May is Whisky Month and people across Edinburgh, Scotland – and the world – rejoice in a celebration of Uisge Beatha (“water of life.”)
Arriving as it does before the summer festivals, it’s the perfect time for both whisky novices and connoisseurs to jump headfirst into Edinburgh’s whisky culture. As if any further excuse to raise a dram was necessary, there’s also World Whisky Day on the 18th of the month.
So, let’s get into the 'spirit' and discover how to celebrate whisky month in Edinburgh.
Tip 1: Try something new and keep a note of your favourite flavour.
Tip 2: Sip slowly to appreciate the unique taste.
Tip 3: Pair your whisky with seasonal Scottish dishes.
Go on a tour and tasting experience
For anyone keen to learn about the history and culture of whisky, there are two great attractions in Edinburgh not to be missed.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced explorer on your whisky journey, The Scotch Whisky Experience offer a range of tasting tours which are guaranteed to awaken your senses. Ideal for those who enjoy whisky (or are ready to give it a go) tours last from 50 minutes to 3 hours and really convey the breadth and variety of Scotland’s national drink. The building and all tours have been designed with easy access for mobility impaired visitors and wheelchair users. The tour is available in 18 languages including British and American Sign Language and are delivered by an audio-visual handset.
Afterwards, why not stop by their Amber Restaurant where talented chefs create sumptuous dishes showcasing the best of Scotland’s natural larder. And with over 450 whiskies on offer in the bar, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing.
While the evolution of one of the world’s most famous whisky brands can be explored at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Eight floors of immersive exploration take visitors through the 200 year old history behind the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky. There really is something for everyone across this multi-room immersive tour, including personalised drinks, theatre and impressive light shows. If you’re looking for somewhere special to enjoy a dram, head to their top floor 1820 Rooftop Bar and Explorers’ Bothy for delicious dishes alongside an exciting whisky menu.
Have a dram in one of Edinburgh’s whisky bars
From bars with shelves packed with 400+ whiskies, to pubs offering seasonal dishes which perfectly compliment your dram, you’re never far from a warm and welcoming whisky bar in Edinburgh.
Quench your thirst with our guide to The Top 10 Whisky Bars in Edinburgh
Visit an Edinburgh distillery
If you want to find out how this golden nectar is produced, you’ll find two distilleries in Edinburgh who are more than happy to show you behind the scenes and explain how the magic is created.
Situated next to Holyrood Park, Holyrood Distillery is located in a 180 year-old railway goods building that has been thoughtfully renovated as both a whisky and gin distillery. Their hands-on sensory tour shares the secrets of how whisky and gin are made, with opportunities for tasting and nosing throughout.
Or hop on one of the regular Edinburgh Trams and make your way to Leith and the Port of Leith Distillery – the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery. As well as the distilling area, this incredible building houses a tasting floor, shop, reception and private dining rooms. The incredible double-height bar on the 8th and 9th levels offers commanding views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Over the course of 90 minutes, visitors will hear the story of the company’s unlikely inception, fill your own miniature bottle of their new make spirit and taste their new make spirits, port, sherry and guest whisky.
Explore whisky distilleries further afield on a guided tour
Scotland has five whisky-producing areas – Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland, and Speyside, each with their own flavour and characteristics.
If you want to widen your whisky journey, why not book a day-trip from Edinburgh with an escorted tour guide to one of the country’s whisky distilleries.
Rabbie’s Tours’ Discover Malt Whisky includes a visit to Glengoyne Distillery, north of Glasgow and Deanston Distillery on the banks of the River Teith, while Scottish Tours offer a Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Whisky tour which includes time at Glenkinchie Distillery.
The Ultimate Whisky Experience run by Timerbush Tours includes trips to two distilleries – Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery (their world-renowned Highland Single Malt Aberfeldy whisky has been here since 1898) and Glenturret Distillery, Scotland’s oldest working distillery.
Buy a bottle to take home
After you’ve nosed and sipped and found a favourite, why not buy a bottle to take home. You’ll find an exciting selection of whisky shops in the city, all with staff you really know their stuff.
Eight times winner of Whisky Magazine’s Retailer of the Year Award, Royal Mile Whiskies has been in business for over 30 years. Their whisky enthusiastic staff love sharing their knowledge. A short walk away is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler – Cadenhead’s. Established in 1842, they stock an astonishing range of drams, including bottles from Scottish distilleries that no longer exist.
Selling both the well-known brands as well as smaller local names, Special Scotch Whisky on Morrison Street have a great selection of unique whisky gifts, while the selection at Scotch Whisky Experience – Whisky Shop is a sight to behold – not only can you choose from a vast selection, but you can also pick up whisky-infused food gifts and condiments, glasses and cocktail making essentials.
More of a G&T than a dram fan?
In Edinburgh you’ll find a gin bar for all tastes.
