The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky
4.5
Full view
The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky
By The Scotch Whisky Experience
Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Scotland is known for being one of the world’s best whisky producers, so brush up on your whisky knowledge by visiting the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. Avoid the hassle of waiting in long ticket lines by securing your ticket in advance and getting straight to the action. You get to see one of the world's largest Scotch whiskey collections and a guided tasting session.
from per adult
$26.47
from per adult
$26.47
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-110, max of 25 per group
Duration: 50m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
German, Chinese, Swedish, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish
Highlights
- Guarantee entry to Edinburgh's Scotch Whisky Experience—ticket included
- Expand your knowledge of Scotland’s national drink and enjoy a tasting
- Remember your visit—receive a souvenir glass to take home
- Dram of Scotch whisky
- Audio-guides in 20 languages
- Expert whisky guide
- Crystal Whisky Glass souvenir
- Entry/Admission - The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
- Departure details
- The Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK Conveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh's old town and world heritage site, adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. For additional access information and our Access Guide please see our main website or telephone.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13468P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- ASL and BSL devices available
- We're removing our barrel ride at the beginning of January 2023
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- How much is The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky?
- The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky price starts from $26.53. Discover and book The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky on Tripadvisor
- What is the The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky cancellation policy?
- The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky?
- The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky is hosted by The Scotch Whisky Experience. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact The Scotch Whisky Experience on Tripadvisor. Discover and book The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 50m. Discover and book The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13468P3
Itinerary
- You'll start atThe Scotch Whisky Experience354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UKConveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh's old town and world heritage site, adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. For additional access information and our Access Guide please see our main website or telephone.See address & details
- 1The Scotch Whisky ExperienceStop: 60 minutes - Admission includedThe multi-award-winning Scotch Whisky Experience is located in the heart of Edinburgh's world heritage site, right next to Edinburgh Castle. A guided whisky tour plus a nosing and tasting of a Scotch whisky (or soft drink) at the old town's Scotch Whisky Experience. This tour includes: • Introduction to the aromas in whisky and Scotland's five whisky producing regions • The secrets of single malt Scotch whisky production • Your selected dram of Scotch whisky, or Irn Bru for those under 18 years of age • Viewing of one of the world's largest collections of Scotch whisky • Gift of crystal whisky tasting glass (adults and concessions only) • Audio guide available (20 languages)Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
Luckyhooky15
00Ask for Holly!
Really good tour, Holly was so passionate and knowledgeable she really made the tour, was very lighthearted and ans…
Tiamargan
00Incredible
This place is a MUST. My partner LOVES whiskey and was in his element. I really recommend going down to the bar to …
Nicricci
00Fun and informative tour, Regina was awesome!
Great indoor tour experience to learn about the whiskys of Scotland! Loved our guide Regina, she was knowledgeable …
Thefadman
00New to Whisky, this is the place to go
First experience in learning about Whisky and the team behind the bar were really helpful in recommending/guiding w…
Louloula1982
00Fantastic experience
We went for the 90 minute platinum tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our guide Kev was fantastic, he was very clear,…
Tourist817331
00Gold Tour experience amazing!!!
This experience is just amazing if you are into Whisky. It is a must do when visiting Edinburgh. Make sure you go…
helentP8198RH
00Great whisky tasting experience
The trip was a present to us. I am not a fan of whisky! However going to the experience I learnt that actually ther…
OmerHepGezer
00Kev is the best
Kev is the best guy for teach you about drinking. He gave lot if hints for getting more taste on whiskey. He also t…
Mafs3
00Excelente
Our first time in Edinburgh and we planned to visit the place. Lovely experience. We really enjoyed it. Recommendab…
Rach3101
00Great experience and fantastic tour guide
Went on a Silver tour on NYD. Great introduction to whisky and amazing use of technology and sensory experiences to…
Chukkared
00Excellent spot for a flight
My group had already toured a distillery, but we wanted to taste more and different types of whisky. The Scotch Whi…
G4015IWshanec
00Gold Experience
Regina was a very professional and knowledgeable guide, she helped make it a very educational and enjoyable experie…
kimhO4141QX
00Definitely go loved it
I did the platinum tour with Regina - absolutely amazing one of my top suggestions of things to do in Edinburgh abs…
L4114YVbrianm
00Well worth a visit.
We did the gold tour which was very good value, and the whisky samples were great. Spent more time (a lot more time…
katiearmenti
00So fun and informative!
The tour was amazing with very knowledgeable guide. I wish I gave ourselves more time to be able to go to the bar a…
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
771 reviews
Excellent
610
Very good
109
Average
31
Poor
9
Terrible
12
Susan C
4 contributions
The tour was great to see but when we booked the tour there was only one choice for price and tickets. Turned out we could not participate in the end of the tour because we had purchased a silver tour instead of gold. The guide spoke very quickly, more so than any of the other tours we took on this trip and was therefore much harder to understand than all the other tours we went on while in Scotland.
