Whisky, Gin and Food tours: Eating and Drinking around Edinburgh

Edinburgh happens to be one of my favorite cities in Europe. My first time visiting the city was several years ago for Hogmanay. Where I experienced the most memorable New Year’s party of my entire life. Hence, having the opportunity to revisit again, during a different time of year (early autumn), was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.

Edinburgh is world renowned for its medieval Old Town, neoclassical buildings and iconic castle. However, did you know that the city has an underrated (or more like a burgeoning) food and drink scene? Fancy a whisky tour? How about some nibble around town. Let’s see what Edinburgh has to offer visitors.

Edinburgh Food and Drink Tour

Welcoming cafes, trendy restaurants, traditional pubs and fascinating whisky & gin distilleries await those who wander around the city. The perfect place for a whisky tour.

With a few days to spare in the city I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be part of several food and drink tours that should not be missed by first time visitors to Edinburgh, Scotland.

Eat Walk Edinburgh

Let’s start with food! With Eat Walk Edinburgh I joined the Canongate three hour guided tour covering on foot a decent section of the lower part of the Royal Mile. We popped in and out of cafes, restaurants and shops sampling numerous tasty treats. And dishes while spending the rest of our time meandering through closes (Scots for alleyways).

Highlights of the tour included sampling mini haggis sliders and smoked sheep cheese. Moreover, Scottish Highland cream fudge and pickled herring paired with beetroot salad.

I loved the blend of tasting classic Scottish dishes with a contemporary twist, along with some of the fusion cuisine that is emerging in the city. In terms of drinks, having an opportunity to down some Campbelltown Loch Scotch blended whisky and sip on some local stout beer were highlights.

As great as it was learning about the food, drinks and history of the city, my favorite part was having an opportunity to interact with the owners of the various establishments we visited.

Talking one on one with folks so passionate about what they do really enhances your appreciation of what it is that you’re eating and drinking.

Furthermore, almost all of the products are locally sourced. You’re supporting locals farmers, producers and small business owners.

The hardest part of this tour for me was self-control. The food was simply that delicious. My wardrobe was not loose enough to accommodate all of the extra calories.

Why Is It a Must-Try Experience?

Culinary Journey: Eat Walk Edinburgh takes you on a gastronomic adventure through some of the city’s best dining spots. From traditional Scottish fare to contemporary culinary creations, you’ll taste a wide variety of dishes that showcase Edinburgh’s vibrant food scene. Each stop offers a new flavor, a new experience, and a new story, making it a delicious way to explore the city.

Historical Insights: As you move from one tasting to the next, your guide will share fascinating stories about Edinburgh’s history, architecture, and culture. You’ll learn about the city’s medieval past, its literary legends, and its famous landmarks. This blend of food and history makes for an enriching experience that goes beyond a typical walking tour.

What Makes It So Epic?

Exclusive Tastings: One of the highlights of the Eat Walk Edinburgh tour is the opportunity to enjoy exclusive tastings at some of the city’s top restaurants, pubs, and cafes. You’ll sample dishes that are not only delicious but also reflective of Scotland’s culinary heritage. From haggis to smoked salmon, whisky to craft beer, each tasting is a celebration of local flavors.

Engaging Storytelling: The guides on this tour are not just knowledgeable; they’re also great storytellers. Their engaging narratives bring Edinburgh’s history to life, making each stop more than just a meal but a journey through time. You’ll hear tales of historic events, colorful characters, and local legends that add depth and context to your experience.

What Makes It a Great Experience for Visitors?

Interactive and Social: Eat Walk Edinburgh is a social experience. You’ll meet fellow travelers and food enthusiasts, making new friends as you share in the culinary delights. The interactive nature of the tour, with its tastings and storytelling, ensures that you’re actively engaged throughout.

Family-Friendly Fun: The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a great activity for families. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the variety of foods and the interesting stories. The walking pace is leisurely, and there are plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the surroundings.

Local Expert Guides: The guides are locals who know Edinburgh inside and out. Their passion for the city and its food scene is contagious, and they’re always happy to answer questions and provide recommendations. This local expertise adds an extra layer of authenticity to your experience.

In this video you’ll see our entire experience with Eat Walk Edinburgh

Edinburgh Gin Distillery

I’m going to start off by being really honest. Not all vineyard and distillery tours are that interesting. In the past I’ve suffered through some tours where my guide has droned on with facts and figures. Furthermore, production techniques and quotas without any immersive activities or back and forth conversation.

Fortunately, our tour of the Edinburgh Gin Distillery was nothing like that! Our guide Abby entertained us with fascinating tales related to the Edinburgh gin craze. Before having us sniff and identify some of the botanicals used to make gin. We then moved on to the gin den to crack open some bottles.

This cozy little cave offered an ideal social setting for us to consume various types of gin. I found myself surprisingly enjoying some of the stronger variations on offer. We ended getting so cozy inside of the gin den. I could have spent the rest of the afternoon inside of its confines.

I’m glad they didn’t have a time limit. Otherwise, we would have likely been kicked out.

Why Is It a Must-Try Experience?

