• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer navigation

Truly Edinburgh

Sharing the best of Edinburgh and beyond

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Edinburgh
  • Kings & Queens
  • History
  • Famous Scots
  • About
    • Work with Truly Edinburgh
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

Scotch Whisky Experience: Edinburgh landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience, sited on Castlehill, at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, is a five star visitor attraction. It’s only a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral and many of the other most popular tourist sites.


To get the most from their ‘experience’ most visitors will join one of the tours – Gold, Silver or Platinum. For the real whisky aficionados there are also a number of masterclasses and tasting sessions run by expert members of staff.

The company has its own training school and courses are recognised by the Scotch Whisky industry. They are not just for staff but also for those who just want to increase their knowledge and understanding of the product.

Scotch Whisky tours

The Scotch Whisky Experience works hard to help their visitors to understand the history and heritage behind Scotland’s national drink with an audio commentary available in 20 languages and a number of multi-lingual staff on hand to help.

For example, the Silver Tour includes:

  • A whisky barrel ride through the production of Scotch Whisky
  • An introduction to the aromas in whisky
  • A dram of Scotch malt whisky (Irn Bru for under 18s)
  • Viewing of the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky
  • A gift of a crystal whisky tasting glass (adults and concessions)

Diageo Claive Vidiz collection

Every tour includes an inspection of the remarkable 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. For many, an inspection of this vast collection is the highlight of their visit.

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.”

 Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection
Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection ©Bernt Rostad Flickr

The earliest reference to whisky

According to J Marshall Robb, in his book Scotch Whisky, “The oldest reference to whisky occurs in the Scottish Exchequer Rolls for 1494, where there is an entry of eight bolls of malt to Friar John Cor wherewith to make aquavitae”.  A boll was an old Scottish measure of not more than six bushels. (One bushel is equivalent to 25.4 kilograms) 

Amber Restaurant

Also, on site is the Amber Restaurant which offers visitors traditional cuisine. Often on the menu are haggis, cullen skink, lamb and the humble Scottish raspberry. “It’s Scottish food at its best.”

The Scotch Whisky Experience is fully accessible which means that wheelchair users can access every level of the building. Children are welcomed and can enjoy the taste of Irn Bru, Scotland’s ‘other national drink’ rather than whisky.


Scotch Whisky Experience Visitor Information

For further information on admission times and help planning your visit, go to the Scotch Whisky Experience website.


More things to do in Edinburgh

st giles
St Giles’ Cathedral: Edinburgh Old Town
Scott Monument
Scott Monument: Edinburgh New Town
Royal Yacht Britannia: Edinburgh attraction
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel: landmark in Scotland
Deacon's Chair Magdalen Chapel, Edinburgh
Magdalen Chapel: Old Town Edinburgh
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace: Palace in Scotland
craigmillar castle
Craigmillar Castle: castles of Scotland
Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh
Canongate Kirk: Edinburgh Royal Mile

Primary Sidebar

Have you ever wondered what to do in Edinburgh? If so you’ve come to the right place. Truly Edinburgh is a visitor guide to Scotland's capital city and sometimes a bit further afield too.

Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh attractions

Famous Scots

Famous Scots

Kings and Queens of Scotland

Kings and Queens of Scotland
Copyright ©2020 Truly Edinburgh
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Edinburgh
  • Kings & Queens
  • History
  • Famous Scots
  • About
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkNoPrivacy policy