Underground; Whisky Tour & Tasting

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.

We have King James IV of Scotland (commonly referred to as the world’s first famous whisky drinker) to thank for Edinburgh’s monopoly on whisky production in the 15th-century. He believed in the drink’s medicinal properties, which is why the Guild of Surgeon Barbers was originally tasked with manufacturing it.

You’ll also learn of 19th-century Old Town locals like George Ballantine and Andrew Usher Jr; pioneers of homemade whisky, which ended up being exported worldwide.

These are just two of the many fascinating transformations that Scotch whisky has undertaken over the centuries, which we will explore as we wander the streets where these events took place.

The tour continues with a whisky tasting in our candlelit underground Megget’s Cellar. There’s no better way to warm the spirits. You’ll taste four Scottish whiskies, under the guidance of our whisky specialist.

Your expert will cover everything you need to know about the water of life; from how whisky is made to the effects that different 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! 

Please Note: To give a fully immersive experience, we’ll provide a personal audio device. Your Storyteller will use a headset with microphone to ensure you hear every word over the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s lively Old Town.