Our Top 5 Must Visits in Edinburgh For Whisky Fans

Holyrood Distillery

The first single malt whisky distillery in the city centre in almost a century, Holyrood Distillery opened in 2019. Situated next to Holyrood Park, the 180-year-old railway goods building has been thoughtfully renovated as both a whisky and gin distillery.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Although not a distillery itself, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star visitor attraction on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile tells the tale of Scotland’s national drink and is well worth a visit.

Glenkinchie Distillery

15 miles from Edinburgh is Glenkinchie Distillery, one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. Visitors can experience an incredible scale model to show the process involved in whisky making, a state of the art visitor centre, as well as a range of tours and classes.

Pickering’s Gin

Get an insight into how small batch gin is made at the Pickering’s Gin distillery in Summerhall – the first exclusive gin distillery to be established in Edinburgh for over 150 years. See how their hand crafted small batch gin is made, find out more about the botanicals used and sample the gin at different stages in the distilling process. The tour lasts 90 minutes and is a must for any gin fan.

Edinburgh Gin

Visit the Edinburgh Gin Distillery to indulge both the mind and the palate in all things gin. Nestled in the heart of the city, beneath the stairs at 1a Rutland Place, in the dramatic shadow of Edinburgh Castle, discover more about Edinburgh’s historic gin heritage and explore this atmospheric working distillery.

Secret Garden Distillery

Founded in 2017, The Secret Garden Distillery is housed in the Secret Herb Garden on the outskirts of Edinburgh and in the shadows of the Pentland Hills. The garden has over 500 naturally grown and tendered varieties of herbs, many of which are used in the production of their own gins.

56 North 

A dedicated gin bar, 56 North Bar opened in 2008 and now also has a working distillery which makes South Loch Gin.

Port of Leith Distillery

Currently based at Tower Street Stillhouse, Port of Leith Distillery are in the process of building a new distillery next to The Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal.

Sip Antics

Sip Antics specialize in small and personal gin school classes from their bespoke private micro distilling room in the heart of the city.

Cold Town Brewery

Learn about the historic significance of brewing in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket with Cold Town Brewery.

Edinburgh Beer Factory

Combining old and new ideas and techniques, Edinburgh Beer Factory create beer inspired by the Edinburgh-born ‘Godfather of Pop Art’, Eduardo Paolozzi.

Stewart Brewing

Whether you want to pick their brewer’s brains on brewing science or gain an insight into the more creative process of designing beer recipes and flavours, Stewart Brewing offers both.