The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh - four whiskey bottles in bar counter
1 / 10

The Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh

4.7
·11k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore Scotland's national drink with interactive tours, a vast whisky collection, and guided tastings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Loading map...
The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh - four whiskey bottles in bar counter

The Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Scotland's national drink with interactive tours, a vast whisky collection, and guided tastings.

4.7
(11k reviews)

"A must-visit for anyone wanting to learn about Scotch whisky in a fun and memorable way."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Upgrade Your Ticket

Consider the Gold or Platinum tours for a more in-depth experience and better whisky selection.

🗣️ Engage with Your Guide

Your guide can make the experience, ask questions and enjoy their stories!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World's Largest Whisky Collection

World's Largest Whisky Collection

The Collection Room

Gaze upon an unparalleled display of over 3,500 bottles, a testament to a collector's lifelong passion.

TikTokInstagram
Interactive Barrel Ride

Interactive Barrel Ride

The Journey Begins

Embark on a unique barrel-shaped ride that vividly explains the Scotch whisky-making process.

Reddit+1
Guided Whisky Tasting

Guided Whisky Tasting

Tasting Area

Sample whiskies from Scotland's diverse regions, tailored to your palate, even if you're new to Scotch.

InstagramReddit

Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

While not always necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially for the Gold or Platinum tours, is recommended to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment, particularly during busy tourist seasons. Reddit

Consider Your Whisky Knowledge

This experience is excellent for beginners and those curious about Scotch whisky. If you're already a seasoned whisky aficionado, consider upgrading your ticket or exploring other options like the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for a more in-depth tasting. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
Early evenings
Why
Relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The World's Largest Whiskey Collection! In the 1970s, Claive Vidiz, a whisky enthusiast in Sao Paulo, Brazil and founder member of the Brazilian Association of Whisky Collectors, started to seek out and purchase Scotch whisky of varying type, cost and rarity. He amassed almost 3,500 bottles over 35 years. In October 2006 The Collection was purchased by Scotch whisky distiller, Diageo. When Diage...
thedarkrebel
314 likes • 16K views

🎯 Upgrade Your Ticket

Consider the Gold or Platinum tours for a more in-depth experience and better whisky selection. Reddit+1

🗣️ Engage with Your Guide

Your guide can make the experience, ask questions and enjoy their stories! InstagramReddit

📌@getyourguide Experience: Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour Tour in the heart of Edinburgh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Tag the whisky lover in your life 😄🥃[gifted] This is an amazing tour at @johnniewalkerprincesstreet including live performances, impressive visuals, and delicious whisky! The best way to learn about the process of making Scotch whisky and the history of Johnnie Walker’s iconic brand 🙌 Happy to cre...
glasgowfoodelicious
57 likes • 2.1K views
Amazing Whisky Tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience 🥃 My dad is a whisky fan, so I decided to take him to the Scotch Whisky Experience to learn how his favorite elixir is made and why it’s so famous worldwide. I highly recommend this tour if you’re in Scotland and you are a whisky enthusiast like my dad. The most interesting part of the tour was seeing their whisky collection, which includes ne...
jen_inscotland
20 likes • 628 views

🥃 Taste Beyond Your Comfort

Be open to trying whiskies from different regions; you might discover a new favorite. Reddit

📸 Don't Miss the Collection

The sheer scale of the whisky collection is breathtaking and a must-see photo opportunity. InstagramReddit

Did you know this place was voted the BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION in Scotland? ❤️ We've recently had a pleasure to take part in a Platinum Tour at @scotchwhiskyexp on the Royal Mile in a city center of Edinburgh and we had a blast! The whole experience is like entering a different world where we learn about the history and the process of making the signature Scottish liquid - the whisky. The mult...
leadmetotravel
348 likes • 13.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Upgrade Your Ticket

Consider the Gold or Platinum tours for a more in-depth experience and better whisky selection. Reddit+1

🗣️ Engage with Your Guide

Your guide can make the experience, ask questions and enjoy their stories! InstagramReddit

🥃 Taste Beyond Your Comfort

Be open to trying whiskies from different regions; you might discover a new favorite. Reddit

📸 Don't Miss the Collection

The sheer scale of the whisky collection is breathtaking and a must-see photo opportunity. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Scotch Whisky Experience for its engaging and informative tours, particularly for those new to Scotch. The interactive elements, knowledgeable guides, and the stunning whisky collection are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some acknowledge its touristy nature, most find it a worthwhile and enjoyable introduction to Scotland's national drink.

