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Top Whisky Distilleries In Edinburgh

22 May 2023

The Ultimate Guide Of Things To Do In Edinburgh

With some of the top whisky distilleries in Scotland located in and around Edinburgh, it’s not surprising that the beloved spirit is in the very lifeblood of the Scottish capital. The city is a top destination for Scotch lovers from around the world, who are eager to experience something of the country’s rich whisky heritage.

This renowned alcoholic spirit has been distilled in Scotland since the 1400s after being introduced from Ireland. Production boomed over the following centuries, and after a dip in fortunes for several decades, the 1970s saw renewed popularity, leading to overproduction. After reducing production for a decade, Scottish distilleries began increasing their output, leading to a new growth phase in the 2010s. Find the top whisky distilleries in Edinburgh with our guide.

Must-visit Whisky Distilleries in Edinburgh

With so many whisky distilleries in Scotland in and around Edinburgh, it’s not easy to know which to include in your itinerary. To start you off, here’s our pick of the top three.

1. The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile isn’t so much a distillery as it is an immersive journey through the fascinating world of aqua vitae, the ‘water of life.’ Created by Scotland’s whisky industry more than 30 years ago, the company will teach you about the history of the spirit, showcase whiskies produced in Scotland and leave you with lasting memories. The Experience represents 90% of the Scottish whisky industry. You can choose from tour options for your visit.

354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.

2. Glenkinchie Distillery

Glenkinchie Distillery has earned the title “The Edinburgh Malt”, and there’s good reason! As a Lowland distillery, Glenkinchie lies in the farming country of East Lothian, where barley is fed by the water softly flowing from the surrounding hills – if you’re looking for rich, smooth flavours, this one’s for you. If that’s not enough, Glinkinchie also serves as one of the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries for Johnnie Walker, so you know you’ll be in good hands as you take in all of the flagrant flavours, serene atmospheres, and a few of the tasty sharing platters in their stunning garden area.

Glenkinchie Distillery. Pencaitland, Tranent, East Lothian, EH34 5ET, UK

3. Holyrood Distillery

A stunning whisky and gin distillery, Holyrood Distillery was established in 2019 making it one of the newest distilleries you can visit during your trip. The team pride themselves on bringing an innovative approach to distilling, taking inspiration from Edinburgh’s rich brewing history to provide a new take on all the classics. Want something a little different to your usual distillery? This is the place to come. Try the New Make spirit and you’ll be able to enjoy different ingredients that aren’t commonly used in your traditional distilling methods giving you a truly unique experience.

Holyrood Distillery, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh. EH8 9SH

Food and Drinks in Edinburgh

The best distilleries in Scotland certainly contribute to Scottish cuisine, but there’s much more to it than a delectable dram. Edinburgh is a top foodie destination for good reasons. Here’s where to experience it for yourself.

Scottish Cuisine

Edinburgh’s chefs are working with local farmers, artisanal producers, and other suppliers to reimagine Scottish cuisine. You’ll also find playful and exciting modern twists on traditional dishes at restaurants such as:

The Gardener’s Cottage: Set in a 19th century cottage, the Gardener’s Cottage offers seasonal set menus made using sustainable local produce.

Royal Terrace Gardens, 1 London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5DX.

Nobles: An award-winning, elegant Victorian cafe-bar, Nobles serves seasonal dishes, refined pub favourites, and traditional Scottish cuisine

44A Constitution St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS.

Whisky Bars

In addition to being home to some of the top distilleries in Scotland, Edinburgh also boasts its fair share of fantastic whisky bars:

Usquabae: Prepare to be dazzled by a collection of more than 400 whiskies, as well as events such as distillery takeovers, whisky flights, cocktails, and food pairings at Usquabae.

2-4 Hope Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4DB.

Devil’s Advocate: An Old Town bar in a Victorian pumphouse, the Devil’s Advocate boasts more than 300 whiskies in the collection and seasonal food menus that change every month.

9 Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1ND.

Johnnie Walker whisky experience: If you're looking for a truly immersive experience, a visit to the Johnnie Walker whisky experience at Princes Street needs to be top of your list. Served with exceptional views of Edinburgh Castle from the rooftop bar, this is a truly spectacular day our for whisky lovers.

145 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BL

Insider Tips

Visiting Edinburgh for the first time? Use these insider tips to make planning your trip that much easier:

The best months to visit are from June through August, as the days are longer, warmer, and bring less rain
Edinburgh is wonderfully compact, making it easy to walk around – if you do need to use public transport, buses run regularly throughout the city, making them a good choice
Make sure you pre-book for attractions and tours and tastings at the top distilleries in Scotland online before visiting them
Choose a comfortable hotel close to the city centre, such as Fraser Suites Edinburgh, as a convenient home base

Stay in one of the best Hotels in Edinburgh

Look no further than Fraser Suites Edinburgh for a truly memorable stay in the Scottish capital. Our Old Town hotel’s spacious rooms and suites, along with our other fine amenities, offer you a comfortable base in a central location for exploring the best distilleries in Scotland, visiting top restaurants and whisky bars, and seeing the sights of the city. Contact us and book your stay.