Top Edinburgh Distillery Tours

Distillery tours are a popular vacation activity in and around Edinburgh. Sample the goods on these tours, highly rated by past travelers:

• Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission
• Whisky and Tales: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling
• The Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour from Edinburgh
• The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour - An Introduction to Whisky
• The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl

Yes, Edinburgh distillery tours are worth it, especially if you’re a fan of Scotch whisky. On a preplanned tour, you’ll learn about the distillation process and see what goes into the whisky production, from mashing to fermentation to bottling. Tasting is always included in the tour. Even if you’re not a big whisky drinker, learning about the spirit’s heritage and role in Scotland’s history is fascinating.

Distillery tours in Edinburgh cost about US$35. Tours to distilleries outside the capital city that include transportation (and sometimes other sightseeing stops) can run anywhere from about US$80 to US$800, depending on the number of distilleries visited and whether it’s a private or group tour.

Distillery tours in Edinburgh can be as short as an hour for a good overview of the distillation process with time to sample the spirit. Sightseeing tours outside the city, including visits to one to three distilleries, can last about 5–12 hours. There are even multi-day tours that allow for a deep dive into the whisky-making process with visits to four or more distilleries.

On Edinburgh distillery tours, you’ll learn how the Scottish national drink is made, from malting to bottling. Typically, you’ll walk through rooms (or watch from a windowed area) where each stage of the distilling takes place. In the fermentation room, for example, you can see the large cylindrical “washbacks,” where yeast is added to a barley mash. Tastings are typically offered at the end of the tour.

Scotland’s national drink, whisky, is the primary alcohol in Edinburgh distilleries. Gin is another spirit made in Edinburgh. You can sample whisky (or gin) on distillery tours in Edinburgh and elsewhere in the country.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Edinburgh aside from distillery tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Rail Tours

• Private Drivers

• Night Tours

• Bus and Minivan Tours

• Ghost and Vampire Tours

Edinburgh distillery tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Edinburgh: The Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour

• Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

• Loch Lomond, Stirling and Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

• Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

• Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

Many Edinburgh distillery tours are available, ranging from private excursions to all-day group trips—choose one that suits your group and budget. If you’re traveling with kids, read the tour description thoroughly as some distilleries have strict age restrictions. Many tour itineraries vary, visiting different areas, attractions, and sights. Check what’s included within the tour price, whether travel, admission prices, or meals.

Book your Edinburgh distillery tour in advance, as popular excursions can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Engage with the guides, who can offer insights into Scotland’s whisky heritage. Make note of the specifics of your tour, as there are often variations in the included activities and trip details. Finally, pace yourself during tastings to fully appreciate the flavors.

No season is best for Edinburgh distillery tours, as they’re an indoor activity perfect for escaping bad weather. In general, the best time to visit Edinburgh is during the spring months of April to June and early autumn from September to October. During these shoulder seasons, the city is typically less crowded and the weather is mild—ideal for exploring distilleries and historic sights.