Best Places for Whisky in Edinburgh

Scotland’s association with whisky stretches back centuries, so naturally, the capital is stacked with places to enjoy a dram. Here are a few of the finest places for whisky in Edinburgh:

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The home of Edinburgh’s whisky scene, The Scotch Whisky Experience is the place to go for all whisky aficionados.

Be sure to sample some of the 400 whiskies in the Amber Restaurant and Bar, whilst learning about the distilling process on one of the many interactive touch screens.

Or perhaps you’d like to pair some of the selection with a ‘Scottish Tapas’ platter, for a truly Scottish experience.

354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE (whiskyexperience)

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Teuchter’s Landing

Any pub with a chance to win free whisky is deserving of a place on this list, surely?

If the famous ‘Hoop of Destiny’ competition isn’t enough to get you through the door, maybe the 100 plus whiskies will be.

With a setting on the shores of the Leith, the popular Docklands bar is great for relaxing with a dram by the riverside.

1c Dock Place, Edinburgh, EH6 6LU (teutchersbar)

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Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder

Usquabae can boast one of the largest selections of whisky in the capital. Snuggly set in the historic Edinburgh Vaults, this authentic whisky larder stocks over 400 blends.

We advise joining one of the themed tasting flights for a guided tour of the heart and history of Scottish whisky distilling.

2-4 Hope Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4DB (usquabae)

Whiski Rooms

Alighted proudly atop The Mound, close to the bustling Royal Mile, Whiski Rooms boasts the hefty claim of being one of only four Ardbeg Embassies in the nation.

There’s over 300 Scotch whiskies to tempt you, an onsite shop, and a daily expert-led tasting tour.

4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP (whiskirooms)

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Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar

The venue for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, these guys obviously know a thing or two about drams.

A recent opening, this modern bar boasts over 200 options, including a selection of rare single casks.

The Society are experts in flavour, and their tastings are well-renowned throughout the city as one of the best places for whisky in Edinburgh.

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JX (smws)

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Cadenhead’s

Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, at the ripe old age of 175. Cadenhead’s, like their whisky, have aged well indeed.

More shop than a bar, Cadenhead’s has a huge range of options from across the nation, and across time.

A true tasting experience, be sure to pop into the Tasting Room to sample some of the finest drams in the capital.

172 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DF (whiskytastingroom)

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The Albanach

A popular pub located in medieval premises on the buzzing Royal Mile. The Albanach sports over 250 varieties of malt whisky, along with a deliciously Scottish menu.

As far as whisky in Edinburgh goes, its prime location on the bustling Mile makes it a great spot to dive into after a hard day’s sightseeing.

197 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PE (albanach-edinburgh)

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The Black Cat

The Black Cat is about as Scottish a Scottish pub can get.

A menu of traditional Scottish favourites is matched by an array of over 100 whiskies.

Live Scottish Folk music is performed throughout the week, so if you’re keen for a real slice of Scotland, The Black Cat is where you should spend your night.

168 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BA (blackcatpub)

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