Whisky 101 in Edinburgh: 90-minute Introduction to Taste, History, and Process
4.9
233 Ratings
Edinburgh
Discover the fascinating world of whisky in Edinburgh! Join our 90-minute introduction to taste, history, and the whisky-making process. Explore a unique underground space and sample whiskies from different regions.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • CoDE Pod \’96 THE CoURT - Join us for an evening of whisky and stories in the historic heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh! This is the ideal introduction to the world of whisky - we’ll talk to you about the history of whisky, and tell you how Scottish whisky became the finest in the world.

Along the way, we’ll sample whiskies from each of the major whisky producing regions of Scotland, whilst exploring a newly uncovered underground area of Edinburgh.

With 4 different whiskies, one of our guides leads you on a spirited adventure through our very unique venue. The different levels all run at the same time and place, so you can tailor the experience to suit your group by selecting different ones for each member:-

Intermediate Whiskies - for those who have a little more whisky experience and want the opportunity to try something more rare and complex, this offers you more unusual and exciting whiskies, with the same blend of history to accompany them! 4 Drams of more upmarket whisky

High End Whiskies - top shelf whisky for the serious whisky buff! 5 Drams this time, and the whiskies that you would pine after in the specialist whisky shops, but maybe hesitate to buy because of the price tag ;)

What's Included
  • Experienced Local Guide
  • 4 Whiskies, one from each of the major whisky production regions of Scotland
Meal Options
  • Whisky - 4 whiskies, one from each of the major whisky production regions of Scotland
Additional Information

Welcome to Whisky 101! This is a beginners guide to the rich backstory, creation technique, and flavors of our country’s signature beverage, whisky, all condensed in an engaging 90-minute session. Our unique location, a recently discovered underground venue in Edinburgh’s Old Town, adds to the experience. Enjoy private access to this historical place, savor whiskies from the main whisky regions, and learn about the significant part whisky has played in our nation’s past.

Location
CoDE Pod – THE CoURT
Parliament Square
Behind St Giles Cathedral, in the corner of Parliament Square, you'll fin the statue of James Braidwood, and next to that is the Code Pod Hostel, 1A Parliament Square, EH1 1RF where we'll meet you at reception! Your guide will meet you there and then take you down into our location.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(233 Ratings)
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Mllekelly
Apr 4, 2024
It will warm your bones - We signed up for a last-minute whisky tasting to get out of the rain on our first night in Edinburgh. You enter the lobby for the hostel & café, then the guide comes and whisks (ha) you down, down, down into the old jail cells for the digitally-candlelit tasting. I had the regular flight and my husband got the intermediate. The pours were generous! Our instructor/expert whisky drinker, Paj, was entertaining and knowledgeable. We had a lovely 90 minute experience and another pour at the very small bar and whisky room.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzanne_g
Apr 3, 2024
Excellent! Highly recommend. - Fabulous. This tour was held on site in the cellar. The scotches featured were wonderful (I selected intermediate and was quite pleased), and I learned a lot. Guide was very knowledgeable. Two thumbs way up.
Review provided by Viator
Dominic
Mar 17, 2024
Whisky 101 with Paj was great - Booked the Whisky 101 very spontaneously and couldn‘t have asked for more. The location is one of its kind. The group size was small (6) and Paj did a great job of keeping us engaged and guided us perfectly through the event. The Whisky selection was great as well. Would definitely recommend and will come back for the intermediate tasting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jana_s
Mar 11, 2024
Fun and educational - Really fun and interesting and very informative. The whiskey was really tasty and I learnt a lot. Thanks
Review provided by Viator
Frankjc8472lz
Mar 10, 2024
Best whiskey sampling ever. - My friends did the introductory and I did the high end whiskeys. We all really liked the variety of drinks offered and I was impressed by the high end options. I love scotch and I was happy to sample from all new distilleries. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to get a taste of every region in Scotland. A+!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lea_l
Feb 8, 2024
Informative, exciting, relaxed and engaging - All of it. Between James as a host, the venue, vibe, information and of course the whiskey, it was all amazing. Would easily recommend the tour to anyone new and experienced to whiskey.
Review provided by Viator
Audram682
Jan 20, 2024
Whisky 101 well worth it! - We did the whisky 101 tour with Sarah and it was a great, very unique experience. The underground space is very cool and I liked the variation in whisky’s that we tasted. Would definitely do again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Missi_h
Dec 23, 2023
New to Scotch - We had never been scotch whisky drinkers and this was a great introduction to the spirit! We had 4 intermediate brands, each very different and enjoyable. Now we know what to buy!
Review provided by Viator
Madeleine_c
Dec 18, 2023
LOVED IT!!! - WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE!!! our guide was ABSOLUTELY wonderful throughout the entire process despite my friend and I not being great whiskey fans. I would 10/10 do it again with our guide!!
Review provided by Viator
Jane_n
Apr 13, 2024
A bit disappointed - The most memorable were the attendees. Wonderfully interesting group. I was disappointed in the venue. We were in the lower level of a hostel in a room with really poor lighting. When asked to review the color of the whiskey, it wasn't possible. The gentleman hosting did his best, I believe.
Review provided by Viator
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