Scotch Whisky Experience

A Scotch Whisky Experience tour is the perfect way to begin a day of exploring the Royal Mile or end a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Various tours are available, including the Silver Tour, a 1-hour overview of Scotch whisky and two tastings; the Gold Tour, which builds on the Silver with additional tastings and perks; a Masterclass for those with a preexisting love of the drink; and the Taste of Scotland, a showcase of the country’s cuisine with whisky pairings. Most tours begin with the Barrel Ride, an interactive journey through a replica of a whisky distillery.

• The Scotch Whisky Experience is a must for whisky lovers visiting Edinburgh.

• The Amber Restaurant serves an à la carte menu featuring seasonal Scottish ingredients and the whisky bar boasts more than 450 varieties.

• Experts can pair you with the perfect bottle to take home at the state-of-the-art souvenir shop.

• Be sure to book tours in advance, as popular time slots may fill up quickly.

• The center is accessible to wheelchair users, and sign language tour videos are available free of charge.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is located on the Royal Mile, just steps from the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. The nearest transit stop is Princes Street on buses 1, 22, 25, and N16; Waverley rail station is half a mile (800 meters) away.

Tours run daily from the mid-morning; check online for schedules. The center is busiest on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings. If booking last minute, aim for a morning tour or afternoon tour earlier in the week. However, because tour numbers are capped, tours and tastings never feel overly crowded.

There's always a place for nondrinkers and children at the Scotch Whisky Experience. In addition to offering a compelling history of Scotland’s national drink, tours involve scratch-and-sniff cards to learn about the smells and flavors of the finished product. Those who don't drink whisky are always offered a complimentary Irn Bru, Scotland’s most popular nonalcoholic carbonated beverage.