The Scotch Whisky Experience, located in the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, offers a captivating journey into the world of Scotland’s national drink.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this interactive experience promises to tantalise your taste buds and ignite your passion for Scotch whisky.
What is The Scotch Whisky Experience?
This ever-popular Edinburgh whisky experience, a five star visitor attraction, is home to the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky.
You will find all this whisky magic a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Real Mary King’s Close and many of the other most popular Royal Mile tourist sites.
Originally created by a number of Scotch whisky companies to showcase the industry to overseas visitors, the Scotch Whisky Experience first opened its doors in 1988.
In what is best described as an interactive exhibition, not a distillery, there are tours, masterclasses, whisky tasting sessions and more run by expert members of staff.
It’s an exciting place to explore and learn more about Scotch whisky whether you’re an aficionado or would just like to know more about Scotland’s Uisge Beatha – ‘the water of life’’.
The Scotch Whisky Experience works hard to help its visitors to understand the history and heritage behind Scotland’s national drink.
What types of tours do the Scotch Whisky Experience offer?
The Scotch Whisky Experience offers whisky tours and whisky tastings like no other.
With various tour options that cater for diverse interests and vary in length and cost. Choose from:
Silver Tour: A concise introduction to the world of Scotch whisky, perfect for beginners.
Gold Tour: A deeper dive into the history, production, and tasting of Scotch whisky.
Platinum Tour: An exclusive experience with premium drams and a behind-the-scenes look at the Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection, one of the world’s most extensive whisky collections.
They are a perfect opportunity to try regional whiskies. There are five Scotch whisky regions:
Campbeltown,
Highland,
Although tours lie at the heart of the experience you can visit the shop and the Amber Bar & Restaurant without joining a tour.
Pairing Scotch whisky with food
The Tasting Tales experience includes a tutored pairing of traditional Scottish food and Scotch whisky.
This whisky experience is set in an exquisite private room, away from the crowds.
It’s an opportunity not only to try several whiskies but also to sample some delicious canapés.
© The Scotch Whisky Experience
Often included are smoked salmon, venison and smoked cheese.
Virtual whisky tastings
Virtual whisky tastings have become increasingly popular and more practical in recent years.
They are suitable for many occasions, private and corporate and are carried out over Zoom.
Participants receive tasting kits that have a selection of whiskies, some delicious artisan chocolates and several other items.
This includes an engraved crystal glass which is a lovely reminder of the event.
Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection
For many visitors, the highlight of every tour is the chance to marvel at the extraordinary Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection which comprises an impressive 3,384 bottles of Scotch whisky.
Lovingly assembled over many years by Brazilian Claive Vidiz, it was purchased by distiller Diageo and brought, with Vidiz’s blessing, to Edinburgh.
Whisky Advocate said, “This public display of nearly 4,000 bottles makes your head spin when first encountered – one of the 7 wonders of the Scotch whisky world.”
Does the Scotch Whisky Experience have a restaurant?
The Amber Restaurant and whisky bar serves traditional cuisine. Often on the menu are haggis, cullen skink, lamb and the humble Scottish raspberry. “It’s Scottish food at its best.”
The Whisky Bar has nearly 500 whiskies on offer. There are single malts, grains, blends and whisky liqueurs.
There are experienced staff on hand to help you make your choice.
“No other whisky bar takes their patrons from whisky novice to whisky devotee the way Amber does.”
The Scotch Whisky Experience,”
©The Scotch Whisky Experience
There is also a wide range of whisky flights, grouped by region, that you can match with indulgent chocolate, tasty tapas or a great selection of Scottish artisan cheeses.
Whisky shop
This popular Edinburgh whisky shop has an extensive range of gifts for all occasions.
You’ll find special editions, new releases, gift sets and other whisky-related items.
Whisky and chocolate are the perfect couple so unsurprisingly the shop stocks a wonderful range of chocolate – milk, dark, haggis, spice, Iron Bru and popping candy.
Don’t be surprised if you find a bar or two of tartan chocolate for sale.
While many of the items are available online, exploring the Scotch Whisky Experience shop is one of life’s great pleasures.
private events
Edinburgh’s best-known whisky attraction also caters for private events whether that’s a corporate meeting or a special family occasion.
So, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or an adventurous newcomer to the world of whisky, prepare to be captivated by the magic that awaits in Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience.
The Scotch Whisky Experience Training School
The company has its own training school and their whisky courses are recognised by the Scotch whisky industry.
They are not just for people working in the industry but also for those who just want to increase their understanding of the product.
For whisky aficionados, the Scotch Whisky Training School offers full-day courses led by knowledgeable staff.
On the itinerary are:
- an introduction to malt and grain whisky production
- the origins and history of Scotch whisky
- the art of blending
- selling and serving Scotch whisky
- tutored tastings
- lunch is held in the Amber restaurant.
At the end of the course, there’s a 40-minute exam. For those that pass there’s a certificate in the Sales & Service of Scotch Whisky.
The Scotch Whisky Experience: opening times and other visitor information
The building is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There is also help for hard of hearing and visually impaired visitors.
Additionally, there is an audio commentary, available in 20 languages and support for users of British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
For information on opening hours, cost of entry and other tips to help you plan your visit, go to the official whisky experience website.