Tucked beneath the historic streets of Edinburgh lies a captivating experience for whisky enthusiasts. The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whisky Tasting invites visitors on a 70-minute guided journey through the city’s ancient vaults. Here, they’ll sample four exquisite drams while immersed in the rich stories of Scotland’s distilling heritage. With expert insight from knowledgeable guides, this unique tasting promises to elevate one’s appreciation for the distinct flavors and cultural significance of Scotch whisky. What secrets might these underground halls reveal?
Key Points
- 70-minute guided whisky tasting in the historic underground vaults of Edinburgh’s Old Town, featuring four samples from major Scotch production regions.
- Engaging storytelling by knowledgeable guides about the rich history and evolution of Scotch whisky, enhancing the immersive tasting experience.
- Opportunity to upgrade to rarer, older whiskies or top-shelf expressions for a premium experience.
- Highly rated tour with exceptional value for money, praised for the expertise and service of the guides.
- Restrictions include age requirement, no wheelchair access, and indoor smoking prohibition during the tasting.
Activity Overview
The "Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whiskey Tasting" is a 1.5-hour experience that takes participants on a guided tour of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, followed by a whiskey tasting in the underground vaults.
Priced from $48 per person, the activity is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. Guests can enjoy a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the start time.
The meeting point is at the CoDE Pod Hostel, situated opposite the iconic St Giles Cathedral in Parliament Square.
Hungry for more Edinburgh flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots
Tasting Experience
After enjoying a guided tour of The Lost Close, visitors can enjoy a 70-minute whisky tasting experience within the underground vaults of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
During the tasting, guests will sample four whiskies from major Scotch production regions, learning about the history and development of the spirit.
Upgrade options offer rarer, older whiskies or a high-end selection of top-shelf expressions.
The tasting is led by knowledgeable guides who share engaging stories about notable figures and events that shaped the whisky industry in an attentive and informative manner.
Historical Context
As visitors explore the underground vaults of Edinburgh’s Old Town, they’ll learn about the rich history and development of Scotch whisky.
The guides share stories about notable figures and events that shaped the industry. Participants discover how Scotch has evolved over centuries, from its origins as a local spirit to its global popularity today.
The venue’s historical significance adds to the immersive experience, transporting guests back in time as they sample whiskies from different regions.
This educational component complements the tasting, providing valuable context about Scotland’s cherished national drink.
Customer Feedback
Visitors consistently provide overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Tasting experience.
According to reviews, the tour guides are rated 4.9/5 for their expertise and engaging storytelling. Customers also highlight the exceptional value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating.
Key highlights include:
-
Knowledgeable guides who bring the history of Scotch whisky to life
-
Attentive service and an enjoyable tasting experience
-
The unique underground setting of the Lost Close, adding to the historical ambiance
Accessibility and Restrictions
The Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Tasting experience isn’t suitable for all guests.
Pregnant women and wheelchair users are unable to participate. Children under 18 years old are also prohibited from attending. Smoking indoors isn’t allowed during the tasting.
The legal drinking age in Scotland is 18, so anyone below that age can’t participate. However, the tour offers flexible booking options, allowing guests to reserve now and pay later.
- The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
- Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
- Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour
- The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
- Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour From Edinburgh
Booking and Payment Options
Guests can reserve their spot on the Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Tasting experience and pay later through the flexible booking option. This allows visitors to secure their place in advance without needing to pay upfront.
Payment can be made later, closer to the event date. The experience offers:
-
Reserve now, pay later
-
Flexible booking available
-
Hassle-free reservation process
This convenient booking system makes it easy for participants to plan their Edinburgh whisky tasting adventure.
With the flexibility to reserve their spot first and pay later, guests can explore this unique underground experience with confidence.
Whisky Tasting Upgrades
Three upgrade options are available for whisky enthusiasts seeking a more premium tasting experience.
The intermediate tasting includes four rarer, older whiskies, while the high-end tasting features five top-shelf expressions.
Both upgrades provide a deeper dive into Scotland’s whisky heritage, uncovering the nuances and complexities that define the country’s most prestigious distillates.
Guests can expect expert guidance from the knowledgeable hosts, who weave engaging stories about the whiskies’ origins and production.
Upgrading the tasting experience is an excellent way to elevate the journey through Edinburgh’s whisky culture and savor the finest Scotch the city has to offer.
Location and Meeting Point
As the iconic St Giles Cathedral stands watch over the historic heart of Edinburgh, the meeting point for this whisky tasting experience is the CoDE Pod Hostel, located directly opposite the cathedral in Parliament Square.
This convenient location places the tasting right in the middle of Old Town, allowing participants to easily explore the area before or after their whisky adventure.
The meeting point offers:
-
Easy access to public transportation
-
Proximity to other popular attractions
-
A chance to admire the stunning architecture of St Giles Cathedral
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sample the Whiskies Before Purchasing a Tasting?
No, customers cannot sample the whiskies before purchasing a tasting. The tasting experience includes a guided tour followed by sampling 4 whiskies, with options to upgrade to more premium tastings.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour and Tasting?
Yes, photography is allowed during the tour and tasting. Visitors can take pictures to capture the unique underground setting and the whisky sampling experience, but they’re asked to avoid disrupting the guide’s presentation or the enjoyment of others.
How Much Time Is Allocated for the Guided Tour Portion?
The guided tour portion of the experience lasts 20 minutes, according to the information provided. Guests then spend 70 minutes sampling 4 whiskies from major Scotch production regions during the whiskey tasting part of the activity.
Are There Options to Purchase Bottles of the Featured Whiskies?
Yes, the experience includes an option to purchase bottles of the featured whiskies after the tasting. Guests can add on a bottle or two to take home and continue their whisky exploration.
Is Water or Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages Provided During the Tasting?
Water and other non-alcoholic beverages are provided during the whisky tasting experience. This allows participants to cleanse their palate between samples and stay hydrated throughout the guided tasting.
The Sum Up
The Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whisky Tasting offers a captivating journey through history, immersing participants in the rich culture of Scotch whisky. With expert guidance, visitors can sample four exquisite whiskies while learning about their evolution and significance. Held in the remarkable underground vaults of Edinburgh’s Old Town, this unique experience promises both education and enjoyment for whisky enthusiasts.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Edinburgh
More Tour Reviews in Edinburgh
Still browsing? Here are more Edinburgh experiences we've covered recently
- Tranent: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting
- From Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Glencoe & Loch Lomond Day Tour
- Edinburgh: Castle Guided Tour & Holyrood Palace Ticket
- Leith Walking Tour
- Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Highlands 3-Day Tour
- Makars Mushroom Farm Summerhall Tour with DIY Block Making
- Private Photography Tour in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh’s Dark and Hidden History Walking Tour
- Edinburgh: Cycle Tour to the Coast (family friendly)
- Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel Entry Ticket
- Edinburgh: Pickles, Jams, and Chutneys Workshop
- Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour