Underground Whisky Tasting

The Underground Whisky Tasting is a 90-minute introduction to Scotch whisky held in The Lost Close, a hidden underground space just off the Royal Mile behind St Giles' Cathedral. You taste four whiskies, one from each of Scotland's main production regions, with an experienced local guide who explains how whisky is made, how the regions differ and where the drink sits in Scottish heritage. Groups are limited to eight people, which makes it much more personal than a large venue tasting, and a rating of 4.8 from several hundred visitors suggests that the format works. It is a good option for people who do not know much about whisky and want to learn how to taste it, and also for people who know something and want to compare regions side by side. The setting adds to the experience: you meet near Parliament Square, descend into the underground space and settle in for a tasting that mixes education with conversation. It is not a distillery tour, so you will not see production equipment, but you will come away with a clear sense of what makes a Speyside different from an Islay. The tour ends back at the meeting point, close to the cafes and pubs of the Old Town. Check the schedule and age limit when you book.

The practical details are clear. The meeting point is outside John's Coffee House and Tavern at 1a Parliament Square, just off the Royal Mile and behind St Giles' Cathedral. The experience lasts about an hour and a half, tickets are on mobile, the tour is in English and there is a maximum of eight travellers.

Gratuities and extra drams are not included. Free cancellation is typically available up to 24 hours before the experience, but check the terms when you book. Because you will be drinking four whiskies, eat beforehand, drink water and bear in mind that the space is underground, so access may be limited; ask the operator if you need step-free access.

Why the four-region format works is that it gives you a map. Scotch is divided into regions, such as the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay, and each has a recognisable style, from light and floral to rich and fruity to peaty and smoky. Tasting one from each in a row lets you find out what you like, and a guide can help you with how to nose, sip and talk about whisky without jargon.

This is also a useful grounding if you plan to visit a distillery or shop for a bottle later, because you will know what to ask for. If you are a seasoned whisky drinker, a different experience, such as a distillery tour, may suit you better.

Schedule the tasting for the late afternoon or early evening, then walk down the Royal Mile for dinner. It pairs well with a morning at the castle and an afternoon in the Old Town, and with the Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of the Mile if you want to build a whisky day, though they overlap in subject.

For a Leith alternative, the Port of Leith Distillery gives you a working distillery tour. Small groups mean that slots fill quickly, especially in summer and at weekends, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. It is an adult experience, so check the age policy, and plan your evening so that nobody needs to drive.