Drinks fans heading to the capital for the Festival this summer needn't worry that it's the only show in town. In fact, Edinburgh has a range of top whisky and gin experiences that are great fun for people who are fascinated by these two wonderful spirits.
Not only are they both made in the city, but Edinburgh also has a lot of history when it comes to whisky production, while modern experiences help you understand them like never before.
From experiences and pop-ups to distilleries to bars, here are some of the best whisky and gin experiences to check out in Edinburgh while you're at the festival.
Holyrood Distillery
The first single malt whisky distillery in the city centre in almost a century opened to the public in 2019 and has a fantastic offering.
Though this exciting modern distillery doesn't have its own whisky (yet) it does have its own gin and a variety of tours.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience offers several levels of tastings to give you the low down on everything from production to tasting and is a great way to find out the answers to all of those niggling questions.
And you can always grab a bite to eat in the excellent Amber Restaurant afterwards.
Glenkinchie Distillery
Only 15 miles from the capital lies Edinburgh's original unofficial distillery, home of the 'Edinburgh malt' and one of the best equipped in the country for tours.
With an incredible scale model to show the process involved in whisky making, a newly updated state-of-the-art visitor centre and an extensive tour to see how this wonderful spirit is made, it's well worth checking out.
The Johnnie Walker Experience
Scotland's newest whisky attraction, the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Experience, has opened in the heart of Edinburgh.
The eagerly awaited eight-floor visitor experience, which is located in the former House of Fraser building on the capital's Princes Street, takes visitors on an immersive journey through the whisky brand's 200-year-old history and includes a look at whisky through a variety of amazing mixed drinks.
Edinburgh Gin's Heads and Tales bar
Relax with a cocktail or two as you watch Flora and Caley do all the hard work (that's Edinburgh Gin's stills and not the barmaids) in this excellent little bar hidden away beneath the Rutland's Hotel, which allows guests to get up close and personal with one of Scotland's top gin production sites.
56 North
Edinburgh's first and most impressive gin bar has a gantry that will have you whistling through your teeth as it offers the very best selection of Scottish gins you'll find anywhere around. Owner James Sutherland has also launched his own gins with the stills on display in the bar.
The World's Smallest Whisky Bar
The "world's smallest" whisky bar is set to open in the capital this week as part of the Edinburgh Festival celebrations. Created by independent whisky bottler Cask 88, the pop-up bar has transformed one of Edinburgh’s 142 classical police boxes into a custom-built mini-pub.
Described as a "tiny slice of whisky heaven", the mini-bar can be found on Princes Street, sitting snugly on the corner of Hope Street and Shandwick Place. Cask 88 say that with a floor space of 1.978 square metres, it is the "world’s smallest" whisky bar.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Society's flavour-forward approach strips away a lot of the confusing aspects of whisky and allows you to just taste and enjoy Scotland's national drink.
With a variety of themed tastings, there are plenty of enjoyable ways to sample some great drams.
But, should you want something a little more bespoke, then the team at the Society offer a customised tasting based on your tastes or requirements.
Be warned though, the majority of their whiskies come in at cask strength, meaning a wee glass of water on the side shouldn't be shrugged at.
Cadenheads
A wander down the Canongate will bring you to one of our favourite whisky venues in the capital and a true hidden gem. Cadenhead’s is Scotland's oldest independent bottler and their bottle shop in Edinburgh is where you'll find some of the most knowledgeable experts around.
With plenty of retail options (their whisky range is both excellent value and wonderfully varied) the shop also offers plenty of tastings that are perfect for beginners so once you are done being impressed by the encyclopedic knowledge of the people behind the counter, you can sit down with them to learn more about - and taste - some great whiskies.
Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.
READ MORE:
8 of Scotland's most colourful, beautiful and downright unique streets to check out
Scotland's top pubs and restaurants unveiled in public vote
The best beaches in Scotland to go rock pooling with the kids
