10 Best Whisky Bars in Edinburgh: Taste of Scotland
Looking for whisky bars in Edinburgh? Let me show you the best places!
My husband and I spent a lot of time sipping drams of whisky in this city and I can confirm there’s no better place in the world to savor the delicate flavors and rich history of whisky than in the charming capital of Scotland.
If you’re a connoisseur or just a curious traveler eager to explore the world of Scotch, you’re in for a treat. I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best whisky bars in Edinburgh, each offering a unique selection of whiskies that will ensure an unforgettable palette expedition.
1. Whiski Rooms
The Whiski Rooms, a multi-award winning establishment, offers a stunning panorama over Edinburgh and Princes Street, adding a scenic backdrop to your whisky tasting experience.
Whisky connoisseurs might find themselves overwhelmed with over 300 whiskies to choose from, predominantly Scotch whisky but also featuring a wide array of whisky options from around the globe.
With a keen focus on fresh ingredients from local suppliers, they offer all-day dining, offering deliciously crafted dishes.
Whiski Rooms features an adjoining shop where you can browse through hundreds of whiskies, including many rare and collectible options.
Its dedicated whisky tasting room hosts fun and informative tastings every day. Regardless of your familiarity with whisky you are sure to learn something new.
I took the Whisky and Scottish Cheese Tasting and learned a lot from the host; she could answer all the questions asked and then some. It surprised me to try whiskies that actually complimented the cheeses, and vice versa.
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Need a Place to Stay in Edinburgh?
I Recommend:
Inn on the Mile – luxury historic boutique hotel with only 9 rooms
The Balmoral – for Harry Potter fans; JK Rowling finished writing the series here
Apex Grassmarket Hotel – modern hotel with castle views
2. Amber Whisky Bar
Just steps away from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, inside the Scotch Whisky Experience, Amber Whisky Bar offers a modern and inviting interior for whisky enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
With an extensive selection of over 450 drams, Amber’s whisky bar caters to all tastes, offering single malt, blended, single grain, and whisky liqueurs, from well-known favorites to hidden gems. Patrons are encouraged to enjoy a dram before or after dinner, as the knowledgeable staff takes pride in guiding guests from whisky novices to whisky devotees.
To further explore the whisky world, the bar offers flights to pair with cheese, chocolate, or their Chef’s own tapas.
The restaurant side of Amber boast culinary offerings of seasonally inspired signature dishes, including Scottish Tapas and a delightful à la carte menu. Kick it up a notch with the ‘Taste of Scotland’ food experience, with the menu presenting a tantalizing ‘trio’ starter, ‘trio’ main course, and dessert, each expertly paired with a complementary dram of whisky. Reservation highly recommended.
While at Amber, don’t miss the opportunity to join the many Whisky Experience Tours, available in 20 different languages through audio guides, where visitors can learn everything there is to know about whisky. You’ll see the truly awe-inspiring sight of the private collection of 3,384 bottles of whisky collected over 35 years by Claive Vidiz.
Book the Introduction to Whisky Tour
(My hubby took the Platinum Tour, and while he did enjoy the whiskey tastings he felt like the presentation was super touristy and much preferred the more intimate tasting with Whiski Rooms).
After enjoying the tours and savoring the exquisite drams and food, take home a bottle of your favorite whisky from the impressive Scotch Whisky Shop.
3. The Black Cat
The Cat Bar shines as the only independent public house on Rose Street, exuding an irresistible charm that attracts both locals and visitors alike.
The bar proudly boasts one of the largest assortments in the area, with over 125 malt whiskies to choose from. If it’s slow enough, the friendly bartenders eagerly engage in passionate conversations about their current favorite whiskies, always ready to guide you to your perfect match.
If you prefer the outdoors, the bar also offers comfortable outside seating, allowing you to savor your whisky in the open air.
For those seeking some nourishment to accompany their drams, the Black Cat Bar serves up small bites like haggis balls during the afternoon and evening. If you prefer the outdoors, the bar also offers comfortable outside seating, allowing you to savor your whisky in the open air.
The ambiance comes alive with live music on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable evening.