"A very enjoyable and well-done experience for anyone interested in learning about Scotch whisky. The tour was interactive, informative, and thoughtfully designed—it moved at a great pace and kept things interesting throughout. Our presenter was friendly, funny, and engaging, which really added to the whole experience. The shop at the end is also worth a visit, with a great selection of whiskies to choose from. Definitely a recommended stop if you’re in Edinburgh and want to learn more about Scotch whisky in a fun and memorable way."

Wassim Ayass

"It was a very great experience and a very informative and a wonderful one.🙏
The information on how Whisky is produced , condensed and the process involved in making is just marvellous and beautiful.
Our Whisky Experience guide narrated the whole process of Whisky making very much in depth of informative.
The video narrative and whole experience was just very amazing and beautifully presented.
I would like to applaud and give all the credits to our guide who presented everything beautifully🙏
The art of drinking Whisky also was very well presented 🙏👏
Everything was beautifully shown and presented. 👏🙏👌
I would recommend this as a must visit place for everyone who visits Edinburgh 😊"

Vishal Quadros

"A highly refined and entertaining show. Much more high tech than I expected. I went in knowing basically nothing about it and left feeling like I have some knowledge about whiskey making and different parts of Scotland that give you different flavors. That was actually pretty true. Also the alcohol offerings at the end are pretty reasonable and they have a really nice selection. The collection was also super impressive."

Robert Cunningham

What People Like

Informative and engaging tours
World's largest whisky collection
Knowledgeable and friendly guides

What People Dislike

Can be touristy
Higher-end tours are pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Scotch Whisky Experience is conveniently located at 354 Castlehill, on the Royal Mile, right next to Edinburgh Castle. You can easily reach it by walking from most central Edinburgh locations. Several bus routes also stop nearby on George IV Bridge or Lawnmarket. TikTok

On-street parking in the immediate vicinity is very limited and expensive. It's best to use public transport or a taxi. The nearest multi-storey car parks are Waverley and Holyrood, both a short walk away. Reddit

Absolutely! It's situated at the top of the Royal Mile, making it easily accessible on foot from Princes Street and other central areas. The walk itself is part of the Edinburgh experience. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally, but they are generally open daily from late morning to early evening. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit. TikTok

The main tour experience is generally accessible, but some areas might present challenges. It's advisable to contact them directly in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on the tour package chosen, with options like the Silver, Gold, and Platinum tours offering different levels of tasting and access. Expect prices to range from around £20 to £50 per person. Booking online in advance is often recommended. Reddit+1

While walk-in tickets may be available, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the Gold and Platinum tours, to guarantee your spot and preferred time slot. This is particularly true during peak tourist seasons. Reddit

The Silver tour is a general introduction with a tasting. Gold offers a more extensive tasting and regional exploration, while Platinum includes a special tasting from the Diageo Collection and a private tasting. Reddit+1

The core experience is tour-based. However, you can visit the shop and the restaurant without taking a tour. The tours are designed to be the main attraction for learning about Scotch whisky. TikTok

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or group bookings. It's worth checking their website or contacting them directly to inquire about any current offers or packages. Reddit

🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience

Tours typically include an introductory barrel ride explaining the whisky-making process, a guided tasting of different Scotch regions, and access to the impressive whisky collection. Guides are knowledgeable and engaging. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, the tasting sessions are designed to be accessible for beginners. Guides explain the different flavor profiles, and you can often choose whiskies that match your preferences. The experience aims to educate and introduce everyone to Scotch. InstagramReddit

Most tours, including the Silver and Gold options, typically last around 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the group's engagement and questions. TikTok

It refers to the extensive collection of over 3,500 bottles amassed by Claive Vidiz, now owned by Diageo and displayed at the Experience. It's a visually stunning highlight of the visit. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there's a well-stocked whisky shop offering a wide selection of bottles, including rare finds, and a restaurant, Amber Restaurant, offering Scottish cuisine. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the venue features the Amber Restaurant, which offers contemporary Scottish cuisine. It's a great place to enjoy a meal before or after your whisky tour. Reddit

While the restaurant focuses on food, you can certainly enjoy a dram of whisky with your meal. The restaurant's bar also features a good selection of whiskies. Reddit

Amber Restaurant serves modern Scottish dishes, often incorporating local and seasonal ingredients. It's a good option for experiencing Scottish flavors. Reddit

Reservations are highly recommended for Amber Restaurant, especially during peak dining hours or if you're visiting with a group, to ensure you get a table. Reddit

Yes, like most restaurants, Amber Restaurant will offer a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks, juices, and potentially mocktails. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in most areas, especially to capture the impressive whisky collection. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the bottles or for the comfort of other visitors. TikTokInstagram

