Whisky 101 in Edinburgh: 90-minute Introduction to Taste, History, and Process

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
(256 Ratings)
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Josie_p
Aug 7, 2024
Great evening with good whiskey and a fun guide - Our guide was engaging and really fun, we had a great time. The venue was very atmospheric for the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Luke_s
Jul 31, 2024
Amazing whiskey experience! - James was a brilliant guide and taught us a lot about tasting whiskey and the history of it. The location is amazing as well.
Review provided by Viator
Cookie_n
Jul 27, 2024
A fantastic experience! - This was a fantastic experience! I am not a whisky drinker, but my husband is. I thought he would enjoy this experience in the old town part of Edinburgh. The location of the whisky tasting experience is underground in spaces that were formerly used as courthouse jails and other things. It's got a very old and dank vibe, but it was pretty cool to see spaces that were used so long ago. The whisky tasting itself was fun! They explained the region in which each whisky was made and we went through a process of exploring the whisky with our sense before we tasted it. Padge (I'm sorry if I misspelled it!) was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions with charm and patience. 10/10 recommend this experience!
Review provided by Viator
Marcus
Jul 26, 2024
Worth a visit, nice environment and good guides - in the middle of town. - Nice environment and fantastic Guide - Sarah, who with humor and tempo took us through a very nice evening with curiosities and facts about the history of whisky!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anneo682
Jul 11, 2024
Great location - Great introduction to scottish whisky from the different refions. Highly recommend if you are looking for a different type of whisky tasting. Great location.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorrie
Jul 8, 2024
Great tour and guide! - Our guide was very knowledgeable and she also had a great sense of humor. It was very interesting learning about the different whiskeys based on the region. It was also nice to have a small group. Overall glad we went and would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
James_d
Jun 30, 2024
Whiskey Tasting - Great small group tasting experience. Our guide was very personable and answered all of our questions. A really fun experience.
Review provided by Viator
Heather_t
Jun 24, 2024
Must do for Whisky lovers - Loved hearing the history behind the distillery and development of each pour. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun. Great tour!
Review provided by Viator
Ximena_a
Jul 25, 2024
Very educational - A fun experience where we learned the basics about how to taste a good whisky. The guide was fun and entertaining
Review provided by Viator
Ejb0012018
Jun 24, 2024
90 minute whisky intro - is basically a drink with tourists in a basement. Would not recommend. - Visited Edinburgh last week and was looking for an evening whiskey event. Booked this via Viator as the price and explanation of what was offered seemed fair and interesting. I was also looking for an evening event and not many places offer these. The meeting place is well described and easy to find just at the side of the Royal Mile. The event ticket states you meet here and will be then taken to the event as well as being returned to the same place. You actually have to wait in a hostel reception / bar only to be taken downstairs to the hostel basement. Regrettably the marketing feels somewhat misleading. We were taken into one of the basement rooms which had low orange lighting. Whilst great for mood setting not suitable for being able to see the colour of the whiskey. There were 10 of us (rather than the advertised max 8) so we may have been placed in a different room. Either way it was not suitable for the type of event. The information was presented in a light hearted way but I have to say it felt like it had simply been learned off the internet. It felt like we were at some dodgy fake event. The tasting notes were sort and shift and the information provided incredibly limited. There was little engagement and the host did not seem passionate about the topic or whiskey. The four whiskeys were provided in quick succession with little time to enjoy or explore them. In fact the intro, tasting and chat was all done in 60 mins with the remaining time spent being pushed into their shop and exiting well before 90 minutes was up! Two of the whiskeys were undrinkable - appreciate we all have different tastes but all the group seemed to agree. Overall I feel duped and that we wasted £70 (for two). Yes we learned a litte about the area and what is produced where… however I do not feel I learned anything more than what I could have after a quick google search. Disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
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September 2024
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