The people working in the store was very helpful and great!
If you get a different tour guide than Aiden and you purchase the gold ticket, the collection is definitely worth seeing.
The people working in the store was very helpful and great!
If you get a different tour guide than Aiden and you purchase the gold ticket, the collection is definitely worth seeing.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neil H
9 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Tour started with a 5 minute audio/visual experience replicating the distillery process, moving onto a discussion of the geographic regions of Scotland and how it influences Scotch Whisky, and then onto a introduction to Blended whisky and sampling. The main tour ended in a private collection in excess of 3,000 bottles where our host Lucy C answered any questioned from the group.
Throughout the tour Lucy was informative, clear spoken and funny, clearly having a good time with the tour group.
I'd recommend this tour for anyone with even a passing interest in whisky with a desire to broaden their horizons. For those with more developed tastes there is an extensive range in the bar which I have visited on a regular basis over the years, without the need to take a tour. The prices are very reasonable (especially for a Royal Mile venue) the staff have excellent knowledge, are always friendly and generally seem to enjoy what they do.
Throughout the tour Lucy was informative, clear spoken and funny, clearly having a good time with the tour group.
I'd recommend this tour for anyone with even a passing interest in whisky with a desire to broaden their horizons. For those with more developed tastes there is an extensive range in the bar which I have visited on a regular basis over the years, without the need to take a tour. The prices are very reasonable (especially for a Royal Mile venue) the staff have excellent knowledge, are always friendly and generally seem to enjoy what they do.
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adele P
9 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Four of us took part in the tour whilst in Edinburgh this weekend; we all had Silver tickets. A really immersive and interactive experience, which starts with the one of a kind barrel ride! Our guide Kev was friendly, comedic and professional; he really seemed to know what he was talking about, and seemed to have a genuine interest himself, which made our experience even better. The only downside I would say, is getting to taste just one whiskey; you do get to keep the glass which is a nice touch, however for the price, it was a bit disappointing to only try one blend. For keener whiskey enthusiasts, I would definitely recommend upgrading to the gold ticket.
Written December 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Internationaltraveler93
Los Angeles, CA8 contributions
Sep 2022
For not being a whiskey drinker, this tour captured the history and making of whiskey in a really fun way. A tacky little ride during the beginning of your tour leads you to your guide where the real information and fun begins. My tour guide, Cameron, was awesome! Humor saturated the visit and he provided really cool details of the whiskey making experience. I participated in the Silver Tour, which includes 1 free tasting, which was plenty for a non-whiskey drinker,
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kimberly N
601 contributions
Jan 2022
What fun! I wasn't expecting much because we had already done a "whiskey" experience in Dublin a couple years ago, but we really enjoyed our Scotch Whisky Experience with our guide, Gregor! We initially only came inside to look at the gift shop as I'm not a whisky drinker. But it was a rainy, early dark winter evening, so when they had room in the next tour we decided to join in at the silver level.
When the tour was called to begin, it felt like we were being led onto Disneyland's Haunted Mansion ride! We climbed into a ride car and rode along while learning how Scottish whisky is made as narrated by a ghostly character. When the ride ended, I told the worker that helped us off how it felt like Disneyland and she replied, "It's 'malt" Disney!"
Next, we went into a movie room where we were given scratch and sniff cards while Gregor explained how the distilleries in different regions of Scotland have different flavor notes due to the environment of the water. We then went into a room where we each took a seat in front of a tasting glass. There we learned about blended whisky. There were lighted dots around the glasses representing the five different whisky regions and one for blended. Based on what we learned, we each put our glass on a spot to get a pour of the whisky we wanted to taste.
Finally, we headed into a room where we were surrounded by loads of whisky bottles in glass cases and talked more about whisky. Then it was time to say Slà inte Mhath as we tasted what was in our glasses. I could really taste the mild smoky peat and vanilla notes in mine from Campbeltown.
It really was a good value and lots of fun - especially for those just learning about scotch whisky. Plus, you get to keep the glass!
When the tour was called to begin, it felt like we were being led onto Disneyland's Haunted Mansion ride! We climbed into a ride car and rode along while learning how Scottish whisky is made as narrated by a ghostly character. When the ride ended, I told the worker that helped us off how it felt like Disneyland and she replied, "It's 'malt" Disney!"
Next, we went into a movie room where we were given scratch and sniff cards while Gregor explained how the distilleries in different regions of Scotland have different flavor notes due to the environment of the water. We then went into a room where we each took a seat in front of a tasting glass. There we learned about blended whisky. There were lighted dots around the glasses representing the five different whisky regions and one for blended. Based on what we learned, we each put our glass on a spot to get a pour of the whisky we wanted to taste.
