Whisky is more than just Scotland’s national drink; it symbolises craftsmanship, heritage, and pride. It is deeply rooted in our culture, dating back hundreds of years, and today still plays a central role in celebrations from Hogmanay and weddings to Burns Night and ceilidhs. Beyond its cultural significance, whisky is one of our most valued exports.
Join us this May as we celebrate Whisky Month in Edinburgh, exploring the legacy of Scotland’s “water of life,” sharing some of our favourite whisky spots, and shining the spotlight on the city’s very own distillery.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your whisky journey, Edinburgh is the perfect place to celebrate this iconic drink. Slàinte mhath!
Scotland’s whisky heritage
Scotland’s whisky heritage stretches back over 500 years, with the earliest written record dating back to 1494. It was then that Friar John Cor, a monk at Lindores Abbey in Fife, was granted malt to produce “aqua vitae”, Latin for “water of life,” a term that would eventually evolve into “whisky.” This historic distillation took place just an hour from Edinburgh and marks the (official) start of a tradition that would shape Scotland’s identity for centuries to come.
Over time, whisky has evolved from a humble homemade spirit into a globally renowned symbol of Scottish craftsmanship. Today, Scotland is proud to have more than 150 distilleries, stretching from Pulteney Distillery in the far north to Bladnoch Distillery in the south.
Why is Scottish whisky called scotch?
Although simply known as whisky in Scotland, our national spirit is known by the rest of the world as scotch. By law, whisky can only be called scotch if it’s been distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years.
What is Scottish whisky made from?
Single malt Scottish whisky is traditionally made from just three ingredients: water, malted barley, and yeast. However, these simple ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary through a centuries-old process that is still guided by tradition to this day.
The production begins with malting, where barley is soaked in water and then dried. The malted barley is then mashed with warm water to extract sugars, and yeast is added during fermentation to convert those sugars into alcohol. This liquid is then distilled in traditional copper stills, typically twice in Scotland, producing a clear, high-strength liquid. The rich colour and complexity we associate with Scottish whisky develops during maturation, as the spirit is aged in oak casks for at least three years (although many are matured far longer).
What makes Scottish whisky unique is Scotland. Our pure mountain water, cool climate, and natural resources all contribute to the distinctive flavours that cannot be replicated. Each whisky-producing region, from the Highlands to Speyside, brings its own unique style. Although Edinburgh lies outside of these traditional regions, the capital city has a growing presence with exciting distilleries where tradition meets innovation.
What whisky is made in Edinburgh?
We couldn’t celebrate Whisky Month without shining a spotlight on Edinburgh’s very own Holyrood Distillery.
Awarded Distiller of the Year 2025 at the World Whiskies Awards, Holyrood is a modern distillery with a strong vision to create a whisky brand which offers something different with every release.
We asked the team a few questions to find out more…
With so many iconic distilleries across Scotland, what makes Holyrood Distillery a must-visit for whisky lovers?
As a craft distillery, we do things a little differently. Our approach to whisky-making is experimental and flavour-first, and our tours and distillery showcase that for our visitors. We provide an opportunity for people to see a working distillery in the heart of Edinburgh, just a 20-minute walk from the Royal Mile. At Holyrood, visitors can see our whisky stills, gin still, and lab alongside our cocktail bar – we’ve got something for everyone.
What’s the one Holyrood whisky everyone should try?
Pitch – the last single malt release in our Founding Series. Pitch explores the untapped potential of yeast in whisky-making. For this release, we ‘pitched’ two yeasts typically used when making red wine to boost the chocolatey flavours of the malt and to add a red fruit sweetness found in classic red wines.
Which Holyrood whisky would you recommend for a special occasion?
Our single-cask whiskies are perfect for any special occasion. They sell out quickly, so if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, you’ll want to keep it to share with your loved ones. We release single-cask whiskies throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled!
A guide to the best whisky experiences in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is an exciting city for whisky lovers with charming bars, whisky-themed events, tastings and educational tours in abundance. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Whisky Month is the perfect excuse to try something new, one dram at a time.
The best whisky tasting in Edinburgh
For an unforgettable whisky tasting experience in Edinburgh, few places rival the impressive setting of Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Enjoy a range of five-star, immersive tasting experiences in a stunning venue with breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. Don’t miss out on their exclusive Johnnie & The Chocolatier event, an indulgent chocolate pairing experience featuring a selection of their iconic Blue Label whiskies.
