Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Underground Vaults | 90min

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Edinburgh, Scotland

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Jason_M ·

Jan 2026

There are so many whiskey tasting opportunities available in Edinburgh but this one is very unique. The host was incredibly knowledgeable and made the entire experience very memorable. The whiskeys chosen were done with expertise and are ones I would never have thought of. With no agenda of pushing any particular product to sell, it felt a very unbiased selection. The close is a fantastic environment to experience this.

· Courtney_W ·

Apr 2026

Best tasting ever! So much so that we made new friends and even bought some whiskey to ship back to the US. We each got to sample 3 specialized whiskeys to our taste preferences and each came with a short story of its origin and taste notes. 10/10 highly recommend.

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Overview

Discover Edinburgh, Scotland from a whole new perspective as you taste five drams of rare, top-shelf whisky in the city’s underground vaults. Let your guide tell you and your intimate group stories about the nation’s whisky industry, explaining everything from how the drink is made to what makes Scottish whisky special.

Perfect for whisky superfans looking to taste something new
Enjoy the experience in a small group of no more than 10
Learn about Scottish history and whisky at the same time
Fun for locals and tourists alike

Sample Menu

Main

Whisky

5 Drams of different rare and old whiskies from the various regions of Scotland

What's Included

Alcoholic Beverages

5 drams of rare and old whiskies
Exclusive access to The Lost Close
Experienced Local Guide

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

John's Coffee House & Tavern
1a Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
The meeting point is OUTSIDE of John's Coffee House & Tavern. Just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square. We'll head underground from there.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

The Lost Close

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Karen_C

As a non-whisky drinker, I had some hesitations about this experience but it was absolutely fantastic! Marc was incredibly knowledgeable about the whisky and I learned a lot. I also really enjoyed the whisky! I would 100% recommend this experience for all levels of whisky drinkers!

Reviews

4.9

based on 144 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Small whisky tasting, 4...

Tyler_H, May 2026

Small whisky tasting, 4 people at mine. Very good selection and the host was very knowledgeable and friendly.

Response from Host, May 2026

Hi Tyler, thank you for joining us beneath the streets of Edinburgh at The Lost Close. We’re delighted to hear that the intimate tasting and carefully curated selection made for a memorable experience, and that our storyteller’s knowledge added depth to each dram. We hope the stories and flavours linger long after your visit. Slainte, The Lost Close Team

Best tasting. 10/10 highly recommend

Courtney_W, Apr 2026

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Hi Courtney_W, thank you for such a brilliant review — we’re delighted our hidden vaults left such a lasting impression. It’s wonderful to hear the tasting felt so personal, with drams chosen to suit your palate and stories that brought each whisky’s character to life. Even better that the evening sparked new friendships (and a little piece of Scotland heading back to the US with you!). We’d love to welcome you back underground again for another chapter of Edinburgh’s past and a fresh line-up of exceptional pours. Slainte, The Lost Close Team

Excellent time

Scott_T, Mar 2026

Very fun informative experience. The guide was informative and energetic. Enjoyed the whiskey and the information

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Hi Scott, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the experience and that your guide’s energy and knowledge helped bring the stories and flavours to life. It’s always a pleasure to share great whisky alongside rich history in our underground setting. We hope to welcome you back for more discoveries soon. Slàinte, The Lost Close Team

Well worth doing the luxury tasting

Jason_M, Jan 2026

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hi Jason, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that our underground setting and curated whisky selection made the experience feel unique and unbiased. Our hosts take great pride in sharing their knowledge with genuine passion, so it’s wonderful to know this came through during your tasting. We’re thrilled it stood out among the many whisky experiences in Edinburgh. Slàinte, The Lost Close Team

Good experience- worth the price

Colleen_G, Jan 2026

Fun experience in a cool setting. My friends and I aren't whisky drinkers, but when in Scotland this felt like a must do! And what a wonderful way to learn about whisky and all the complex flavors and aromas. Dan did a great job walking us through how to truly appreciate each dram. He was knowledgeable, kind and fun.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hi Colleen, Thank you for choosing to explore the world of whisky with us, especially as non-whisky drinkers. We’re delighted to hear that Dan helped unlock the flavours and aromas in a way that felt fun, welcoming, and insightful. Our underground setting is designed to make trying something new feel special, so it’s wonderful to know the experience felt worth it for you and your friends. We’d be thrilled to host you again next time you’re in Edinburgh. Slainte, The Lost Close Team

