Edinburgh: Glenkinchie to Johnnie Walker Whisky Tour

The Edinburgh Whisky Tour offers an immersive journey through Scotland’s renowned whisky culture. Priced at $295.87 per person, this 7-hour experience takes travelers from the picturesque Glenkinchie Distillery to the modern Johnnie Walker Princes Street, with guided tours, tastings, and a delightful lunch included. While customer reviews suggest a mixed bag, the tour promises to unveil the unique flavors and rich history that make these iconic distilleries true landmarks. Discover the stories that have made Scotch whisky a global phenomenon.

Key Points

• The tour covers two iconic whisky destinations in Edinburgh: Glenkinchie Distillery and Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
• The 7-hour tour includes guided tours, tastings, and lunch at Glenkinchie, as well as a full-sensory whisky experience at Johnnie Walker.
• Participants can expect to learn about whisky production, tasting nuances, and the cultural significance of these two Scottish whisky brands.
• While the tour is generally well-received, some customers have reported issues with transportation and a lack of immersion in certain activities.
• The tour is priced at $295.87 per person, and customers have expressed concerns regarding the perceived value for the cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Edinburgh Whisky Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two renowned distilleries, Glenkinchie and Johnnie Walker Princes Street, with a price tag of $295.87 per person.

This 7-hour tour limits group size to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour includes transportation, guided tours, tastings, and lunch at Glenkinchie.

Visitors can experience the full-sensory whisky adventure, from exploring the distilleries to sampling signature drams and custom cocktails.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available, and a reserve now, pay later option is offered, providing flexibility for travelers.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at 15 Charlotte Square, where participants embark on a 1-hour car ride to Glenkinchie Distillery.

The tour begins at 15 Charlotte Square, where participants embark on a 1-hour car ride to Glenkinchie Distillery.

Upon arrival, the group will enjoy:

1. A guided tour of the distillery (1 hour)

2. A whisky tasting session (45 minutes)

3. A lunch break (45 minutes)

Next, the tour travels 1 hour to Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

Here, the group will:

1. Partake in a guided tour (1 hour)

2. Indulge in a whisky tasting (30 minutes)

3. Sip an aperitif or cocktail (30 minutes) before concluding with some shopping time (30 minutes).

The tour finishes on Princes Street.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring Glenkinchie’s distillery offers visitors a chance to taste three signature drams and enjoy a delightful lunch on-site.

The tour then takes guests on a journey to Johnnie Walker’s pioneering Princes Street location, where they’ll experience a full-sensory whisky adventure.

Personalized drinks and an immersive experience allow visitors to discover the brand’s rich history and diverse flavors.

Throughout the tour, you will explore the world of Scottish whisky, learning about its production, tasting nuances, and cultural significance.

The tour promises to be a comprehensive and engaging exploration of two iconic whisky destinations.

Included Services

The tour package includes a private transfer from the customer’s Edinburgh hotel to the Glenkinchie Distillery, where they’ll embark on a full-sensory tour and tutored whisky tasting.

This is followed by:

1. A whisky tasting of 3 drams and a wee cocktail.

2. Lunch at the Glenkinchie Distillery.

3. A private transfer from Glenkinchie to Edinburgh’s Johnnie Walker Princes Street, where customers will experience an immersive tour with 2 cocktail whisky tastings.

The included services provide a comprehensive whisky adventure, seamlessly transitioning between distilleries and offering a variety of hands-on activities to fully immerse participants in the world of Scotch whisky.

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Important Information

Not suitable for children under 18 years, as the tour involves extensive whisky tastings.

Guests can meet at the corner of Charlotte Square or arrange for private transfer options. The walking sections last approximately 90 minutes each at both the Glenkinchie and Johnnie Walker experiences.

Overall, customer reviews for the tour have been mixed, with a rating of 3/5 based on 3 reviews. Feedback suggests variability in the quality of the transfers and tour experiences.

Prospective guests should review the details carefully to ensure the tour meets their expectations.

Departure and Meeting Point

Guests can choose to meet the tour at the corner of Charlotte Square in Edinburgh or opt for private transfer options.

The tour provides three convenient meeting point possibilities:

1. Corner of Charlotte Square

2. Private transfer from your Edinburgh hotel

3. Alternative meeting location, if requested in advance

Regardless of the selected option, the tour ensures a seamless start to the whisky adventure.

With the meeting point details clearly communicated, guests can focus on seeing the rich history and flavors of Glenkinchie and Johnnie Walker distilleries.

Whisky Tasting Experiences

Although the tour provides a full-sensory whisky experience at both Glenkinchie and Johnnie Walker, the tasting activities differ between the two distilleries.

At Glenkinchie, guests enjoy a guided tasting of three signature drams. This 45-minute session allows participants to appreciate the nuances of the whisky.

In contrast, the Johnnie Walker experience focuses on cocktail-making. Visitors take part in a 30-minute tutored tasting that culminates in creating their own personalized whisky-based drink. This interactive session celebrates Johnnie Walker’s pioneering spirit and flavor innovation.

Both tastings offer a chance to discover the depth and complexity of Scotch whisky.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, the overall rating for this Edinburgh whisky tour is a modest 3 out of 5 stars.

The feedback suggests a mixed experience, with both positive and negative aspects:

The experience appears mixed, with both positive and negative aspects reported by customers.

1. Issues with transfers: Some customers reported problems with the private transfers, citing unpunctuality and communication breakdowns.

2. Tour experiences: While the distillery tours and tastings were generally well-received, a few customers felt the experiences lacked the expected level of immersion and personalization.

3. Overall value: Concerns were raised about the tour’s pricing, with some questioning whether it delivered sufficient value for the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, customers can customize the tour itinerary to their preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility to adjust activities and timing within the overall package to meet individual needs and interests.

What Should I Bring for the Distillery Tours?

Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, and any personal items like a camera or water bottle. It’s also a good idea to bring cash or a credit card for any purchases at the distilleries.

Are There Any Discounts Available for This Whisky Tour?

The tour pricing doesn’t mention any discounts, but customers may be able to find discounts through third-party booking sites or by checking for any special offers or promotional codes. It’s worth checking for potential savings before booking.

Can I Take Photographs During the Distillery Visits?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the distillery tours, though some restrictions may apply. It’s best to check with the tour guides for any specific guidelines on photography at each location.

Do the Distilleries Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The distilleries accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice. Guests should inform the tour operator of any special requirements when booking to ensure their needs are met during the whisky tasting experiences.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh Whisky Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Scotland’s whisky heritage, from the tranquil Glenkinchie Distillery to the iconic Johnnie Walker Princes Street. While customer reviews suggest mixed experiences regarding transfers and value, the tour offers an immersive experience with guided tours, tastings, and a delightful lunch, allowing travelers to discover the unique flavors and rich history of these renowned distilleries.

You can check availability for your dates here: