Edinburgh: Underground Whisky Tour and Tasting

Step into the shadows of the Old Town for a journey through time that tracks the ‘water of life’ from its seedy origins among smugglers and bootleggers to the global icon it is today. This 2-hour adventure pairs gritty history with an exclusive, candlelit tasting in Edinburgh’s hidden underground vaults.

Getting started

Your journey begins at the historic Mercat Cross on High Street. Here, you’ll meet your guide and receive your TourTalk audio device, ensuring you catch every detail of the colourful history as you navigate the bustling Royal Mile. Please note this experience is strictly for adults (18+) and involves a walk of approximately 950 steps through Edinburgh's historic wynds.

What to expect

Wander through the narrow closes where the world’s largest whisky companies were born, hearing tales of royal prescriptions and illicit stills. The experience ends deep beneath the city streets in Megget’s Cellar, where you will taste your way through Scotland’s diverse whisky regions in an atmospheric setting.

Features:

• Chronicles of the ‘water of life’: Follow the evolution of Scotch from the 15th-century monopoly of King James IV to the 19th-century pioneers like George Ballantine. Discover the unlikely role of the Guild of Surgeon Barbers and the ‘underbelly’ characters who jump-started production.

• Exclusive underground vault access: Descend into the candlelit Megget’s Cellar, a private underground vault away from the city crowds, for an intimate and uninterrupted tasting session.

• Regional tasting masterclass: Under the guidance of a whisky specialist, sample 4 distinct Scottish whiskies. Explore the unique profiles of the Speyside, Highland, Islay, and Lowland regions, learning how water, barley, peat, and casks create the final liquid gold.

• Master storytellers & audio tech: Your expert guides bring history to life with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh delivered through high-quality audio devices. You’ll be fully immersed in the stories of the past without missing a word of the expert commentary.

• Premium souvenir: Every guest receives an official Glencairn whisky tasting glass included in the ticket price to help you practice your new skills.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Have your ID ready for a seamless experience.

What’s not allowed

• Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 18 years.

• Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

• People with cardiac issues and pregnant women are restricted from participating in this experience.

Additional information

• This experience includes alcoholic beverages. Availability is subject to age restrictions and local laws. Please carry a valid ID. Drink responsibly.