Delightful Drinking

Javier_H, Dec 2025

Such a fun time, I suggest you book multiple times to get and try even more whisky. One a day at least to get a proper feeling of the city.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Love this suggestion! Thank you for joining us and for the great tip. We’d be happy to welcome you back anytime! Emilie – Marketing Manager

Great experience

Heather_K, Dec 2025

It was very informative and enjoyable. Guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Whiskey was wonderful.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you! We’re delighted you enjoyed both the whiskies and the guide’s storytelling. Hope to see you again! Emilie – Marketing Manager

Best Whisky Tour in Edinburgh

chinakat92001, Nov 2025

Seriously. The staff here is absolutely amazing. This is my second time doing this tour and I always learn the most interesting information. Mark, our tour guide and self proclaimed whisky nerd, provides an in depth overview of Scottish whisky, including what to look for, how to drink it, and some interesting anecdotes. The Lost Close is another intriguing story in itself, which lends itself to the cozy atmosphere. I cannot recommend this tour enough!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you for such a fantastic review! We’re thrilled you came back again and that Mark made the experience memorable. Emilie – Marketing Manager

Quite nice would recommend

Lindsay_B, Oct 2025

Super informative and welcoming. Your guide was very polite and professional. The luxury whiskeys were all so different and tasty. Would highly recommend.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

We’re delighted you enjoyed the tasting and appreciated the variety of whiskies and our guide’s hospitality. Thank you for recommending us! — Emilie, Marketing Manager

The lost close was an...

Keenan_M, Oct 2025

The lost close was an incredible piece of history, what a place to do a whiskey tasting. Our guide took us through an understanding of Highland Whiskey and not just its relationships to Edinburgh and Glasgow, but to other parts of the world. We learned how to look like proper whiskey aficionados, and check the “legs” on whiskey. I wish I remembered our guides name, he introduced himself at the start, then we were off to whiskey land. It was also pretty exclusive, just us and one other couple actually went into the close, so we all felt comfortable asking questions and sharing stories as we went. Just a very good time.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the whisky tasting and the history of The Lost Close — it truly is a special spot. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

You’ll receive a great...

Ian_W, Sep 2025

You’ll receive a great history lesson to go along with the fantastic scotch’s provided. I would definitely do it again.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Delighted you enjoyed the whisky and history combination! We’d love to have you back for another tasting soon. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Amazing Ambiance, Delicious Tastings

Melethia_M, Sep 2025

Amazing ambiance, our guide Nicky was perfect: a librarian with a passion for whisky! Very informative, and our tastings were delicious!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the ambiance and Nicky’s passion – she’s a treasure. Slàinte! – Emilie, Marketing Manager

guide extraordinaire!

TeresaR_J, Sep 2025

This was a fabulous experience! Our guide was very knowledgeable and funny and it was so cool to be underground! I would recommend this to anyone.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the underground experience and our guide’s stories. We hope to welcome you back soon! – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Underground whiskey review Edinburgh

stacey_b, Sep 2025

Our whiskey connoisseur Eleanor was excellent and giving us the best underground experience I’ve ever been too

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you for your kind words! Eleanor will be delighted to hear this, and we’re so happy you loved the underground experience. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Absolutely an amazing...

lwhitefoxxy, Sep 2025

Absolutely an amazing tour in such an exclusive location. Tour guide was knowledgeable about the whisky and the space. Very unique experience.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

We’re delighted you enjoyed the unique setting and our guide’s expertise—thank you for your kind words! – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Great whiskey experience

Ryan_L, Aug 2025

Whether you’re an experienced whiskey drinker, or just a fan of good stories and a good time, I highly recommend this tour. Sara was great at picking different bottles based on our palettes and 90 mins flew by.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thank you! We’re so glad you enjoyed the whisky selection and Sara’s guidance—happy the time flew by! – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Such an amazing way to discover rare Scottish whiskeys

David_J, Aug 2025

Absolutely amazing experience with such a lovely and knowledgeable whiskey “guide” - and the older whiskeys were just incredible

Response from Host, Aug 2025

We’re delighted you had such a memorable time with us - the older whiskies are always something special! – Emilie, Marketing Manager

This is a little pricey...

