Scotland and whisky are ubiquitous and no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a trip to one of the country’s many distilleries. With excellent road and transport links, visitors to Edinburgh can easily reach Scotland’s various lowland whiskies as part of a day trip. Often referred to as ‘The Water of Life’, this bold and smooth drink is drunk straight or with a dash of water.
Though not as famous as their Highland counterparts, Lowland whiskies are a great starting point into the world of whisky for newcomers. They tend to be slightly sweet and malty, mellower and lighter that their Highland counterparts, and not as peaty or smokey. In addition to whisky, a few of the area’s distilleries also produce other types of liquor, such as gin, beer and aqua vitae. Here is our guide to some of the best distilleries within easy distance from Edinburgh:
Holyrood Distillery
Set within a 180-year-old building next to Holyrood Park, this distillery is Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery in almost a century. As production only commenced in 2019, Holyrood whisky will not be available until at least 2022. Don’t be disheartened though as there is still much to see and do at this exciting modern distillery.
With Holyrood Distillery also producing its own gin and gin liquors, be introduced to a world of flavour as you put your tastebuds to the test, getting hands-on with botanicals and learning about both malt whisky and gin distillation. You will also enjoy opportunities to sample from the Holyrood Distillery gin and gin liqueur range.
Holyrood Distillery, St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh, EH8 9SH | t: +44 131 285 897719
Summerhall Distillery
The home of Pickering’s Gin, this small but perfectly-formed distillery consistently ranks among the best visitor attractions in Edinburgh. Nestled amongst the galleries, theatres and studios of the renowned Summerhall arts venue, the distillery occupies the site of what was once the University Veterinary School, affectionately known as the Dick Vet.
For just £10, a friendly and passionate guide will show you around the distillery as you learn how handcrafted, small batch gin is made. You will also get to sample all 3 of their marvellous gins. End your tour at the Royal Dick Bar with a perfectly poured Pickering’s and tonic, included in the price of the tour! What a bargain, am I right?
1 Summerhall Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL | t: +44 131 290 2901
Glenkinchie Distillery
Just 15 miles from the capital, this picturesque distillery is Edinburgh’s unofficial distillery, home of the “Edinburgh Malt”. Apart from their museum of Malt Production, this distillery also offers a variety of different tours ranging from standard, to VIP and Connoisseur tours. The redbrick Victorian building will take your breath away as you walk through its distillery production area and explore their whisky-related displays.
Tours end in the bar, with a complimentary tasting of Glenkinchie Single Malt Whisky. Don’t forget to stop by their well-stocked shop for any souvenirs! With a shuttle service from the city centre to Glenkinchie twice daily, 7 days a week, there is little wonder why Glenkinchie is the perfect introduction to the world of lowland whisky.
Glenkinchie Distillery, Pencaitland, Tranent, EH34 5ET | t: +44 187 534 2012
Eden Mill Distillery
Located in the heart of St Andrews, Eden Mill is Scotland’s first single-site brewery and distillery. With beer, gin and whisky all produced at the same site, visit this distillery to learn about how the making of beer, gin and whisky are all much the same processes. Choose between the Whisky, Gin or Beer Tours as your expert guide leads you through the distillery processes and cask warehouse (for the Gin and Whisky Tours).
All tours end with a tasting session, guided by your guide, and those on the whisky tour will be able to bring home their specially-made Eden Mill Glencairn whisky glass as a keepsake! Since you’re here, why not check out the historic ruins of the St Andrew’s Cathedral, or head out to the Old Course, the Home of Golf.
Eden Mill Distillery, Main St, Guardbridge, St Andrews KY16 0UU | t: +44 133 483 4038
Deanston Distillery
Having featured in the Ken Loach file, The Angels’ Share, Deanston Distillery is another exciting place to observe whisky making in action. Located on the banks of the River Teith, this historic Highland Single Malt combines locally grown crops and skilled craftsmanship to produce the fresh, honeyed and sweet taste it is known for. Though not the prettiest of distilleries, its smooth product coupled with its excellent visitor facilities – which record Deanston’s beginnings as a cotton mill to a modern-day distillery – has earned it its spot on this list.
Before heading back, why not make a stop at the formidable Doune Castle located a stones’ throw away? As well as being heavily featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle was also used as a set for Winterfell Castle in Game of Thrones, as well as Castle Leoch in Outlander.
Deanston Distillery Near Doune, Perthshire, FK16 6AG | t: +44 178 684 3010
Tullibardine Distillery
Standing proudly in the village of Blackford – the gateway to the Highlands – this independent, family-owned distillery has been producing handcrafted single malt scotch whisky for decades. With the addition of their bottling plant, Tullibardine Distillery is one of the few distilleries in Scotland to distill, mature and bottle all on site, giving them complete control over the entire process of whisky production. With a selection of tours and tastings to suit everyone, Tullibardine with its artisanal whisky is the perfect place to gain a real insight into the art of distillation.
Tullibardine Ltd, Blackford, Perthshire, PH4 1QG | t: +44 176 466 1809
While it may be tempting to stay within Edinburgh, what with its many whisky-related attractions such as the Scotch Whisky Experience, there is so much more to see and learn about the history of whisky! And what better way than by visiting a distillery? As tours often book out, especially during the summer and on weekends, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to ensure that you won’t be disappointed!