Craftsmanship and Tradition: Edinburgh Gin Distillery is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and respect for tradition. The distillery seamlessly blends age-old techniques with innovative methods, producing a range of gins that are celebrated worldwide. This dedication to quality and creativity is evident in every bottle, making the distillery tour a fascinating exploration of the craft.

Educational and Entertaining: The tours at Edinburgh Gin Distillery are both educational and entertaining. You’ll learn about the history of gin, the intricate distillation process, and the unique botanicals used in Edinburgh Gin. Engaging guides share their knowledge with enthusiasm, making the experience informative without being overwhelming.

What Makes It So Epic?

Exclusive Tastings: One of the highlights of the Edinburgh Gin Distillery experience is the opportunity to enjoy exclusive tastings. You’ll sample a variety of gins, each with its own distinct flavor profile. From classic London Dry to innovative flavored gins, the tasting session is a delightful exploration of tastes and aromas.

Hands-On Experience: For those looking to get more involved, the distillery offers a hands-on gin-making experience. Under the guidance of expert distillers, you’ll select your botanicals, create your own gin, and bottle it to take home. This interactive session is both fun and rewarding, providing a unique souvenir of your visit.

What Makes It a Great Experience for Visitors?

Welcoming Atmosphere: The staff at Edinburgh Gin Distillery are known for their warmth and hospitality. Their passion for gin and dedication to customer service create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or a complete novice, you’ll be treated to a first-class experience.

Beautiful Setting: The distillery itself is an elegant blend of modern design and historical charm. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, it’s easily accessible and surrounded by the city’s rich history. The setting adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit, with stunning interiors that enhance the overall experience.

Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re visiting solo, with a partner, or in a group, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery caters to all. It’s a fantastic choice for a day out, a special celebration, or even a corporate event. The variety of tour options ensures there’s something for everyone.

Join us by watching this video to see what it is like to take Edinburgh Gin Distillery Tour

Whisky Tour in Edinburgh

Whisky tour anyone? Before we move forward let’s get something straight; it is ‘whisky’ without the ‘e’ here in Scotland. Visiting The Scotch Whisky Experience was easily one of the highlights of my entire time in Edinburgh. One of the best and most humbling parts of the tour was the sensory perception test.

Ten tiny glass jars with scented cotton were passed around the room. Hence, our job was to try and identify the smell and write it down. Well, let’s just say I’m not going to quit my day job of travel blogging and making videos anytime soon. Scoring a pathetic 2 out of 10, it was time to redeem myself in the blender’s room.

With single grain, Highland, Lowland, Islay and Speyside it was time to get creative and make our very own blend. I ended up calling mine ‘Sam I Am Shazzam’ with the idea that it was strong and sophisticated much like its creator 😉 Yeah, a bit of stretch there for sure. At the end we had our expert guide do a blind taste test.

Guess who won? Not me, but Audrey! At least, now we know we have career options as blenders in the future.  To top things off we then visited the impressive collection of whisky on the wall. Incredibly, 3,384 bottles from around the world were on display. With the oldest bottle dating back to 1897.

For collectors this was literally the ultimate collection. You could spend hours just glaring at the labels.

Why Is It a Must-Try Experience?

Rich Heritage: Scotch whisky is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, and Edinburgh is home to some of the most renowned whisky bars and distilleries. A whisky tour allows you to immerse yourself in this rich tradition, learning about the origins of whisky, the distillation process, and the unique characteristics of different whisky regions. It’s a journey through Scotland’s liquid gold.

Tasting Sessions: The highlight of any whisky tour is, of course, the tasting sessions. You’ll get to sample a variety of whiskies, from smooth single malts to robust blends. Each tasting is an opportunity to explore different flavors and aromas, guided by experts who can help you appreciate the subtleties and complexities of each dram.

What Makes It So Epic?

Behind-the-Scenes Access: Whisky tours often include behind-the-scenes access to distilleries, where you can see the whisky-making process up close. From the mashing of the barley to the fermentation and distillation, you’ll witness each step that goes into crafting this beloved spirit. This insider look makes the experience both educational and exhilarating.

Exclusive Experiences: Many tours offer exclusive experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. This could be a private tasting in a historic whisky cellar, a masterclass with a renowned whisky maker, or even blending your own bottle of whisky. These unique offerings elevate the tour, making it a truly memorable adventure.

What Makes It a Great Experience for Visitors?

Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and passionate guides are a key part of the whisky tour experience. They bring the history and craftsmanship of whisky to life with engaging stories and expert insights. Whether you’re a novice or a whisky enthusiast, their guidance enhances your understanding and enjoyment of the tour.

Scenic Settings: Many whisky tours in Edinburgh take you to beautiful settings, from historic distilleries to charming whisky bars. The scenic backdrop adds to the overall experience, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The blend of urban and natural beauty in Edinburgh makes each stop on the tour even more special.

Interactive and Social: Whisky tours are interactive and social experiences. You’ll meet fellow whisky lovers, share tasting notes, and perhaps even make new friends. The communal aspect of the tours makes them enjoyable for solo travelers, couples, and groups alike.