The World's Largest Whisky Collection room is a prime spot for stunning photos. The interactive elements of the tour, like the barrel ride, also offer unique photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

During the actual tasting, it's best to focus on the experience rather than photography. While a quick snap might be okay, your guide might prefer you to be present and engaged. Instagram

Short video clips for personal use are usually fine, especially for capturing the atmosphere or the collection. However, extensive filming or professional videography might require prior permission. TikTokInstagram

Visitors often share photos of the vast whisky collection, the unique barrel ride, and their tasting glasses. Instagram Reels and TikToks often showcase the immersive aspects of the tour. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the primary focus is Scotch whisky, The Scotch Whisky Experience can still be enjoyable for families, especially if older children or teens are curious about Scottish culture. The interactive barrel ride is a fun, visual way to explain the production process, akin to a gentle theme park ride. Reddit

It's important to note that the tasting portions are for adults only. However, the overall presentation is engaging, and the impressive whisky collection is a visual spectacle that can captivate visitors of all ages. Consider the Silver tour for a shorter, introductory experience. The Amber Restaurant also offers a family-friendly dining option. TikTokInstagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The Scotch Whisky Experience can be a splurge, but there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. The Silver tour is the most affordable option and still provides a solid introduction to Scotch whisky, including a tasting. Reddit

Look for potential online discounts or special offers. If your budget is very tight, you might opt to skip the tasting and focus on the visual aspects like the whisky collection and the barrel ride, though this would mean missing a core part of the experience. Alternatively, consider visiting the shop or restaurant without taking a tour. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Date Nights

The Scotch Whisky Experience offers a sophisticated and engaging activity for couples. The Gold or Platinum tours provide a more intimate and in-depth tasting experience, perfect for sharing and discussing your impressions. Reddit

Enjoying a guided tasting together, learning about Scotland's national drink, and exploring the vast collection can be a memorable date. Follow it up with a romantic dinner at the Amber Restaurant for a complete evening. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Scotch Whisky Regions

The Scotch Whisky Experience excels at demystifying Scotland's diverse whisky-producing regions. Each region imparts distinct characteristics to the spirit, influenced by geography, climate, and local traditions. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating the complexity of Scotch. Instagram

Key regions include the Speyside, known for its fruity and floral whiskies; the Highlands, offering a wide range from light and delicate to rich and smoky; the Lowlands, typically producing smooth, lighter-bodied whiskies; Campbeltown, famous for its maritime and oily character; and Islay, renowned for its intensely peaty and smoky drams. The Islands region (excluding Islay) also boasts unique, often maritime and subtly peaty, profiles. Reddit

During your tasting, your guide will likely introduce you to whiskies from several of these regions, allowing you to directly compare and contrast their flavors. This hands-on approach is invaluable for beginners looking to develop their palate and for enthusiasts wanting to deepen their knowledge. InstagramReddit

The Art of Whisky Tasting

Beyond just drinking, the Scotch Whisky Experience teaches you the art of whisky tasting, a skill that enhances appreciation for the spirit. It's about engaging all your senses to discern the nuances in each dram. Reddit

The process typically involves observing the whisky's color and viscosity, inhaling its aromas (often described as 'nosing'), and then taking a small sip to taste. You'll learn to identify different flavor notes, such as fruit, spice, smoke, and oak, and understand how they contribute to the overall profile. Your guide will lead you through this, helping you articulate what you experience. InstagramReddit

Even if you're not a seasoned whisky drinker, the experience is designed to be approachable. The guides are adept at helping newcomers find whiskies they'll enjoy, often by matching them to their preferred flavor profiles. It's a journey of discovery, encouraging you to explore and find your personal favorites. Reddit

The Diageo Collection: A Collector's Dream

One of the undeniable highlights of The Scotch Whisky Experience is the Diageo Collection, housing an astonishing array of over 3,500 bottles. This collection represents a significant portion of Scotch whisky history and diversity, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight for any visitor. TikTokInstagram

Originally amassed by Brazilian whisky enthusiast Claive Vidiz over 35 years, the collection was acquired by Diageo, a major player in the Scotch whisky industry. It features bottles from distilleries across all regions of Scotland, showcasing a vast spectrum of styles, ages, and rarities. Seeing this unparalleled display is often cited as a major draw for visitors. TikTok

While you can admire the collection during the standard tours, the Platinum tour offers a more intimate experience with a private tasting from this remarkable collection. It's a chance to get up close with some of the rarest and most sought-after whiskies in the world, making it a memorable experience for serious enthusiasts. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2