Cellar Of Scotland Walking Tour – Scotland’s finest drinks

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and want to combine a love for good drinks with a bit of sightseeing, the Cellar of Scotland Walking Tour offers a compelling mix of both. With a solid 4.8 out of 5 rating from eight reviews, this experience promises not only to quench your thirst for Scottish spirits but also to deepen your understanding of the city’s history and architecture.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local, high-quality drinks—from real cask ale and cider to single malt whisky, gin, and inventive cocktails. Plus, the tour takes you through iconic neighborhoods, offering a taste of Edinburgh’s diverse charm. The only potential downside? It involves walking about 2 miles, so comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, drink lovers, and those who enjoy exploring cities on foot with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re after a relaxed yet enriching experience that combines education with tasting, this is a strong choice.

Key Points

• Diverse Scottish drinks: Experience five different drinks including real ale, cider, whisky, gin, and cocktails.
• Expert-guided insights: Learn about Scotland’s drink history and Edinburgh’s architecture from engaging locals.
• Authentic venues: Visit historic pubs dating back to the 1800s and modern bars in both Old and New Town.
• Cultural immersion: Walk through Edinburgh’s royal burghs, garden squares, medieval alleys, and vibrant neighborhoods.
• Tasting and storytelling: Enjoy a mix of beverages paired with stories, anecdotes, and local snacks.
• Value for money: At $75, it offers a comprehensive taste of Scotland’s drink scene and city highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Starting Point: A Historic Cask Ale Bar

The tour kicks off at The Barony Bar on Broughton Street, an hotel that dates back to the 1800s. Meeting at this historic pub sets the tone perfectly: you’re already stepping into Edinburgh’s past. This venue’s long history adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. Our guide, Steven, is praised for his broad knowledge of Scottish drinks and Edinburgh’s stories, making the introduction both warm and informative.

The First Tasting: Cask Ale and Cider

The journey begins with sampling real cask ale and cider, giving you a taste of traditional Scottish brewing. Reviewers mention how Steven patiently explains the differences between each drink, teaching guests how to detect subtle notes and aromas. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or new to cask ale, you’ll appreciate the depth of knowledge shared. One guest noted, “Steven was very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions,” making the tasting lively and educational.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Neighborhoods

As you walk through the city’s major neighborhoods, the guide shares insights into Edinburgh’s fascinating architecture and history. Highlights include ancient royal burghs, ornate garden squares, medieval alleys, and modern shopping districts. The pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of opportunities to take photos and soak in the atmosphere. Guests consistently remark on how the guide’s storytelling adds context to the city’s sights, making the experience more memorable.

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Whisky and Beyond

Next stop is a traditional Edinburgh bar with a rich history, where you’ll sample Scottish whisky. Reviewers like Pamela appreciated trying multiple whiskeys in various combinations, sometimes with a beer chaser—an unexpected twist that adds fun to the tasting. The guide thoroughly explains whisky’s journey in Scotland, from its origins to modern craft distilleries. You’ll also get to taste other spirits like gin, and enjoy a cocktail or two, broadening your understanding of Scotland’s distilling diversity.

Snack Pairings and Additional Drinks

Several reviews mention that, while the tour promises snacks at each stop, only one or two were served. This slight inconsistency didn’t detract from the experience but is worth noting if you’re particularly hungry. The focus remains on quality drinks and lively conversation, making it an ideal social activity.

The Overall Walk and Duration

Expect about 2 miles of walking during the tour, which is manageable for most as long as you’re wearing comfortable shoes. The entire experience lasts around a few hours, offering a good balance of sampling, sightseeing, and storytelling. The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

Value and Pricing

At $75 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. You receive five tastings, a knowledgeable guide, and an engaging walking tour of Edinburgh’s historic districts. Compared to other specialized drinks experiences in the city, this package stands out for its inclusiveness—it’s not just a tasting but also a cultural walkthrough. Guests consistently mention the excellent storytelling from guides like Steven and Alan, who bring the city’s and the drinks’ histories to life.

What You’re Getting for Your Money

• An authentic experience in historic venues
• Education on Scottish drinks and architecture
• The chance to taste a variety of drinks you might not try on your own
• A relaxed atmosphere perfect for socializing and learning

While not including additional food or transportation, the tour’s focus on high-quality drinks and local stories makes it a worthwhile splurge for those interested in Scottish culture.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults over 18 who enjoy good drinks, history, and city walks. It’s ideal for social groups, couples, or solo travelers looking to combine sightseeing with a lively tasting experience. If you’re a whisky novice or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—and learn—from the guides’ insights.

It’s also perfect if you prefer walking over bus tours, as the pace is leisurely but active. Keep in mind, participants should be comfortable walking 2 miles and be prepared for some standing and mild tasting fatigue.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

All in all, the Cellar of Scotland Walking Tour offers a balanced blend of history, architecture, and Scottish drink culture. The knowledgeable guides, especially Steven and Alan, make the experience lively and informative, with reviews emphasizing their ability to answer questions and share stories. The chance to sample five different Scottish drinks, from traditional cask ales to innovative cocktails, provides real value—particularly for those eager to understand Scotland’s storied distilling tradition.

If you’re seeking an engaging way to explore Edinburgh while sampling its best drinks, this tour hits the mark. It’s well-paced, educational, and most importantly, fun. The only thing to consider is whether you’re comfortable walking a few miles, but if you are, you’ll find this tour both educational and delicious.

FAQs

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour begins at The Barony Bar on Broughton Street, a historic pub in Edinburgh, located about 11 minutes downhill from Waverley Station.

How long does the tour last?
While not explicitly specified, the walking and tasting experience typically lasts a few hours, covering approximately 2 miles of walking.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, you’ll taste five Scottish drinks, including real ale, cider, whisky, gin, and cocktails. Additional food and drinks are not included.

Is food provided during the tour?
Guests mention that snacks are promised but only one or two are served, so if you’re very hungry, consider bringing a small snack.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it is only for guests over 18 years old due to alcohol consumption.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included; you will walk between venues and explore the neighborhoods on foot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
According to the information, the tour is conducted in English only.

Final Verdict

The Cellar of Scotland Walking Tour shines as a well-rounded experience for those eager to enjoy Edinburgh’s drink culture while exploring its streets. The combination of historic pubs, expert storytelling, and tastings makes it a memorable activity that appeals to both casual drinkers and history buffs alike. For an engaging afternoon or early evening in Edinburgh, it’s a choice that balances fun, education, and authentic local flavor—making it a solid pick for any visitor looking to add a spirited touch to their Scottish adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: