Description
Visiting a traditional whisky distillery is a must for any vacation in Scotland - however, if you only come to Edinburgh, then Scotch Whisky Experience is the ideal alternative. During this knowledgeable experience tour, you learn more about the history and production methods of Scotland's national drink. The highlight is the unique tasting of various whisky types as well as the subsequent viewing of the world's largest whisky collection.
An Experience for Everyone
Of course, this experience is primarily intended for whisky lovers, but young visitors also get their money's worth. A special child-friendly exhibition was created specifically for them, which conveys the whisky tradition to them in an age-appropriate and playful way.
Another special feature of the whisky experience is the concentrated linguistic diversity: tours are held in over 15 languages, ensuring the best possible deepening of information. In addition, the premises are wheelchair accessible, so wheelchair users can also enjoy this wonderful experience.
The expert tour staff as well as the whisky consultants shine with their years of experience and work with passion. For larger groups or if you want to delve deeper into whisky matters, private tours are offered. This makes a visit or customized tour a true pleasure!
The Silver Tour
This one-hour standard tour takes place daily and is ideal for families. Whisky newcomers are also warmly welcome. It begins with a whisky barrel ride through the production process of Scottish whisky. Past gently swaying barley fields, feeling the warmth of the malt kiln up to the grist mill, then the washing and finally enjoying the refreshing scent of oak barrels. Here you gain firsthand all kinds of interesting and exciting insights and receive the occasional funny anecdote from the competent tour staff.
The whisky journey continues with an introduction to the various aromas in whisky: a schema was even designed for this - the aroma wheel or whisky wheel - which helps determine the numerous flavors. Discover Scotland's regions and landscapes and their influence on aroma. You can now experience this live and test whether you can taste the smoky or fruity aromas! Because with a sip of Scotch Malt Whisky, the tour reaches a preliminary highlight. Of course, there's the popular soft drink Irn Bru for visitors under 18, in a stylish glass.
The finale in the vault is the impressive Scotch Whisky collection Diageo Claive Vidiz. With over 3,300 whisky bottles from around the world, it is the largest of its kind. In the next room, an exhibition area awaits you, showing the history of the Scottish export hit from the beginnings of home industry to worldwide success. You can let the eventful tour end fittingly with the traditional whisky tasting - five varieties of Scotch Whisky are available to choose from. The highlight: the whisky glass can be taken home as a souvenir.
The Gold Tour
This tour is for advanced whisky lovers to experience the real taste of whisky. All elements of the Silver Tour are present here as well, plus there's a sip of a four-times Single Malt. But that's far from all: there's also a one-year membership in the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society, which is considered an honor. In addition, there's a 'future admission' - meaning the next visit to the Silver or Gold Tour is free.
After this eventful tour, you can relax during the whisky tasting. Of course, the glass is again intended as a memento, and besides choosing between the five Scotch Whiskies, you also have a tasting of four regional Single Malts.
The Platinum Tour
The Platinum Tour is the ultimate for all true whisky connoisseurs and is also called whisky heaven. This tour includes all elements of the Silver Tour plus various extras like professional 'nosing and tasting' of two different Single Malt Whiskies.
In addition, the impressive whisky collection is examined and explained in more detail. A wonderful conclusion to this extra-class tour is the tasting of an exclusive 21-year-old Scotch Whisky. This unforgettable taste experience is guaranteed to make every whisky fan's heart beat faster.
Morning Masterclass
The Morning Class got its name due to the time, as it begins at 10 AM and is perfect for true whisky enthusiasts. This tour includes a private tour through the largest collection of Scotch Whisky bottles, where you can examine them closely. Then a sensory perception test and 'nosing' takes place.
Right after, you have the opportunity to test your knowledge with comparison samples of a Blended, Single Grain, and two Single Malt Whiskies. As a surprise, there's also a small gift. To conclude, you gather comfortably for tea or coffee and cookies. What a beautiful start to the day!
The Taste of Scotland
As the name of the tour reveals, a perfect symbiosis between the national drink and traditional Scottish cuisine is created here. The basic elements correspond to the Platinum Tour with a delicious three-course menu at the Amber Restaurant.
The culinary delight consists of bite-sized Scottish appetizers, a juicy main course with regional ingredients, and a spectacular dessert. Of course, a noble drop of selected whisky cannot be missing. To ensure this unforgettable evening also creates beautiful memories at home, there's also an original glass as a gift.
Historical Information
In July 1987, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre was jointly established by 19 Scotch Whisky companies. The purpose of the project was and is to create a permanent attraction with the history and development of Scotch Whisky. Passion, learning, quality, authenticity, and fun are the core values of the alliance.
In 2001, the Scotch Whisky Training School was founded with the support of Scottish Enterprise. This undertaking ensures that all employees of Scotch Whisky companies - whether in sales or service - have access to the best possible training.
Since March 2004, the restaurant "Amber by Night" has also served delicious Scottish specialties in the evenings in addition to daytime operations.
The centerpiece of the attraction - the gigantic whisky collection - was brought "home" in October 2008. Brazilian collector Claive Vidiz left the collection to beverage manufacturer Diageo, who ultimately placed it in the care of The Scotch Whisky Experience.
How to get there
By car
The Scotch Whisky Experience is located in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh.
You start your journey at Edinburgh Airport, which is about 7.5 mi (12 km) away from the city. Starting out at a roundabout, you follow Eastfield Road and pass the roundabout until it turns to Glasgow Road. Make sure you stick to the left. Follow the road for about 5 mi (8 km) and then take a right turn into Torphichen Street and keep to the right where Torphichen Street changes its name to Dewar Street (B700). Turn left to stay on the B700, which then turns to Bread Street. Shortly after, you turn left to get to Western Port, leading to Grassmarket. As soon as you turn left here, you'll already see the Whisky building in close proximity to Edinburgh Castle. Car parks are available to a limited extent and are located at Johnston Terrace and just by the restaurant of Edinburgh Castle (Castle Terrace).
By public transport
By train
Waverley Station is Edinburgh's central station, located at the east end of Princes Street. From here it's only a 550 yd (500 m) walk along Main Street Northern Bridge. You eventually take a right turn into the Royal Mile at the junction and here you are in front of Edinburgh Castle, off to your whisky adventure.
By bus
The Airlink 100, an express bus service, takes you straight from the airport to Edinburgh's city centre. The ride takes about 25 minutes and ends at Waverley Bridge, just at the central station. From here you can comfortably walk to your very own Scotch Whisky Experience.