Karina_H, Aug 2025

This is a little pricey for the experience. It needed more to be fair. Felt it wasn't enough for the money.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m sorry to hear the experience didn’t feel like good value for you. Our luxury whisky tasting focuses on rare drams from independent bottlers—unique bottles that are difficult to source and not typically found in standard tastings. We appreciate your thoughts and will keep them in mind as we continue refining the experience. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Learning About Scotch Whiskies in Interesting Place

BrendaL_B, Aug 2025

We were taken down about 3 flights of stairs to get to the room underground in Edinburg. The history of the room and how it got there was explained to us before we started the tasting. There were 3 couples doing the tasting. We tasted 5 different Scotch whiskies each from the regions of Scotland where they are produced. It was interesting that they did taste different depending on the region. It was a good tasting that we would do again.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for your lovely words, it’s wonderful you appreciated the journey through Scotland’s whisky regions. We’d love to welcome you back again! – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Excellent premium whiskys...

todd_b, Aug 2025

Excellent premium whiskys and wonderful host. The setting was another notable feature. Would book again.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted you enjoyed both our whisky selection and the unique setting of The Lost Close. — Emilie, Marketing Manager

Geographic distilleries

Charlotte_N, Aug 2025

Mark was a wealth of information on the history of the distilleries and their location in Scotland. Each location was influenced by local environments.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thanks so much for your kind words! Mark is incredibly passionate about whisky and the local environments that shape each dram. We're glad you enjoyed learning from him — it means a lot to know his knowledge made your visit special. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Good tasting tour

Candace_Y, Aug 2025

This was a nice way to taste different whiskeys. The groups are small so its good for conversations. I only wish we could all try the same whiskeys (it varies based on the type of tour you purchase). One couple in our group was able to taste 5 whiskeys rather than the others that only paid for 4...I think the company should keep the people who paid for 5 tasting together and the people who pay for 4 tastings together so there are no awkward moments. With that being said: the couples that paid for 4 also had different whiskeys to try...so we would see the bottles they tried and smell them but couldn't taste them....also making it a little disappointing....but the whiskeys themselves were very good!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for your honest feedback. We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the whisky and the small group dynamic. We really appreciate your thoughtful suggestions and hope to welcome you back again soon. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

We learned alot of...

Christine_T, Aug 2025

We learned alot of history, tasted some fantastic whiskey and had a great time with the other group we were paired with.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you so much for the lovely review! We're glad you enjoyed the combination of rich history, excellent whiskies, and great company. That’s what we aim to create every time — a social and meaningful experience rooted in Scottish heritage. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

If you love Single Malt, you'll love this

Gillian_F, Aug 2025

Eleanor was a great host - very knowledgeable about Single Malt Scotch, how it's made, the regions of Scotland. The Vault was a very atmospheric venue and the very small group worked well. Eleanor tailored the tasting to our likes but also introduced new Whiskeys and Whiskeys we would never buy or, in some cases, find. Definitely recommended.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

We’re so glad you enjoyed your time with us! Eleanor is truly passionate about whisky and loves sharing both rare finds and lesser-known stories with our guests. Thanks for highlighting the atmosphere and the small-group dynamic — we find it really does make for a special experience. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Visiting the Lost Close...

Cindy_S, Aug 2025

Visiting the Lost Close is a great experience and worth the time to see the history of the building as well as the great whiskey tasting.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for the lovely comment! We’re so glad you enjoyed both the whisky and the fascinating history of the building. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Make time to do this tasting

Miata_E, Jul 2025

Eleanor was an amazing guide and incredibly informative. The best thing I did while in Scotland was this tour.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Wow — what an amazing compliment! Thank you so much for your kind words. Eleanor will be thrilled to know that your time with us was a highlight of your trip to Scotland. We truly hope to welcome you back again one day! – Emilie, Marketing Manager

Amazing time

Anjali_P, Jul 2025

very educational for all levels of experience with scotch whsiky she included everyone, made everyone feel comfortable great way to become educated by an expert

Response from Host, Jul 2025

We’re so pleased to hear you felt welcomed and engaged during the tasting. It’s important to us that everyone feels part of the experience. – Emilie, Marketing Manager

From a non-whisky drinker

Karen_C, Jul 2025

Response from Host, Jul 2025

We absolutely love hearing this — converting a hesitant guest into a whisky fan is high praise indeed! Mark will be thrilled to hear your feedback. Thanks so much for joining us and recommending the experience to everyone, whisky lover or not! Emilie, Marketing Manager at The Lost Close

Luxury whiskey tasting in underground

Jeannette_W, Jul 2025

The Whisky was great, the person knew a lot about all the whiskies and was able to answer the questions. The underground experience was a little disappointing.