4. The Bow Bar
Nestled amidst the bustling Victoria Street, the Bow Bar is a charming gem that offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This small, quiet, and cozy pub exudes a warm ambiance with its polished wood bar and historical poster decor.
Whisky enthusiasts will be delighted to find an impressive collection of over 400 whiskies, catering to every palate. The knowledgeable staff are always ready to provide well-informed recommendations for the perfect dram.
Apart from whiskies, the Bow Bar also serves an array of local and international beers, drawn from unique brass taps that date back to the 1920s (as the bartender what makes them special!).
While they don’t have a full food menu, they do serve a limited supply of pies – arrive early enough to grab one before they sell out. I tried the Moroccan Lamb pie. It was so flavorful and juicy, albeit not big enough for my hungry appetite.
5. The Canny Man’s
Stepping into The Canny Man’s Bar is like entering a quirky time capsule of Edinburgh’s history. Established in 1871 and cherished through generations of the Kerr family, this unique and unforgettable local bar exudes eccentricity with its “never-changing” decor and antique relics.
The passion for quality drinks is evident, as they take their libations seriously, ensuring each beverage is strong, appetizing, and impeccably served.
With over 250 malt whiskies, some incredibly rare, and only found in private collections, whisky enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of delights. Offering 35ml pours instead of the regular 25ml, The Canny Man’s ensures that your glass is filled with 40% more whisky to savor.
With every alcoholic drink, patrons are treated to a complimentary selection of snacks, and from Monday to Thursday from 5-6 pm , the free buffet is also an unfathomable treat.
There are technically two bars here: the main bar up front and the ‘back bar’ where the locals like to hang.
The culinary offerings are equally enticing, with Danish-style open sandwiches, SMØRREBRØD, freshly prepared each day to cater to every customer’s taste. And on Sundays, the bar serves a traditional Sunday roast with succulent, locally sourced meats and all the trimmings.
6. Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar
Located in a relaxed yet refined Georgian townhouse in the heart of Edinburgh, the Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar offers an exclusive experience open to both members and non-members of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Embracing the art of distinguished flavors, whether in whisky or food, the bar delights guests with personable service and breathtaking views over the waters of the Firth of Forth.
Inside, whisky enthusiasts will be astounded by the vast selection of over 500 exclusive single malts from Scotland and beyond. With an ever-changing range of single cask, single malt whiskies, this bar caters to every palate.
The knowledgeable staff are always at hand to provide expert guidance through the menu and tailor recommendations based on individual preferences
The Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar hosts a vibrant program of whisky tasting experiences, Outturn previews, one-of-a-kind whisky events, and masterclasses, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
While there is no stringent dress code, it does specifically pointed out to not wear flip-flops or shorts above the knees.
7. The Albanach
Located on the corner of the Royal Mile and Cockburn Street, The Albanach is a charming haven with its bare stone and wood decor, adorned with gyroscope-type chandeliers above the bar. With a traditional Scottish pub at the front and a restaurant at the back, the venue offers a delightful sense of calm amidst the bustling city-center hubbub, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
With an impressive selection of 330 malt whiskies, the pub proudly embraces its name, as “Albanach” means Scottish in Gaelic. The friendly and welcoming staff will find you a dram to your liking.
The menu celebrates Scottish culinary delights, featuring classic Scotch egg and haggis fritters as part of the starter selection.
Adding to the inviting ambiance, live music occasionally fills the air in a cozy corner of the bar.
It’s also one of the few pubs open on Christmas Day in Edinburgh.
8. The Devil’s Advocate
The Devil’s Advocate bar is a hidden gem tucked away in the charming Advocate’s Close within an old Victorian pump house. The rustic ambiance captivates visitors with its stone brick walls and floors, offering a cozy retreat for whisky enthusiasts.
The bar boasts an impressive selection of over 300 whiskies displayed on a sturdy shelf, providing a diverse range of distilled options. Multiple award-winning bartenders skillfully craft inventive seasonal cocktails, ensuring a delightful and unique experience.
