Looking to enjoy a whisky tasting in Edinburgh? Here are five of the best places to go

.Scotch whisky and the capital go hand and hand, and as you’d expect by the sheer numbers of bars and shops dedicated to Scotland’s national drink, there are plenty of places to sample a dram or two.Here are five of our favourite places for whisky tasting in Edinburgh.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

(354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE)

If you are a whisky fan then the first stop on any visit to the capital (other than the always amazing Cadenhead’s shop), has to be The Scotch Whisky Experience.Truly immersive, you’ll learn all about the story of whisky and enjoy multiple options for drams.From the short and sweet Silver Tour all the way through to Platinum, which offers 90 minutes of whisky tasting and tutoring, there are tours to suit everyone and almost every budget.But if you’re looking for something more exclusive and plan on visiting with a group of ten, there are a number of more premium experiences also available.You can enjoy a Private Tutored Tasting for £40 per person or opt for the Blend Your Own experience to create your own whisky to bottle and take home for £70 per person.Alternatively, for those who are fascinated by Scotland’s rich distilling history there’s the Super Premium Whisky Tasting. Including four drams from vintage casks, the tasting will be led by a ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ and each experience is bespoke. It can be held for a minimum of 2 guests for £545 per person.

Whiski Rooms

(4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP)

Whiski Rooms is well known for its excellent range of whiskies and when it comes to tastings they have a fun array of dramming, food matching and educational experiences.Hosted daily in their dedicated tasting room – adjoining their tempting whisky shop – there is everything from an their Introduction to Whisky Tasting, for £30 per person, or match your tastings with either chocolate or cheese for either £35 or £40 per person.For a more luxurious and in-depth perspective, you can pay £75 per person and experience a few more expensive, rarer drams during their Premium Whisky Tasting.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society

(28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX)_{Picture: Phil Wilkinson}

The excellent Scotch Malt Whisky Society operates from a Georgian town house in the heart of Edinburgh, with a views which overlooks the Firth of Forth.The award-winning Kaleidoscope Bar offers tutored tastings, which will include a handful of drams from the venue’s more than 200 whiskies.They also host a number of unique whisky tastings, such as a whisky and insects pairing event for their 40th anniversary.If you want something a little more bespoke then the team at the Society will offer a customised tasting based on your tastes or requirements – but booking in advance is required.

Jeffrey St. Whisky and Tobacco

(12-14 Jeffrey St, Edinburgh EH1 1DT)

Specialising in a huge range of odd and obscure independent releases Jeffrey Street Whisky and Tobacco do an amazing range of events.Enjoy whisky tastings based on locations, from around Scotland to around the world, or challenge yourself with The Independents – a favourite – which brings together five whiskies from different independent distillers.Don’t worry if you already know your stuff, their Old and Rare tasting showcases five drams which fit that description – each more than 18 years old.Prices for these tours range from £28 to £99 but with such variety on offer, Jeffery Street is a must visit for whisky lovers.

Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder

(2-4 Hope St, Edinburgh EH2 4DB)

You’re unlikely to be disappointed by Usquabae’s selection. Image: Usquabae/Scott MooneySurrounded by the Edinburgh Vaults, Usquabae is another excellent spot for whisky lovers, with more than 400 varieties on offer.They also have a few different tastings available, including the Tour Of Scotland Tasting and the Old Rare & Independent Tasting, both of which offer four Scotch whiskies with a selection of cheeses, grapes and sourdough bread.You’ll be well looked after by Usquabae’s knowledgeable staff, and their selection of rare finds makes it worth a visit even if you skip the tasting.Source: 5 of the best whisky tastings in Edinburgh | Scotsman Food and Drink