Learning About Scotch Whisky
at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh
Jim and I were not Scotch drinkers, but we couldn’t go to Edinburgh, Scotland and ignore its most famous export.
So we bought two tickets to the Scotch Whisky Experience, and we when we left the experience, it was with a newly found appreciation for a dram of the brew and loads of knowledge about it!
So we bought two tickets to the Scotch Whisky Experience, and we when we left the experience, it was with a newly found appreciation for a dram of the brew and loads of knowledge about it!
The Scotch Whisky Experience is located near Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile. When you arrive, you have the choice of a handful of ticket levels.
The standard ticket is for the Silver Tour, which includes:
Whisky barrel ride through the production of Scotch Whisky
Introduction to the aromas in Whisky
A dram of Scotch Malt Whisky (Irn Bru for under 18s)
World's largest collection of Scotch Whisky
Whisky tasting glass to take away (adults and concessions)
Discount voucher for the shop
We decided we would like to have more in-depth introduction to Scotch Whisky, so we bought the Gold Tour ticket, which in addition to the above, included:
A tasting tray of four Single Malts with tasting notes
Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society membership (one year)
Future admission to the silver or gold tour on a 2 for 1 basis
The standard ticket is for the Silver Tour, which includes:
Whisky barrel ride through the production of Scotch Whisky
Introduction to the aromas in Whisky
A dram of Scotch Malt Whisky (Irn Bru for under 18s)
World's largest collection of Scotch Whisky
Whisky tasting glass to take away (adults and concessions)
Discount voucher for the shop
We decided we would like to have more in-depth introduction to Scotch Whisky, so we bought the Gold Tour ticket, which in addition to the above, included:
A tasting tray of four Single Malts with tasting notes
Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society membership (one year)
Future admission to the silver or gold tour on a 2 for 1 basis
As we jumped into the “barrels” which would carry us through the virtual world of making Scotch Whisky, I had a distinct flashback to my childhood in California and the rides at Disney Land.
Even with the slightly Disney-esque tone, the ride shows you the basics of whisky-making and sets you up for a wonderful tasting lesson.
Even with the slightly Disney-esque tone, the ride shows you the basics of whisky-making and sets you up for a wonderful tasting lesson.
After a brief live re-cap on whiskey-making, our guide led us into a room where we were seated in front of tasting glasses. It was there that our guide took us on to a journey exploring the whisky distilling regions of Scotland.
I never realized that each whisky region had different ecological notes that flavored the whiskys produced there. We were given “scratch and sniff” cards that were used to guide us through the different smells (notes) of the whiskies.
The Lowlands were characterized by citrus flavors, the Highlands floral and herb, the Islay region Whiskies were peaty (influenced by bog peat) and Speyside strangely had a banana influence (at least for the purposes of our lesson).
It was fascinating. Those who love wine tasting will really appreciate whisky tasting!
The Lowlands were characterized by citrus flavors, the Highlands floral and herb, the Islay region Whiskies were peaty (influenced by bog peat) and Speyside strangely had a banana influence (at least for the purposes of our lesson).
It was fascinating. Those who love wine tasting will really appreciate whisky tasting!
After our tasting lesson, we were taken into a room that holds the largest collection of Scotch Whisky in the world. The walls were lined floor to ceiling with glass covered cases holding some of the oldest, most unique and amazingly bottled Scotch Whiskies, the Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection. It is a wonder to behold and in this fabulous room, we were taught even more about Scotch Whisky.
Finally, with the tour over, Jim and I were escorted to the tasting room where we were to taste our additional four whiskies. This is where the fun really started, because the bartenders were so knowledgeable and incredibly interesting to talk with. We tasted Whisky from several different regions (yes, we actually bought additional tastes. Four were not enough for us!).
We identified our favorites, so we could pick them up later at the onsite shop and ended up choosing three we would purchase.
Edradour 10 yr old, a Southern Highland brew, which has a very lightly peated aroma and is made in Scotland’s smallest distillery.
Auchentoshen 18 yr old, which is a Lowland brew and is triple distilled and matured in American bourbon oak. The result is a refreshing single malt whisky with the added infusion of ripe citrus and green tea, and the warmth of toasted almonds.
Mortlach 16 yr old, iis a Speyside brew and the distillery was founded in 1823. The nose is fresh and floral with a whiff of smoke and heather-root. It is said to have a hint of toffee-like sweetness. The Whisky Experience store didn’t have this one, but we found one bottle left in small Whisky shop near our hotel. Luck was with us that day!
Auchentoshen 18 yr old, which is a Lowland brew and is triple distilled and matured in American bourbon oak. The result is a refreshing single malt whisky with the added infusion of ripe citrus and green tea, and the warmth of toasted almonds.
Mortlach 16 yr old, iis a Speyside brew and the distillery was founded in 1823. The nose is fresh and floral with a whiff of smoke and heather-root. It is said to have a hint of toffee-like sweetness. The Whisky Experience store didn’t have this one, but we found one bottle left in small Whisky shop near our hotel. Luck was with us that day!
We would recommend The Scotch Whisky Experience to anyone visiting Edinburgh because it's a great introduction to Scotch Whisky, especially if you plan to go on further and visit some of the wonderful distilleries dotting the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland.