The Scotch Whisky Experience offers the opportunity to taste handcrafted Scotch whisky and view a vast collection of bottles to learn about the art and craft of making this spirit. It's located on Castlehill at the top of Old Town's Royal Mile and offers tours, taste-testing sessions, tutoring and whisky-making seminars and plenty of information about the history of whisky as the national spirit of Scotland.
This attraction is popular among whisky connoisseurs and history buffs who are interested in learning about the differences between Scotch and other types of whisky and its development as a spirit. The bottle collection is a prime attraction, and the restaurant and gift shop allow for a great way to relax, grab a bite to eat and find the perfect gift or souvenir after your exploration of the attraction. Join in on all the fun here, or simply kick back and enjoy a spirit.
The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh (Read all about Edinburgh here)
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Highlights and features of the Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience offers tours of the facility where you can view one of the world's largest collections of historic whisky bottles, learn about the history and craft of distilling and taste a range of Scotch varieties. On some tours, you can take special regional miniatures home and even have a food pairing in the on-site restaurant.
If a simple tour isn't enough for you, a Morning Masterclass is available to learn how to distil whisky yourself in just 90 minutes or enjoy a whisky and food-tasting experience. Even if you're not looking for a tour or a masterclass, you can visit the restaurant for excellent food and an unmatched selection of whisky varieties. The gift shop lets you buy the ideal souvenir to remember your trip, including an extensive range of whisky bottlings to enjoy at your leisure.
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About the Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience opened in 1988 on the premises of a former school after 19 Scotch whisky companies put up £2 million to create the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre dedicated to the history and heritage of this spirit. It changed its name to the Scotch Whisky Experience in 2006, and in 2008 became the home of a collection of 3,384 Scotch whisky bottles – one of the largest of its kind in the world that was built up over 35 years by a Brazilian enthusiast of the drink.
In 2013, the Experience celebrated its 25th birthday and commemorated the date with a special anniversary blend and a special small-batch quaich. In addition, its restaurant underwent a major renovation, enabling it to offer more than 360 varieties of whisky from across the nation. Today, over 300,000 people a year visit the Scotch Whisky Experience.
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Good to know about the Scotch Whisky Experience
The hours of admission depend on whether you take the silver, gold or platinum tour, the Taste of Scotland, the Morning Masterclass or the Tasting Tales experience. The coffee shop, restaurant and gift shop maintain separate regular hours and can be visited anytime when open. The bar offers flights of whiskies for sampling. If you live out of the country, check local regulations for transporting alcohol before you buy bottles to take away.
The tour does not have a minimum age, but in the UK only those over the age of 18 can be served alcohol. Those under 18 will be served Irn-Bru, a Scottish soft drink, instead of whisky. The facility is completely accessible for those with mobility issues or in wheelchairs. Assistance dogs are permitted, but not regular pets. Magnifier sheets are available for the visually impaired, and staff undergo disability awareness training.
The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
Location: The Royal Mile, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1312 200441
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