Tastings in Edinburgh

If you want to get a real flavour of Edinburgh, tastings are the way to go. The city isn’t just about neat shots of whisky, although there’s plenty of that tucked away in tiny bars on Rose Street or hidden in Leith’s waterfront. Try the Scotch Whisky Experience near the Castle if you haven’t done it before – it’s touristy, yes, but also a decent intro. And for something a bit different, pop into Bonnington Distillery in Newhaven. Their gin is brilliant and the tasting sessions feel much more relaxed than the city centre.

Chocolate lovers, take note: Artisan du Chocolat runs tastings that are surprisingly lively, and during the festive season, their hot chocolate is worth the trip alone. Edinburgh’s craft beer scene has grown wild too, and there’s usually a beer tasting event somewhere around Old Town or at local breweries like Stewart Brewing.

One local tip: book your spots in advance if you’re visiting in summer or during the Festival. Tastings fill up fast and last-minute chances can be rare. And don’t just stick to the big names , ask around in pubs and independent shops; you’ll often find lesser-known gems doing tastings you won’t hear about in guidebooks.