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Whisky Tour: Discover Old Edinburgh's Whisky History
4.9
58 Ratings
Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh’s whisky history and savor fine malts on an intimate tour. Learn the craft from field to glass.
Explore Edinburgh’s whisky history and savor fine malts on an intimate tour. Learn the craft from field to glass.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Mercat Cross - Begin your tour at the Mercat Cross and uncover the significance of this eight-sided monument steeped in history.
- Royal Mile - Embark on a sensory adventure through Scotland’s whisky. Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town, where the world’s largest Scottish whisky company was established, and where the rich history of “aqua vitae” (or…
- Mercat Cross - Begin your tour at the Mercat Cross and uncover the significance of this eight-sided monument steeped in history.
- Royal Mile - Embark on a sensory adventure through Scotland’s whisky. Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town, where the world’s largest Scottish whisky company was established, and where the rich history of “aqua vitae” (or the “water of life”) originated. Listen to tales of those who pioneered whisky production in Edinburgh, including the smugglers, bootleggers, and other intriguing characters from the Old Town’s past.
- Mercat Tours - Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the “water of life”; from the whisky-making process to the influence of essential elements like water, barley, peat, and the cask on production. Experience the aromas and flavors of the whisky regions, with samples from Speyside, Highland, Islay, and Lowland distilleries. Consider this your first step towards becoming a whisky expert!
What's Included
- Whisky tasting of 4 drams
- Small-Group Experience
- Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh
- Delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Exclusive multi-sensory tours
- Master Storyteller guides
- Includes souvenir Glencairn whisky tasting glass
- Whisky tasting of 4 drams
- Small-Group Experience
- Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh
- Delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Exclusive multi-sensory tours
- Master Storyteller guides
- Includes souvenir Glencairn whisky tasting glass
What's Not Included
- This tour is not suitable for those under the age of 18
- This tour is not suitable for those under the age of 18
Additional Information
Embark on a sensory adventure through Scotland’s whisky heritage. Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town, the birthplace of the world’s largest Scottish whisky company, where the rich history of “aqua vitae” (or the “water of life”) began.
Vibrant history, tradition, and a candlelit whisky tasting
The journey continues with a whisky tasting in the candlelit…
Embark on a sensory adventure through Scotland’s whisky heritage. Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town, the birthplace of the world’s largest Scottish whisky company, where the rich history of “aqua vitae” (or the “water of life”) began.
Vibrant history, tradition, and a candlelit whisky tasting
The journey continues with a whisky tasting in the candlelit ambiance of Megget’s Cellar. Enjoy enthralling stories, inhale the rich aromas, and savor a single malt tasting in our exclusive underground vaults. It’s the perfect way to lift the spirits. Experience four Scottish whiskies, expertly guided by our whisky specialist.
- Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
Location
Mercat Cross
High Street
Mercat Cross, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. Look for the 8 sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black, holding an iPad, wearing an orange lanyard & holding a black & orange umbrella.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(58 Ratings)
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Tracyto4993gn
Aug 19, 2025
Jared’s whisky walking tour. - Jared gave a great account of the history of whisky in Edinburgh as well as a lot of the city’s history. We were able to conclude the walking tour with tasting and assessing 4 types of Scottish whisky. While I’m not much of a fan of whisky, my husband enjoyed them all!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peggy_w
Aug 14, 2025
Fantastic whisky tasting experience. I would highly recommend this. - Host was well knowledgeable and fun.
Selection of whiskies was fantastic.
Location was easy to find and not hard to get to.
Review provided by Viator
Lisahoyle7806
Aug 13, 2025
Old town history surroundings and scotch. Perfect combination. - This tour is in the heart of old town with a historical review of scotch whisky brought to life while in the physical surroundings of the past. Then to an underground room for some amazing tastings in a very small group setting. Great stories, very good scotch tasting and time with family makes this a priceless experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shengweiq2023
Aug 12, 2025
Best experience in Edinburgh - Amazing tour! Everything explained by Nicola was outstanding! She is extremely good storyteller! 100% recommended! I would definitely go again if I have the chance
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracy
Jul 18, 2025
Amazing!!! - Callum was our guide and we were incredibly fortunate that nobody else had booked the tour this day! 3 other colleagues joined in to see if they might like doing this tour in the future. Callum taught us a lot of things regarding the history of whisky in Scotland, and he really was super engaging during the tasting! What was nice, was that 2 of the z3 colleagues who stayed for the tasting were also friendly and lovely to have conversation with! Thoroughly enjoyed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Frank_h
Jul 12, 2025
Educational and fun - If you don’t have time for a distillery tour this is a great way to learn and taste whiskey. Educational and fun
Review provided by Viator
Sandiechu
Jun 4, 2025
Amazing Underground Whisky tasting tour! - We had an amazing time with this tour, especially Calum, our guide. This tour in Edinburgh is a Must!!! Staff in Mercat Tours are very professional and helpful. Definitely 5 stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisaophelia
May 24, 2025
Recommended - Beautiful tour, detailed and full of stories! For our last night in Edinburgh I had booked "Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls" and our guide, Jack, was superb! It has us like immersed in the past and was unforgettable. Thank you so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amrett_l
May 23, 2025
Jared Is An Amazing Guide Into The World of Whiskey - Jared Was Amazing! Extremely Wonderful Historian and Provided An Excellent Journey for this very novice whiskey drinker. Walk was a bit strenuous for me but very much worth the sticking to the end of the walk. Enjoyed Cheers!
Review provided by Viator
Jeanne_v
May 18, 2025
Fun and educational - A fun experience! We especially enjoyed the small group experience. Hearing the history first provided good background for the actual tasting. The tasting was fun and educational, and very interactive. Guide encouraged comments and questions. The setting for the actual tasting is charming and atmospheric. We strongly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
