Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 76 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting worth booking?
Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $43 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 76 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (76)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $43 per person
Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and past far beyond your visit. Embark on a sensory journey through
What you get
- Whisky tasting of 4 drams
- Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Small-Group Experience
- Exclusive Sounds of Edinburgh Tour Playlist
- Exclusive multi-sensory tours; with master Storyteller guides
About this experience
Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and past far beyond your visit. Embark on a sensory journey through Scotland’s whisky. Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, where the world’s largest Scottish whisky company was founded and a vibrant history of “aqua vitae” (or the “water of life”) began. The tour continues with a whisky tasting in our underground Megget’s Cellar. Hear captivating tales, breathe in the rich aromas, and savour a single malt tasting in our exclusive underground vaults. There’s no better way to warm the spirits. You’ll taste four Scottish whiskies, under the guidance of our whisky specialist. As a certified B Corporation, we're dedicated to responsible tourism practices that benefit our community and environment. Join an unrivalled journey into Edinburgh's past, engaging all the senses to create a truly memorable experience that lasts long after your visit.
What's included
Included
- Whisky tasting of 4 drams
- Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Small-Group Experience
- Exclusive Sounds of Edinburgh Tour Playlist
- Exclusive multi-sensory tours; with master Storyteller guides
Not included
- This tour is not suitable for those under the age of 18
What you'll see and do
Mercat Cross
Start your tour at the Mercat Cross and discover the importance of this 8-sided historically significant monument
15 minutes here · Admission included
Royal Mile
Embark on a sensory journey through Scotland’s whisky. Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, where the world’s largest Scottish whisky company was founded and a vibrant history of “aqua vitae” (or the “water of life”) began. Hear the stories of those who jump-started whisky production in Edinburgh, including the smugglers, bootleggers and other seedier characters of the Old Town’s underbelly.
30 minutes here
Your expert will cover everything you need to know about the water of life; from how whisky is made to the effects that different fundamental elements such as water, barley, peat and the cask have on the production process. Nose and taste your way through the whisky regions, with sample whiskies from Speyside, Highland, Islay and Lowland distilleries. Just consider this your first step to becoming a whisky connoisseur!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Mercat Cross, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. Look for the 8 sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black, holding an iPad, wearing an orange lanyard & holding a black & orange umbrella.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Megget`s Cellar, 28 Blair Street, EH1 1QR. This tour ends in Megget's Cellar, which is located half way down the stairs to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, right underneath our main booking office.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mercat Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 77 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
77 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great story's and whisky.
After doing the Ghost tour 5 years ago, when I went back with my father I knew I had to book with Mercat. We really loved the introduction to Whisky and its history. The Whisky's where amazing, the Guide was amazing, the only thing I had hoped was that we would have seen some of the vaults. Might have been my mistake by associating the Ghost tour with the whisky tour, but I hoped some stories about the underground economics where combined with the whisky tour and tasting.
via Tripadvisor
A very good tour
Very good tour, I would recommend to any whiskey buff!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re delighted you enjoyed the Edinburgh Whisky Tour and would recommend it to fellow whisky enthusiasts. Mercat Team
via Tripadvisor
Great experience for whisky lovers
I shared this experience with my son and we both had a great time. Our guide, Mally, was excellent, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject of whisky and Scotland. The tour was just the right length at about an hour and was followed by a whisky tasting session where Mally shared his experience and knowledge of the whisky making process before we all sampled a few drams from different parts of Scotland. Overall a very enjoyable experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're delighted you and your son enjoyed the Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting with Mally. It’s wonderful to hear that his knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for whisky helped make the experience both informative and enjoyable. We appreciate you sharing your kind words with us. Mercat Team
via Tripadvisor
A great, fun, interactive and immersive experience
Our tour with Linda was beyond expectations. She was very attentive to everyone and really had everyone involved in the tour and the stories. It made for a fun, interactive, and immersive experience. The group was a good size, leaving good space for interactions with everyone. We didn’t feel rushed throughout the tour, and the whisky tasting at the end of the tour was a great way to top it off while hearing more fascinating stories about Edinburgh. I highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed your whisky experience with Linda and that the interactive storytelling, relaxed pace and tasting made for such a memorable evening. We really appreciate your recommendation. Mercat Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing guide
The tour was really good! Especially our tour guide Mally, such a nice and fun guy, that knew everything about Whiskey! He made the tour feel so personal! 😊
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the whisky tour experience and that it felt personal, fun, and informative throughout. Mercat Team.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Mercat Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.8 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Mercat Tours runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting cost?
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Prices start at $43 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 76 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting?
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Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small Group Edinburgh Whisky Tour and Tasting start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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