Distilleries near Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, used to be the home to many Scotch Whisky distilleries. Nowadays it can only claim one distillery (North British distillery) and unfortunately it is not open to the public. Being a grain distillery it also does not have the charm you would expect from a Scottish Malt Whisky distillery. Nonetheless on a trip to Edinburgh there are plenty of opportunities to experience Scotch Whisky in the city itself, or in around an hour's journey time.

The best place to start your Scotch Whisky edification is Edinburgh Castle, or more precisely Castlehill - the short cobbled stone road that forms the very top end of Edinburgh's famed Royal Mile ( Royal because it links the Castle at the top with Holyrood Palace at its base). Here on Castlehill, on the left hand-side, just before Edinburgh Castle's parade ground is The Scotch Whisky Experience . The Experience offers a great introduction to Scotch Whisky with an interesting and informative tour. As you would expect of an attraction that can boasts most of Scotland's leading distillers as stakeholders, it also has one of the best stocked Scotch Whisky bars in Edinburgh and Scotland's first Whisky themed restaurant. Its store is also worth a browse - look out for their security cabinet of very old and rare Scotch Whiskies (some of these you can buy by the glass downstairs in their bar).

For those who want to visit a working distillery there are six distilleries in striking distance from Edinburgh, the nearest of which is the Lowland Glenkinchie distillery 

Glenkinchie Distillery -Lowland single malt distillery

Glenkinchie lies 19 miles to the east of Edinburgh, approximately a 40 minutes drive from the centre of Edinburgh out to East Lothian. The area is famed for its golf courses, nineteen in total, with Muirfield - home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers- amongst its best known. Glenkinchie itself is one of only three Lowlands single malt distilleries still in operation and is probably the most widely available given its central position within Diageo's very successful Classic malts range.

To travel to the distillery by public transport the 44B 'First Bus', which leaves Edinburgh City Centre (St. Andrew Square) at twenty minutes to each hour, can be taken. The bus' destination is Pencaitland. On arriving in the village of Pencaitland, getting off at the petrol station/Spar Shop stop, it is  a two mile walk to the distillery, or a short taxi ride (tel: 01875 340805).

For those with a real interest in the distilling, brewing and fermenting of alcohol a short journey further south to Dunbar can be rewarded with a visit to Belhaven Brewery. This is where Scotland's best-selling ale (beer) is produced: Belhaven Best. Tours are limited, so it is best to call and book beforehand (Belhaven Brewery, Dunbar Tel: 01368 869200, Belhaven Brewery tours)

To sample a Highland distillery a trip north from Edinburgh is required.  Unlike a trip to the Highlands of Scotland, the highland region as defined by single malt style is not that far away from the capital.

Tullibardine distillery - Highland single Malt distillery

 Just 50 miles north-west of Edinburgh, halfway between Stirling and Perth along the A9, is the village of Blackford. It is here, an hour's car journey from Edinburgh, where Tullibardine distillery is situated. The distillery is the closest to the world renowned Gleneagles golf course and resort at Auchterader, and if planning to visit the distillery by train it is Auchterader station where you should disembark - a taxi journey from the station will be needed to get you to the distillery. (Regular trains leave from Edinburgh Waverley station to Auchterader).

Tullibardine distillery is unique in having converted many of its outlying buildings into a high quality retail complex. It includes stores from Tiso, hill walking and outdoor leisure equipment, and Baxter's - known for their soups and preserves.

The Famous Grouse Experience - Glenturret Distillery

Thirteen miles from Tullibardine is the home of Scotland's best selling Scotch Whisky : The Famous Grouse Experience. The experience is built around Glenturret distillery, one of the key constituents of The Famous Grouse blend, and situated on the outskirts of the town of Crieff. It is 53 miles from Edinburgh and will take about an hour and a quarter to drive. Alternatively there is an organised day trip arranged by Rabbies Trail Burners .

Glenturret is reputed to be the oldest working distillery in Scotland, having been established in 1775.

Dewar's World of Whisky - Aberfeldy Distillery

Dewar's World of Whisky, housed at Aberfeldy distillery, is the spiritual home to Dewar's Scotch Whisky - the leading Whisky brand in the United States and numerous countries around the world. The five-star attraction offers an innovative tour through the history and production of Dewar's blended Scotch Whisky. Aberfeldy distillery has been central to Dewar's ever since brothers Alexander and Tommy Dewar established it in 1898. After inheriting their father's company, John Dewar & Sons, both were instrumental in developing Dewar's into the world recognised Scotch it is today. Tommy in particular has become famous for his amazing salesmanship and quick wit. Dewar's World of Whisky is 75 miles from Edinburgh and can be driven in an hour and half.

Blair Athol Distillery and Edradour Distillery

Pitlochry in the Highlands is lucky enough to boast two Scotch Whisky distilleries:  Blair Athol distillery and Edradour distillery , and at only 70 miles north of Edinburgh it is an easy day-trip from the capital.

Both distilleries produce some excellent single malts; however Blair Athol distillery is also known as the home of Bell's Scotch Whisky.

Pitlochry has its own railway station and receives regular trains from Edinburgh Waverley on their way to Inverness. Both distilleries are within walking distance from the station. As well as Whisky enthusiasts the town attracts hill walkers, eager to enjoy some of Perthshire's dramatic walks. The close-by Munro (Scottish mountain over 3,000 feet) Schiehallion is a particular favourite. Pitlochry Festival Theater stages a wide selection of productions and classes throughout the year and is another of the town's attractions.

Links

• The Famous Grouse Experience
• Blair Athol Distillery
• Glenkinchie Distillery
• Scotch Whisky Experience
• Dewar's World of Whisky
• Edradour
• Tullibardine Distillery