Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whiskey Tasting

If you’re a whisky lover—or even just a curious traveler—this underground Scotch whisky tasting in Edinburgh offers a truly memorable way to experience Scotland’s most famous export. Hosted in a newly uncovered vault beneath the historic Old Town, this tour combines fascinating stories, expert guidance, and a chance to taste some of Scotland’s finest whiskies, all with a touch of adventure in a unique setting.

What really makes this experience stand out is the location—an underground venue steeped in history—and the knowledgeable guides who walk you through the complex world of Scotch. The option to upgrade to rarer, older, or high-end drams also adds a layer of exclusivity, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour lasts about 1.5 hours, so it’s a perfect fit for an evening activity, but it’s not a full-blown distillery tour or tasting marathon. If you’re after a quick, entertaining, and educational whisky experience, this might be just what you’re looking for. It’s best suited for adults over 18 who enjoy a good story and a fine dram, but beware that accessibility is limited for wheelchair users and pregnant women.

Key Points

• Unique underground setting: Tasting in a newly uncovered vault adds intrigue.
• Expert guides: Highly praised guides like Nikki and Sarah bring energy, humor, and deep knowledge.
• Regional diversity: Sampling whiskies from all four main Scottish regions provides a well-rounded experience.
• Upgrade options: Rarer, older, or high-end drams can elevate the experience.
• Authentic stories: Guides share colorful characters and history, enriching each sip.
• Good value: The price reflects a quality experience with multiple tastings and expert insight.

An Authentic Look at the Tour Experience

The Venue and Setting

The experience begins at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, a cozy spot on the Royal Mile, where you check in and meet your guide. From there, a short walk behind the Mercat Cross takes you into the entrance of The Lost Close, a historic alley tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Once you descend into this newly uncovered underground space, you’re transported into a cloistered world of history and intrigue.

The underground venue has a certain atmospheric charm—stone walls, low ceilings, and a sense of discovery—perfect for setting the mood for tasting whisky. Reviewers frequently mention the atmosphere as a highlight, with many noting how the setting enhances the entire experience, making it feel like an exclusive peek into Edinburgh’s hidden past.

The Guided Tour: A Walk Through Whisky and History

Your guide, often praised for their knowledgeability and charisma, takes about 20 minutes to introduce the history of Scotch whisky, weaving stories about the characters and events that shaped this industry. One reviewer raved about Nikki, saying she answered all questions with enthusiasm, making learning about whisky both fun and accessible.

The tour proceeds into the main tasting session, where four whiskies are served from different regions of Scotland: Lowland, Highland, Speyside, and Islay. You’ll hear about the unique qualities of each region, from the peaty and smoky to the smooth and sweet, helping you develop a keen palate. Several reviews mention how guides like Eleanor and Sarah made the stories engaging, blending humor and facts seamlessly.

The Tasting: Sampling from Scotland’s Diverse Regions

The core of the experience is, of course, the tasting. You’ll sample 4 whiskies as standard, with options to upgrade for more exclusives. The standard tasting features a balanced selection representative of Scotland’s major whisky-producing areas, giving you insight into regional differences.

Upgrading to the intermediate option introduces rarer, older, and more unusual whiskies, which most reviewers find worth the extra cost. One guest noted that these drams were “things you won’t find anywhere else”, adding an element of exclusivity. The high-end upgrade offers five of the top-shelf whiskies, perfect if you’re a connoisseur or want to indulge in premium spirits.

Many reviews highlight the quality and variety of the whiskies, praising the guides for their ability to explain tasting notes and characteristics in an approachable way. One guest shared that they appreciated the customization—the host was happy to adjust the tasting based on preferences, which added a personal touch.

The Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it an ideal activity after sightseeing or as a relaxing evening. Group sizes are typically small enough to allow interaction with the guide, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Several reviewers mention that the group size meant everyone could ask questions and enjoy the conversation.

Because it’s a walking tour that involves some stairs and underground passageways, it’s not fully accessible for wheelchair users, and pregnant women or children under 18 are not admitted. Still, for most adults, this adds to the authentic, intimate feel.

Why This Tour Works

The combination of a historic underground venue and expert-guided tastings makes this experience stand out compared to more generic whisky tours. You’re not just sipping whisky—you’re listening to stories, learning about the different regions, and getting a taste of local craftsmanship. Multiple reviewers have commented on how knowledgeable and engaging their guides were, making the time fly by.

The price point reflects the quality of the experience. With four standard region whiskies included, plus optional upgrades, most guests find it to be good value for money, especially considering the exclusivity and the depth of information shared.

Summary

In essence, this tour is ideal for anyone wanting a fun, educational, and atmospheric introduction to Scotch whisky. Whether you’re a novice curious about what makes Scotch special or a seasoned whisky drinker eager to try rarer drams, the flexibility of upgrade options ensures there’s something for all.

The underground location and storytelling approach help you connect with Scotland’s spirit on a deeper level. It’s more than just a tasting; it’s a glimpse into the culture and characters behind the whisky, all served up in a captivating setting.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet informative activity that combines history, storytelling, and tasting in an atmospheric setting, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy small-group experiences and appreciate expert guides who can make complex topics accessible.

It’s a fantastic option for wine or spirit enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting to dip their toes into Scotch, or couples seeking a memorable evening in Edinburgh. But keep in mind, if you require full accessibility or are travelling with children under 18, this might not be the best fit.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, the tour begins at the meeting point, John’s Coffee House & Tavern. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the venue.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a larger day of sightseeing.

Can I upgrade my tasting?
Yes, during checkout you can opt for an intermediate or high-end tasting, which adds rarer, older, or top-shelf whiskies.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately, no. The underground location involves stairs and uneven passageways, so it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed?
No, the activity is only for guests aged 18 and over due to alcohol regulations.

What’s included in the price?
Four whiskies from each of Scotland’s major regions, guided commentary, and access to the underground venue. Upgrades are optional.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for pregnant women?
No, as alcohol consumption is involved, pregnant women should not participate.

Can I customize the tasting?
Guides are happy to adapt the experience if you have specific preferences, especially if you upgrade to premium options.

Final Thoughts

This underground Scotch whisky tasting in Edinburgh offers a blend of history, storytelling, and quality spirits in an atmosphere unlike any other. The knowledgeable guides, like Nikki and Sarah, make complex tasting notes accessible while entertaining you with stories of Scotland’s whisky legends. The setting—hidden beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town—adds a touch of mystery and exclusivity that elevates the entire experience.

For those who appreciate authentic, intimate experiences and value good storytelling paired with excellent whisky, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a perfect evening activity to pair with exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets, offering both educational insights and sensory delight in equal measure.

To sum it up, whether you’re new to whisky or a seasoned aficionado, this tour offers good value for its quality and uniqueness. It’s an experience that invites you to savor more than just spirits—you’ll leave with stories, knowledge, and perhaps a new appreciation for Scotland’s national drink.