Finally, we headed into a room where we were surrounded by loads of whisky bottles in glass cases and talked more about whisky. Then it was time to say Slà inte Mhath as we tasted what was in our glasses. I could really taste the mild smoky peat and vanilla notes in mine from Campbeltown.
It really was a good value and lots of fun - especially for those just learning about scotch whisky. Plus, you get to keep the glass!
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samia F
Kingston upon Thames, UK28 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
My daughter and I paid for the Gold Tour for the following day and specifically mentioned to the gentleman booking our tour we will visit tomorrow after visiting the castle. He confirmed our request we paid and left looking forward to visiting the following day. The following day we queued up excitedly and at the desk were informed by someone called Lenka that our booking was not for the day we had arrived but was booked for the previous day. we explained to her that this can not be right as we had definitely booked for the day we were there and had not missed our booking. At first it seemed she was not believing us so I showed her the bank payment for the tour in my phone and told her i had left the receipt at the hotel she said well if you had the receipt it would clarify which date the booking was for as it would have a date, this we found out later was a lie as I checked the receipt later at the hotel and it did not have the date just the amount. We were highly disappointed and she refused to fit us in for the day and said we will need to go back the following day to get the tour. we explained we are booked for other events the next day and can not make it and she replied well i can’t fit you in today so you will have to come back tomorrow. With this kind of unfair pressure we said the mistake lies with the booking not us so can we please have a refund she refused saying she can not refund us because the company is not making enough money now at this point it seemed quite strange that a company is refusing a refund to its customer based on the fact that the company is losing out. I found her behaviour quite odd and her refusal to refund even more weird. On returning to the hotel my daughter phoned the company explained what had happened and said it is impossible for us to visit as we are already booked for other events and lenka did not refund and put pressure on us to visit inspite of our pleas and requests, the lady on the phone was brilliant and extremely understanding (we didn’t give her Lenka’s name) just told her we were refused a refund. She immediately said no problem will refund you today and she followed it up with an email. This is all that needed to be done the day before but we were instead put under pressure and stress, refused a refund and forced to come back again the following day.
The lady that helped us with the refund is called Eilidh Hamilton. Thank you Eilidh for your help and understanding. Much appreciated.
The lady that helped us with the refund is called Eilidh Hamilton. Thank you Eilidh for your help and understanding. Much appreciated.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kieron J
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK68 contributions
I booked for this as it’s been nearly 20 years since I have done it. Booking was easy enough through Tiqets and the related app. I booked the gold package because I like my whiskies.
The experience starts with a short ‘barrel ride’ (around 8pm bites long) which introduces you as to how whisky is produced. You are then taken to a small display about how barrels are made before going into a audio-visual presentation where your guide gives an insight to the five regions and how their differing processes affect the taste of the whisky from that particular region. Your are then taken into the tasting room where the process of ‘blending’ is briefly described via video by a ghost character (whose name escapes me right now,) and you can choose the whisky you wish to taste from the five regions or a blend.
Once these are poured, you are taken into the worlds largest collection of unopened whiskies, which is quite impressive, where you are invited to taste your chosen whisky.
For silver guests, the experience ends in the next room with a display of novelty bottles, whilst for gold guests, you are taken to a table where there are individual tasting trays of the remaining regions. You don’t have the guide from this point, but there are display cards on the table with tasting notes. This gives you a chance to taste what the other regions have to offer.
You exit the experience into the shop (obviously.) If you buy the gold option you get 15% of prices in the shop, however, the shop is roughly 15% more expensive than other retailers, so not much saving to be had unfortunately.
I must mention my guide Jim who gave the presentation with enthusiasm and humour and obviously enjoyed his job. I personally enjoyed the experience, I may do it again sometime in the future.
The experience starts with a short ‘barrel ride’ (around 8pm bites long) which introduces you as to how whisky is produced. You are then taken to a small display about how barrels are made before going into a audio-visual presentation where your guide gives an insight to the five regions and how their differing processes affect the taste of the whisky from that particular region. Your are then taken into the tasting room where the process of ‘blending’ is briefly described via video by a ghost character (whose name escapes me right now,) and you can choose the whisky you wish to taste from the five regions or a blend.
Once these are poured, you are taken into the worlds largest collection of unopened whiskies, which is quite impressive, where you are invited to taste your chosen whisky.
For silver guests, the experience ends in the next room with a display of novelty bottles, whilst for gold guests, you are taken to a table where there are individual tasting trays of the remaining regions. You don’t have the guide from this point, but there are display cards on the table with tasting notes. This gives you a chance to taste what the other regions have to offer.
You exit the experience into the shop (obviously.) If you buy the gold option you get 15% of prices in the shop, however, the shop is roughly 15% more expensive than other retailers, so not much saving to be had unfortunately.