The food menu is a culinary delight, featuring dishes crafted from seasonal and Scottish ingredients that change monthly.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try their mouthwatering steaks served with a flavorful whiskey and peppercorn sauce. For dessert, order the Sticky Toffee Pudding with Laphroaig whisky & treacle caramel, poached pear, and Scottish tablet ice cream.
Reservations for their mezzanine dining room are highly recommended as it tends to fill up quickly. Otherwise, you might be seated on their outside terrace.
9. Usquabae Whisky Bar
(pronounced ooh-ska-bay)
Usquabae Whisky Bar is a dark & stylish basement tavern a block from the Albert Memorial. Inspired by Robert Burns’ iconic poem, “Tam O’ Shanter,” the bar firmly believes that the pursuit of whisky is a saintly and noble quest.
“Wi’ usquebae we’ll face the devil!“
With an extensive collection of over 400 whiskies, each bottle is meticulously hand-selected for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile, resulting in a diverse and captivating array of drams. Working closely with whisky brands, independent bottlers, auction houses, and private collectors, Usquabae curates this enchanting whisky selection, ensuring an experience like no other.
They even serve Mortlach, a whiskey distilled in 1936. So if you wanna try a nearly 100yr old dram, this is the place!
The bar’s dedication to whisky exploration extends to monthly collaborations with whisky brands, offering patrons an exquisite range of whisky flights, tailor-made cocktails, and delectable food pairings.
For those seeking to deepen their whisky knowledge, Usquabae offers enticing whiskey tasting classes, such as the “Tour of Scotland Tasting” and “Old, Rare, & Independent Tasting”.
This is a true whiskey bar as they only have a light bites menu served from 5pm each evening.
10. Bennets Bar
Bennets Bar, a historic venue with a rich heritage, offers a remarkable selection of 150+ malt whiskies and delectable Scottish menus, making it a convenient spot for pre- and post-theatre drinks.
The establishment has a storied past, dating back to 1839 when a drinking venue first stood on this site, although it wasn’t always known as Bennets Bar. The current pub was established in 1906 after the King’s Theatre replaced the neighboring Taylor MacLeod brewery. Since then, the Victorian bar has remained remarkably intact, preserving its leaded glass and original tiered and alcoved gantry that proudly displays an extensive whisky collection.
The bar also features a unique ‘jug bar,’ a common feature in Scottish bars, where patrons could enjoy privacy while being served. The traditional charm extends to the original working brass water taps and a brass gas cigarette lighter on the gantry.
The cozy atmosphere is further enhanced by a roaring fire at the far end, where locals often gather.
While food is served in both the front and back rooms, the latter now houses the Skean Dhu, a separate restaurant with its entrance on Valleyfield Street. The menu at Bennets Bar is extensive and delicious, catering to all tastes, from chicken and chorizo melt with chips to traditional Scottish stovies and even vegetarian haggis.
The clientele comprises a mix of locals, professionals, students, and actors from the nearby King’s Theatre, creating a friendly and welcoming ambiance. Sports fans also flock to the pub, as it screens Super 15 rugby games, and on Six Nations afternoons, it’s standing room only.
With limited seating for just forty-four patrons, Bennets Bar maintains the atmosphere of a cherished neighborhood pub, where tradition, great whisky, and hearty food combine to offer an unforgettable experience in the heart of Edinburgh.
Traveling to Stirling? Stop into the only whisky bar in town: The Curly Coo!
Epilogue: Whisky Bars in Edinburgh
Whisky bars in Edinburgh are a treasure trove of delightful drams and diverse ambiances.
From traditional Scottish pubs to contemporary spaces, each bar has a unique character that caters to both locals and tourists. They offer an extensive selection of whiskies, ranging from well-known favorites to rare gems, ensuring an unforgettable whisky journey through this historic city.
Whiskey flights are offered at most of these bars, giving you a chance to try a variety of flavors in one night without getting too sloshed.
Bartenders are always happy to recommend a whiskey for you, as well as your fellow barmate.
With such a heavy whisky culture in Scotland, it would be a shame to pass up on trying a dram or two while you’re visiting. So find yourself a whisky bar and enjoy the flavors of Scotland!
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Slàinte!