More Food and Drink Tours in Edinburgh

Beyond the iconic whisky tours, there’s a wealth of food and drink experiences to be discovered. From indulgent chocolate tours to craft beer tastings, exploring Edinburgh through its flavors is an adventure every visitor should embark upon. Here are some must-try food and drink tours that showcase the best of Edinburgh’s gastronomic scene.

Edinburgh Food Safari

Why It’s a Must-Try: Edinburgh Food Safari takes you off the beaten path to discover hidden culinary gems. This tour is perfect for adventurous foodies looking to explore local favorites that are often missed by tourists.

What Makes It Epic: Led by passionate local guides, this tour introduces you to the city’s diverse food scene, including street food markets, artisanal shops, and family-run eateries. You’ll taste everything from haggis and black pudding to artisanal cheeses and freshly baked goods. The stories behind each bite add depth to the experience, making it a feast for both the stomach and the mind.

Great for Visitors: This tour is ideal for those who want to eat like a local and discover the authentic flavors of Edinburgh. It’s also a fantastic way to explore different neighborhoods and get insider tips on where to dine.

How to Arrange It: Book your Edinburgh Food Safari online through their official website. Tours are available throughout the week, and booking in advance is recommended. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an appetite!

The Chocolatarium Tour

Why It’s a Must-Try: The Chocolatarium Tour is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. This immersive experience takes you on a journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, right in the heart of Edinburgh.

What Makes It Epic: You’ll learn about the history of chocolate, see how it’s made, and even get hands-on by creating your own chocolate bar. The tour includes tastings of chocolates from around the world, offering a rich and varied sensory experience.

Great for Visitors: This tour is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. It’s a fun, interactive experience that combines education with indulgence. Kids especially will love the opportunity to make their own chocolate creations.

How to Arrange It: Book your Chocolatarium Tour through their official website. Tours run daily, and spots can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book ahead. All materials are provided, just bring your love for chocolate!

Edinburgh Craft Beer Experience

Why It’s a Must-Try: Edinburgh has a thriving craft beer scene, and the Edinburgh Craft Beer Experience is the best way to dive into it. This tour takes you to some of the city’s top breweries and pubs, offering a taste of Edinburgh’s best brews.

What Makes It Epic: You’ll visit several local breweries, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy guided tastings of various craft beers. Each stop offers a unique flavor profile and story, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.

Great for Visitors: Beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike will enjoy this tour. It’s a social, relaxed experience that provides a great overview of Edinburgh’s craft beer landscape. It’s also an excellent way to meet fellow beer lovers.

How to Arrange It: Book your Edinburgh Craft Beer Experience online. The tour includes transportation between venues, so you can enjoy your tastings without worry. Comfortable attire and an open mind are all you need!

Scottish Cheese and Whisky Tour

Why It’s a Must-Try: Combining two of Scotland’s most beloved products, the Scottish Cheese and Whisky Tour offers a harmonious pairing of flavors. This tour is perfect for those looking to deepen their appreciation of Scotland’s culinary heritage.

What Makes It Epic: You’ll visit specialty cheese shops and whisky bars, tasting a curated selection of Scottish cheeses paired with premium whiskies. Expert guides will explain the pairing process, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of each combination.

Great for Visitors: This tour is ideal for food and drink connoisseurs. The intricate pairings provide a sophisticated tasting experience, perfect for those wanting to explore the finer points of Scottish cuisine.

How to Arrange It: Book your Scottish Cheese and Whisky Tour online. The tour includes all tastings and is guided by knowledgeable experts. Be sure to book in advance, as this popular tour often sells out.

Edinburgh Wine Tasting Tour

Why It’s a Must-Try: For wine enthusiasts, the Edinburgh Wine Tasting Tour offers a chance to explore the world of wine in a city known more for its whisky. This tour introduces you to exceptional wines in a variety of charming settings.

What Makes It Epic: You’ll visit wine bars and cellars, sampling a range of wines from different regions. The tastings are accompanied by delicious food pairings, enhancing the overall experience. Knowledgeable sommeliers guide you through each tasting, sharing insights and stories about the wines.

Great for Visitors: This tour is perfect for wine lovers and those looking to enjoy a sophisticated evening out. It’s a relaxed, enjoyable way to learn about and appreciate fine wines.

How to Arrange It: Book your Edinburgh Wine Tasting Tour through their official website. Tours are typically held in the evenings, providing a lovely end to your day of sightseeing. Dress smartly and be ready to savor some exceptional wines.

A Parting Thought

Exploring Edinburgh through its food and drink tours is a delicious and enriching way to experience the city. Each tour offers a unique perspective, combining flavors with stories that bring Edinburgh’s culinary scene to life. Cheers to your next culinary adventure in Scotland’s capital!

I hope you didn’t read this article on an empty stomach! Which of the three tours tickles your fancy the most? Have you visited Edinburgh?  Planning on going to Scotland anytime soon? Heading to the Scottish Highlands for an adventure? Fancy a plate of Haggis for lunch? How about a heaping plate of tatties? Be sure to let me know in the comments section below.

This trip was part of a partnership with Visit Britain and iambassador.