Edinburgh whisky distillery tours
Holyrood Distillery offers a unique opportunity to experience whisky-making up close, without leaving the city.
Visitors can choose between a range of tours, including the fully guided Holyrood Tour, the Holyrood Highlights, or the premium Behind The Cask experience. Open seven days a week, just a short walk from the Royal Mile, Holyrood is a must-visit for anyone exploring Edinburgh’s thriving whisky scene.
Unique whisky experiences in Edinburgh
If you love whisky and are looking for something a little different, look no further than these standout experiences in Scotland’s capital.
Located on the Royal Mile, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star, award-winning attraction that prides itself on immersing visitors in Scottish whisky. For the last 35 years, this interactive museum has offered an unforgettable sensory journey into the history, craft and culture of Scotland’s national drink. One of the highlights is the breathtaking whisky vault, which houses one of the largest Scotch whisky collections in the world, with over 3,300 bottles on display.
While Edinburgh boasts a lively calendar of whisky events year-round, few offer an experience as distinctive as those hosted by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Founded in 1983 by a small group of friends, the Society has grown into an exclusive global whisky club with over 42,000 members and two unique venues in the city: Queen Street in the New Town and The Vaults in Leith. Far more than just a tasting room, the Society hosts a vibrant programme of events, including Music & Malts every Tuesday night at The Vaults, blending live performances with exceptional drams in an intimate setting.
Must-visit whisky bars in Edinburgh
Just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, Whiski Rooms on North Bank Street is a must-visit for anyone looking for a premium whisky experience. This award-winning bar and restaurant boasts over 300 Scotch malt whiskies, with an impressive selection from familiar favourites to rare finds.
Tucked away in a historic building on Advocates Close in the Old Town, The Devil’s Advocate offers a dramatic setting and whisky list with over 350 whiskies from around the world, including rare and one-off bottlings. The whisky flights are perfect for exploring different styles, and the knowledgeable team is always ready to make recommendations tailored to your taste.
Where to buy whisky in Edinburgh
A beloved shop in the heart of the Old Town, Royal Mile Whiskies is known for its welcoming atmosphere and well-curated selection. The team are experts in all things whisky, making it an ideal stop for beginners and collectors. Expect a wide range of malts, independent bottlings, gift sets, and the occasional hidden gem on the shelves…
Another Old Town gem, The Whisky Trail offers a great selection of whiskies from across Scotland, with helpful tasting notes and regional guides in store. Their focus on accessibility makes it a welcoming stop for those new to whisky or looking to explore different flavour profiles before committing to a full bottle.
Savour a dram at The Bonham Hotel
Tucked away in the West End of Edinburgh, The Bonham Hotel offers more than just luxurious accommodation; it’s home to one of the city’s most elegant whisky bars. Whether you’re winding down after a day exploring the capital or looking to begin your evening in style, our bar is a destination in itself.
You’ll find a rich and extensive selection of Scottish whiskies, carefully curated to provide something for every palate. Our expert bar team is always on hand to offer tailored recommendations, talk you through our whisky flights, or even shake up a bespoke cocktail.
We are delighted to welcome Tamdhu, an iconic sherry-matured single malt, to our offering. We caught up with the team to learn more about this exciting addition…
For those new to Tamdhu, what sets your Speyside single malt apart from others?
In 1897, our founders secured the first shipment of sherry casks from the finest bodegas in Spain. Now, 125 years later, Tamdhu is the only distillery that matures its whisky exclusively in the finest Oloroso sherry casks from beginning to end. It takes an entire six-year process to make our rare and expensive Oloroso Sherry casks, and it’s this dedication and meticulous approach that we believe creates the finest single malt Scotch whisky.
If someone were visiting Edinburgh and enjoying a dram at the Bonham, which Tamdhu expression would you recommend as their first introduction?
From the first sip of our 15-year-old expression, you will discover sherry excellence at a beautiful 46% ABV, boasting natural colour and non-chill filtration. With this dram, you can fully appreciate the vanilla sweetness from the American Oak and the influence of European Oak’s nuttiness, dried fruit, and spice notes coming together in true harmony, delivering an unforgettable experience.
What’s one little-known fact about Tamdhu that more whisky lovers should know?
Tamdhu is the closest distillery to the beautiful River Spey, where the area takes its namesake.
Join us in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End to discover Tamdhu for yourself, alongside our exclusive whisky selection. Reserve your table online and raise a glass to Whisky Month at one of Edinburgh’s most stylish hotels.