The 7 Best Whisky Distillery Tours in Scotland

1.The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction to Whisky

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,578 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $35Our pick

At the Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle, a guide leads you through a replica distillery with projections, explains Scotland’s five whisky regions, and introduces whisky aromas before one tasting. Adults receive a crystal glass, while under-18s get Irn Bru. Guides have included Fiona, Basil, Stewart, Ella, and Eric.

“Very cool experience! Never been on a distillery/winery/brewery tour like this before. A lot of interesting information presented in a variety of ways. You have to see for yourself. Highly recommend!”

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2.Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,172 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134Top rated

Spend about three hours walking from St Giles’ Cathedral through Edinburgh’s Old Town, tasting haggis, neeps and tatties, Scottish cheese, cakes, whisky, and a secret dish. Guides such as Carlos, Nyssa, Nichola, Joanne, Craig, and Madge add food history, folklore, and practical city tips. The group is limited to 10 people.

“Top taste of Edinburgh along with a GREAT history lesson. Should do at beginning of trip get insight on how the rest of visit could benefit from knowing best places to see visit and EAT. Nessa had a fun vibe and upbeat presentation”

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3.Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 972 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24Best value

Spend about two hours at Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street tasting four single malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland’s main whisky regions. Guides such as Ben, Euan, Alasdair, Max, and Koffe combine whisky lessons with folklore, family tales, humor, and music. Non-whisky drink alternatives are available, and the tour ends where it began.

“Great afternoon, our Host gave an excellent coverage of the regions and stories of Scotland, well worth the afternoon with 4 Tasting from from different whiskies”

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4.Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour and Cocktail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 725 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $30

At Laverstoke Mill near Winchester, you’ll make a G&T at the Turbine Bar, watch a short film, explore the Glasshouses and Botanical Room, and learn about Bombay Sapphire’s vapour infusion process with a host such as Luke, Naomi, Nick, or Helen. The visit ends with cocktail options and takes about 90 minutes.

“Enjoyed our tour with Nick. Lovely old buildings, interesting history. Was worth the drive. Appreciated the G&T on arrival!”

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5.Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Tour & Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 533 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37

Spend about an hour inside Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery, where a guide such as Diego, Brice, or Courtney explains whisky and gin production, experimental methods, and the distillery’s young single malt. Taste several spirits, including gin and whisky, then browse the bar and shop. The small group can hold up to 22 people.

“It was interesting to see the process. The goods were creative in the way that the distillery made so many variations with the base product. David was a friendly and informative guide.”

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6.Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 263 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34

At Hensol Castle Distillery in South Wales, you’ll enjoy a welcome drink, tour the distillery and botanical room, and handle, smell, and taste more than 50 botanicals. A guide such as Hugo leads the gin story and a tasting of three gins, followed by a G&T in the bar. The group is limited to 18 people.

“Hugo was full of knowledge and looked like he was really enjoying himself it was really interesting and the gin was delicious”

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7.Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $26

At 56 North Distillery, an English-speaking host takes you below one of Edinburgh’s oldest gin bars to see how South Loch Gin is made. You’ll enjoy a welcome G&T, three gin tastings with premium mixers, and a cocktail topped with bubbly. Hosts such as Neil and Hamish are known for making the session lively and clear.

“This is a unique micro distiller with alot of knowledge about the industry. The gins we tried were all very good. The interaction was great and alot of fun.”

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