I must mention my guide Jim who gave the presentation with enthusiasm and humour and obviously enjoyed his job. I personally enjoyed the experience, I may do it again sometime in the future.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valeria A
9 contributions
You start the tour with a very VERY brief explanation on how Scotch whisky is prepared, told by a very rushed tour guide while pointing at a piece of board. After you see a short 5-6 minutes video on the different regions that prepare the whisky's and the flavours and that's it.
You then are moved into and old tasting room where they give you another 5 minute talk about grains or what not and pour you one glass of scotch.
You're told not to drink until you reach the next room which is where the biggest collection of whiskeys is. You are left there to walk around for about 10 while drinking your sample. In the next minute or two they show you the most odd looking bottles along with the oldest ones and that's it. That's the end of the tour.
We had the gold tour and that gave us a table that you share with everyone else from your tour group, where you sit and drink samples. No explanation nor anything. We were told "you have 25 mins, the gift shop is that way"
As for my review:
The tour is not really a tour. It's too fast and rushed (while we were drinking our samples, 5 other tours joined).
Tour guide and staff were nice and friendly.
If all you want to do is drink scotch, fair enough, it's not bad.
But do I personally think the price was worth it? No, not really.
You then are moved into and old tasting room where they give you another 5 minute talk about grains or what not and pour you one glass of scotch.
You're told not to drink until you reach the next room which is where the biggest collection of whiskeys is. You are left there to walk around for about 10 while drinking your sample. In the next minute or two they show you the most odd looking bottles along with the oldest ones and that's it. That's the end of the tour.
We had the gold tour and that gave us a table that you share with everyone else from your tour group, where you sit and drink samples. No explanation nor anything. We were told "you have 25 mins, the gift shop is that way"
As for my review:
The tour is not really a tour. It's too fast and rushed (while we were drinking our samples, 5 other tours joined).
Tour guide and staff were nice and friendly.
If all you want to do is drink scotch, fair enough, it's not bad.
But do I personally think the price was worth it? No, not really.
Written January 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jodie B
Van Meter, IA37 contributions
May 2022
My husband really wanted to go on this tour, (we did the platinum tour) and to be honest, I am not a whisky enthusiast, so just went along to go. Well, I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed the tour! It was interactive, it was ever changing, it was lighthearted with some humor mixed in. There were 5 of us - my husband and myself, and our 3 young adult kids. Each of us had fun, and learned some things about whisky and whisky production. The room with the huge whisky bottle collection was fascinating - so many different bottle shapes! Our guide, Lucy, was wonderful and really kept the tour going, never a boring moment. She was very knowledgeable and was able to answer everyone's questions -I highly recommend Lucy as your guide. This is a great experience in Edinburgh located right near the Edinburgh castle on the Royal Mile.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jamie Wilson
Sevenoaks, UK23 contributions
There are lots of ‘Whiskey Experience’ shops and attractions to choose from - we were tipped off by a local guide that this one was the best of the bunch. We really enjoyed the experience, and chose the ‘Gold Tour’ which is actually great value. The little automated tour is kinda fun, and the the two short presentations before the whiskey tasting were good. We had five whiskeys to taste - so make sure you’ve had lunch / something to eat before you arrive! We’d recommend booking the Gold Tour, but avoid buying whiskey in the gift shop, the same stuff is cheaper in the supermarket...
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gina P.
Philadelphia, PA17 contributions
Hi- I was just wondering if the ride in the beginning is size-inclusive? My husband is a large man, especially in the belly area and I do not want him to be embarrassed. Any information would be great. Thank you!
Nina D
1 contribution
It's not small at all so you definately don't need to worry! :)
kareneP2485OA
Las Vegas, NV7 contributions
Hello,
Is this tour only offered one time a day at 12 noon? Thank you
Bazzer1974
Epsom, UK91 contributions
When I went recently the tour was every half a hour and last for about 45 mins to 1 hour. Really good tour
Hi, do you have availability at the weekend? I don't see any dates.
philip s
Sheffield, UK210 contributions
When we went it was advance booking only - I guess it’s fully booked.
Adventurer476984
Cornaredo, Italy
Hello, the only start is at 10.00? It is not possible in the afternoon?
瑩慧 王
Auckland Central, New Zealand1 contribution
The tour start at 10:00, when will it finish? Thank you
kelly w
Melbourne, Australia47 contributions
It’s about 90 mins but depends if you want to to take pictures in the bottle room ad if you want to look around the shop
Lidjo
2 contributions
Is there a lower rate for kids? My niece and nephew will be travelling with me, ages 10 and 12. Thanks for your help!
Jacqui1827
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK31 contributions
Hi. I used GetYourGuide and booked in advance, children between 6-17 are £8 and are given a soft drink.
Fredericksburggal
Fredericksburg, Virginia4 contributions
Do we need to purchase tickets in advance for the silver tour
Jacqui1827
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK31 contributions
I did through GetYourGuide, very easy.
