4.8 (496) · Edinburgh · By The Lost Close - Events & Experiences Free cancellation
Whisky 101! An introduction to the history, process, and tasting of our national drink - whisky - all done in 90 minutes in a unique underground space, recently uncovered, in the heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh. You will have exclusive access to this historical site, taste whiskies from each of the major whisky regions and hear some of the stories about how whisky came to have such a crucial role in our nations history.
✓ Exclusive access to The Lost Close✓ Experienced Local Guide✓ 4 Whiskies, one from each of the major whisky production regions of Scotland✕ Gratuities✕ Additional tasting/souvenirsActivity Schedule
1 h 30
Join us for an evening of whisky and stories in the historic heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh! This is the ideal introduction to the world of whisky - we'll talk to you about the history of whisky, and tell you how Scottish whisky became the finest in the world.
Along the way, we'll sample whiskies from each of the major whisky producing regions of Scotland, whilst exploring a newly uncovered underground area of Edinburgh.
With 4 different whiskies, one of our guides leads you on a spirited adventure through our very unique venue. The different levels all run at the same time and place, so you can tailor the experience to suit your group by selecting different ones for each member:-
Intermediate Whiskies - for those who have a little more whisky experience and want the opportunity to try something more rare and complex, this offers you more unusual and exciting whiskies, with the same blend of history to accompany them! 4 Drams of more upmarket whisky
High End Whiskies - top shelf whisky for the serious whisky buff! 5 Drams this time, and the whiskies that you would pine after in the specialist whisky shops, but maybe hesitate to buy because of the price tag ;)
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
The meeting point is OUTSIDE of John's Coffee House & Tavern.
Just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square. We'll head underground from there.
The meeting point is OUTSIDE of John's Coffee House & Tavern.
Just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square. We'll head underground from there.
Just show your ticket to the reception desk at The CoDE Pod Hostel, and your guide will lead you down to The Lost Close
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Not recommended for pregnant travelers Suitable for all physical fitness levels Introduction Whisky - Week Ends (Fri-Sun) Introduction Whisky - Week End Introduction Whisky - Week Days (Mon-Thur) Introduction Whisky - Week Day Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking. This tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Consider booking the 'Intermediate' or 'High End' option if you have prior whisky experience. Public transport is readily available nearby. Service animals are welcome on this tour. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 235710P5
Activity offered by The Lost Close - Events & Experiences via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Whisky enthusiasts Tourists interested in Scottish culture Couples Small groups of friends Discover the history and production of Scotland's national drink. Taste whiskies from all major Scottish regions. Explore a unique, newly uncovered underground historical site. Led by an experienced local guide. Small group size for a more intimate experience. Perfect introduction for whisky novices and enthusiasts alike.
Population 488,050 (2016)
Elevation 47 m
Currency pound sterling
Driving on the left
Power plugs G · 230 V
Emergency number 999
Capital city London Average temperatures 3° Jan 3° Feb 5° Mar 7° Apr 10° May 13° Jun 14° Jul 14° Aug 12° Sept 9° Oct 6° Nov 4° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the whisky tasting experience? + The experience lasts for 90 minutes.
How many whiskies will be tasted? + You will taste 4 whiskies, with options for more depending on the chosen package (Intermediate or High End).
Is this tour suitable for beginners? + Yes, this is an introduction to whisky, perfect for beginners, but also offers advanced options for experienced drinkers.
Where is the meeting point? + The meeting point is outside John's Coffee House & Tavern, just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square.
Can I bring my pet? + Service animals are allowed on this tour.
What happens if it rains? + The tour will proceed as planned, as it takes place in an underground venue.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
Eleanor knows her stuff
Lauri_T, October 2026
Lovely tasting and history behind Scottish Whiskey by Eleanor. Super cool environment and she was super knowledgeable!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent and informative
nynative56, October 2026
Excellent experience! My husband definitely liked the whisky more than I did, but we learned a lot about how it's made and the atmosphere was awesome. Great value for the price. Highly recommend!
★★★★★ Viator review
Eleanor was a very...
Linn_J, October 2026
Eleanor was a very knowledgeable guide, interesting expertise, good value for money and felt authentic
Response from the operator · thelostcloseedinburg Hi Linn,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We're delighted to hear that Eleanor's knowledge and passion helped make your whisky tasting both engaging and authentic. Creating experiences that combine Edinburgh's rich history with Scotland's finest whiskies is exactly what we strive for, so it's wonderful to know you felt it was great value too. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Eleanor.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great experience! This from a non whisky drinker!
Seaside31477390974, October 2026
Ash was fantastic! Great story teller and historian! I am not a whisky drinker but I am so glad my husband and I did this tour!! He loved tasting all the different whiskies and Ash’s knowledge and historical recounting of Scotland’s whiskeys was fascinating and highly enjoyable!! I highly recommend!!
Response from the operator · thelostcloseedinburg Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're especially pleased to hear that the experience was enjoyable even as a non-whisky drinker. Ash's talent for bringing Scotland's history to life through storytelling is something we're very proud of, and it's fantastic to know it made such a lasting impression on both you and your husband. We hope this won't be your last journey into Edinburgh's hidden past and Scotland's rich whisky heritage.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great Experience
kallis2026, October 2026
Great experience to try Scottish whiskeys in the Lost Close. Elenor was wonderful and very funny!!
Response from the operator · thelostcloseedinburg Hi,
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted you enjoyed discovering Scottish whiskies beneath the hidden streets of Edinburgh, and that Eleanor's humour and storytelling helped make the experience so memorable. Every tasting is shaped by the unique character of our guides, so it's wonderful to hear her warmth and personality stood out. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure underground soon.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
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