The 3 easiest Whisky Distilleries to visit whilst in Edinburgh
Edinburgh might be famed for its castles and cobbles, but it’s also quietly becoming a whisky lover’s dream. With three distilleries open to the public—Glenkinchie, Holyrood, and Port of Leith—plus the immersive Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience and the legendary Tipsy Midgie whisky bar, you don’t need to venture far to sip Scotland’s liquid gold. Whether you're a seasoned dram drinker or a curious newcomer, these spots offer a warm welcome and a deep dive into the craft, character, and culture of Scottish whisky.
Edinburgh’s Whisky Distilleries: Where to Sip, Tour & Discover Scotland’s Spirit
When visiting Scotland, one should not miss the opportunity to explore its renowned whisky distilleries. The country’s rich history and stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for immersing oneself in the art of whisky-making. A visit to a distillery offers a unique experience to learn about the intricate process of crafting Scotland's national drink, from malting and mashing to fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Engaging with passionate distillery guides unveils the secrets behind each dram, making the tasting experience even more special. Furthermore, the chance to sample a variety of whiskies, each with its distinct flavours and characteristics, is a true delight for whisky enthusiasts and novices alike. Incorporating a whisky distillery tour into your Scotland itinerary promises a memorable and authentic experience that truly captures the spirit of this remarkable country but if you are only visiting Edinburgh, this is also now remarkably easy with 3 whisky distilleries right on our doorstep.
Whisky Regions Explained: Lowlands to Islay
There are around 150 active whisky distilleries in Scotland that are broken down into five regions
Lowlands - whisky such as Bladnoch and Annandale. This whiskies here are light, traditionally unpeated and are renowned for their sweet, grassy notes and gentle style.
Highlands - whisky such as Glenturret and Brora. Whiskies are usually lightly peaty, spicy and heavy.
Speyside - think Macallan and Balvenie. These whiskies are usually sweet and fruity - expect ripe pears, sultanas, nuts and Christmas cake.
Islay - for Ardbeg and Lagavulin. The peat and maritime climate give Islay whiskies their characteristic pungent peaty, smoky and oily flavours.
Campbeltown - Springbank and Kilkerran. Whiskies from here are robust, fill-bodied single malts. Some are peaty or smoky, some powerful but others surprisingly delicate.
The three whisky distilleries that are open to visitors in Edinburgh fall under the Lowlands. We have Glenkinchie, Holyrood and Port of Leith. Edinburgh is also home to Bonnington Crabbies Distillery but as yet does not have a visitor centre.
Glenkinchie Distillery: A Lowland Classic
Glenkinchie Distillery - Pencaitland, East Lothian, EH34 5ET
Glenkinchie serves as one of the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries of Johnnie Walker and is one of the whiskies used to make the Johnnie Walker blends. The distillery is located in East Lothian (15 miles from Edinburgh) and takes around 30 minutes by car or taxi to get there. So although not technically in Edinburgh, its very close and worth visiting.
An Uber taxi will cost you between £30-£40 for a one way trip but if there are a few of you, it’s definitely worth it! They also have a large car park area and do provide drivers drams.
Their visitor centre is interesting and is set within a charming garden. They have numerous distillery and tasting tours as well as a superb bar and restaurant.
Tours start from £19.00pp. Book HERE
It is also worth visiting the Johnnie Walker Princes Street for a fully immersive tour and whisky tasting.
Holyrood Distillery: City-Centre Craft & Innovation
Holyrood Distillery - 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh. EH8 9SH
Located about a 5 minute taxi ride from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, this is the most Edinburgh City Centre distillery you will find. They have just bottled their inaugural whisky and can now provide whisky tours. They also have their own gin - Height of Arrows - which is a must purchase too.
They have a great courtyard outside and during the Summer hold numerous events and pop-ups.
Tours start from £22.00pp. Book HERE
Bonus Stop : Tipsy Midgie - Edinburgh’s Whisky Playground
The Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar, 67 St Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, EH8 9SB - Open Wednesday to Monday from 5pm.
No whisky trail through Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Tipsy Midgie, the award-winning bar that’s redefining how we taste, talk about, and celebrate Scotland’s national spirit. Crowned Scotland’s Whisky Bar of the Year 2023, 2024 and 2025, and home to the charismatic Whisky Guru of the Year, this hidden gem sits just across the road from Holyrood Distillery, tucked behind St Leonards Police Station, a location as unassuming as it is legendary.
Inside, you’ll find one of the largest open whisky collections in the country, with over 1,000 bottles ready to pour. From rare single malts to indie bottlings and global curiosities, it’s a dram-lover’s paradise with a cheeky edge and a warm welcome.
Tipsy Midgie is especially renowned for its Chocolate & Whisky Tasting Experiences, a sensory pairing that’s as indulgent as it is educational. Their monthly Cheese & Whisky Tastings are equally exceptional, showcasing bold flavour combinations that surprise even seasoned palates.
If you’re in town on a Thursday (most Thursdays - do check their socials), don’t miss their Distillery Discovery Nights. These legendary sessions feature guest appearances from master blenders, distillery founders, and brand ambassadors, each guiding you through five or more handpicked drams for just £25pp. It’s storytelling, sipping, and socialising at its finest.
Sundays bring a more relaxed vibe with Exploration Flights, where a featured distillery takes centre stage for just £10pp, ideal for curious newcomers or those looking to expand their whisky horizons without breaking the bank.
All upcoming events, tasting themes, and guest line-ups are shared on their Instagram, so give them a follow to stay in the loop. Whether you’re a whisky nerd, a casual sipper, or just in it for the chocolate, Tipsy Midgie is a must-add to your Edinburgh itinerary. Follow them on Instagram HERE
Port of Leith: Scotland’s First Vertical Distillery
Port of Leith Distillery - 11 Whisky Quay, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6FH
The UK’s only vertical distillery, this distillery is perched right on the waters edge at Leith Harbour. They’ve started their whisky production but won’t have whisky available for a few years yet (whisky can only be whisky after 3 years and 1 day!).
The tour is worth it though, even if you just visit for the views!. They also have a great bar and restaurant.
Tours cost £26.00pp. Book HERE
The distillery is easy to visit. Alight a tram from Princes St or York Place to the stop at Ocean Terminal. Operating every 7mins, 6am - midnight 7 days a week.
You can drive down - there is plenty of free parking available in Ocean Terminal which is located right next to the distillery. Drivers drams are available.
Bus service - hop on Number 10, 34, 35, 36 and 200 Airport Bus from Princes Street.
Bonnington Whisky Distillery - not open to the public but you can sample their whisky at Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar.
Fairly new, it was commissioned in 2019 and started production in March 2020. They have just released their inaugural release - a single cask release of 502 bottles finished in a Ruby cask.
For more info on Bonningtons Crabbies, visit their website HERE
A visit to a whisky distillery in Edinburgh is not just a tour; it's an immersion into the heart and soul of Scotland's most famous export. And you can’t visit Edinburgh or Scotland without drinking this liquid gold! From vertical distilleries on the waterfront to historic Lowland producers and city-centre tasting rooms, Edinburgh’s whisky scene is rich, varied, and ready to explore. Book a tour, sample a flight, or simply soak in the stories behind each bottle. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or a local day out, raise a glass to Edinburgh’s spirited side and let the whisky do the talking.
Sláinte to the magic of whisky!
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.
Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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