimentary dram, Glenkinchie offers various tasting flights and experiences, including curated pairings and in-depth explorations of their whiskies. The Lowland Bar also serves a wide selection.
Yes, the Lowland Bar at Glenkinchie offers a great selection of drinks for non-whisky fans, including cocktails and other beverages, making it enjoyable for everyone.
You can purchase bottles of Glenkinchie whisky and other related products at the distillery's gift shop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Glenkinchie features the Lowland Bar, which serves food. Visitors have praised the quality of the food, with options ranging from snacks to more substantial meals. +1
The Lowland Bar offers a menu that often includes Scottish-inspired dishes and bar snacks. Some visitors have also enjoyed a 'Scottish Twist Afternoon Tea'.
Yes, you can enjoy lunch at the Lowland Bar. It's a great option to complement your distillery visit.
While specific menus can change, the bar typically offers a range of options. It's always a good idea to inquire about dietary accommodations upon arrival or when booking.
The 'Scottish Twist Afternoon Tea' has been mentioned as a delightful experience, offering a unique way to enjoy the distillery's hospitality.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most public areas of the distillery, including the visitor centre and bar. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific restrictions during tours.
The picturesque grounds, the iconic copper stills, the Johnnie Walker statue, and the charming bar area offer excellent photo opportunities. The rolling Lowland hills surrounding the distillery also provide scenic backdrops.
During the guided tour, it's best to follow your guide's instructions regarding photography. Some areas might have restrictions for safety or operational reasons.
Absolutely! With its beautiful architecture, scenic location, and unique whisky-making elements, Glenkinchie offers plenty of visually appealing spots for Instagram. 
Natural light is abundant in many areas, especially during the day. The interior lighting in the bar and visitor centre is also well-done, creating a warm atmosphere for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the core distillery tour focuses on whisky production and includes a tasting, which is for adults. However, the Lowland Bar offers non-alcoholic drink options and food, making it a pleasant place for the whole family to relax. Consider booking a tour that might have shorter segments or focus on the visual aspects of the distillery if you have very young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on transportation, consider looking for day tours from Edinburgh that might bundle transport and the distillery visit, potentially offering a better overall price than arranging transport separately. Packing your own snacks or having a lighter meal at the bar can also help manage costs. Visiting during off-peak times might also offer slightly better rates or promotions.
🥂 Couples & Whisky Enthusiasts
For serious whisky enthusiasts, the Flavour & Cask Experience tour offers a deeper dive into the nuances of whisky production and tasting. The knowledgeable guides ensure an enriching experience, and the opportunity to purchase special bottlings from the shop adds to the appeal. The Scottish Twist Afternoon Tea is also a lovely shared experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Glenkinchie Experience: More Than Just Whisky
Visitors consistently praise the warm welcome and the passion of the staff. Guides like Kirsten, Paul, and Nick are frequently mentioned for their in-depth knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the history and process of whisky making fascinating even for those who don't typically enjoy whisky. The facilities are described as exemplary, with clean and well-appointed restrooms and a welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Beyond the core whisky production, Glenkinchie offers a well-rounded day out. The Scottish Twist Afternoon Tea is a popular choice, offering a unique culinary experience. The gift shop provides an opportunity to purchase exclusive bottles and whisky-related merchandise. The overall impression is one of genuine hospitality and a commitment to providing a memorable experience for every visitor, whether they are seasoned whisky aficionados or curious newcomers.
Whisky Making at Glenkinchie: A Lowland Perspective
The tour provides a detailed look at each stage of whisky production, from malting and mashing to fermentation and distillation. You'll learn about the importance of water sources, the yeast strains used, and how the cut points during distillation shape the final spirit. The maturation process, involving carefully selected casks, is also a key focus, as it imparts significant flavour and colour to the whisky over time.
Glenkinchie's role as a key component in Johnnie Walker blends is a significant part of its story. Understanding how its distinct Lowland character contributes to the complexity of these world-famous whiskies adds another layer of appreciation to the visit. The sensory experience, particularly the scent room, helps visitors connect the aromas they encounter during the tour to the final taste of the whisky.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit