Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whiskey Tasting

Edinburgh: The Lost Close Underground Scotch Whiskey Tasting

If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy Scotch whisky in Edinburgh, The Lost Close underground tasting offers an engaging experience set in a historic, underground venue. This 1.5-hour tour combines a guided whisky tasting with stories about Scotland’s whisky industry, all within the atmospheric surroundings of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The tour departs from John’s Coffee House & Tavern, located behind the Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile, making it easy to access and convenient for visitors in the city center.

What makes this experience stand out is the exclusive access to The Lost Close, a newly uncovered underground vault that adds a special touch to the tasting. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, visitors are introduced to whiskies from each of Scotland’s major regions, with options to upgrade to more exclusive tastings. While the experience is designed as a gentle introduction to Scotch, seasoned whisky lovers can enjoy the high-end tasting options featuring rarer and more expensive drams. Keep in mind that food and transportation are not included, so plan accordingly.

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Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, ideal for fitting into a busy schedule
• Location: Starts at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
• Experience: Guided tasting in a historic underground venue with stories about Scotch whisky
• Tastings: Includes four whiskies from each major region, with options for intermediate or high-end upgrades
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly hosts who share Scottish whisky stories with humor and insight
• Age Restrictions: Must be 18 or older; no children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users

From the Royal Mile to the Hidden Vaults of Edinburgh

The tour begins at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, a welcoming spot on the Royal Mile. As you meet your guide in the reception area, you’re set for an adventure into Edinburgh’s underground vaults. The guide leads the group into The Lost Close, a recently uncovered underground space with a rich history that enhances the tasting experience. The journey into this atmospheric underground venue is part of what makes this tour special.

During the 20-minute guided walk, your host shares fascinating stories about Edinburgh’s hidden history, connecting the city’s past with the whisky industry. The underground setting feels intimate and authentic, creating a perfect backdrop for the tasting session that follows. This approach ensures the experience is both educational and atmospheric.

Exploring the Underground Venue in The Lost Close

Once inside The Lost Close, the focus shifts to the whisky tasting. The venue’s unique setting in Edinburgh’s underground vaults offers a quiet, almost secretive space where the whisky flavors can truly shine. The environment feels authentic and adds a layer of intrigue to the tasting, making it much more than just a simple sip session.

The tasting lasts around 70 minutes, during which you sample four different whiskies, each representing a major whisky-producing region in Scotland. The host shares stories about each distillery, the character of each region’s whisky, and the characters who helped shape Scotland’s renowned industry. The full narration makes the experience both educational and entertaining, with plenty of humor and passion from the guides.

Tasting Options: Standard, Intermediate, and High-End

The main experience includes four whiskies from different regions, but there are options to upgrade during checkout. The intermediate tasting features rarer, older, and more unusual drams—some that aren’t available in shops or are limited editions. For whisky enthusiasts, this upgrade offers a chance to try special bottles that are typically hard to find.

For those seeking a truly premium experience, the high-end tasting offers five top-shelf whiskies. These are the kinds of drams that whisky connoisseurs would dream of, boasting exceptional quality and rarity. Whether you choose the standard, intermediate, or high-end option, the host ensures each dram is explained thoroughly, highlighting what makes each whisky unique.

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The Stops: From the Royal Mile to the Vaults

The tour’s itinerary begins at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, where you meet your guide. After a brief introduction, you walk behind the Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile to reach The Lost Close. The guided tour of this historic underground area lasts about 20 minutes and introduces visitors to Edinburgh’s subterranean history before the whisky tasting begins.

The main tasting session in The Lost Close lasts approximately 70 minutes, during which the host guides you through the different whiskies, sharing insights about each region. After the tasting concludes, the group returns to John’s Coffee House & Tavern, bringing the experience full circle. This simple route offers a seamless experience, with no need for additional transportation or complicated logistics.

The Role of the Guided Tour and Expert Hosts

The guides featured in this experience are praised for their extensive knowledge, fun personalities, and ability to share stories with enthusiasm and humor. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Nickey, Sarah, and Eleanor as particularly engaging and informative. Their storytelling brings Scottish whisky’s characters and history alive, making each tasting session memorable.

The friendly, knowledgeable guides are a key part of what makes this tour stand out. They are adept at answering questions, explaining complex flavor notes, and weaving in Scottish folklore. This approach helps even newcomers feel comfortable and excited about whisky tasting.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour is suitable for adults over 18 years old but is not accessible for wheelchair users or pregnant women. It’s important to note that food and transportation are not included in the experience. The meeting point is straightforward to find, located behind the Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.

Guests should plan to arrive at the meeting point ahead of the scheduled start time. The experience ends back at the same location, allowing for easy continuation of sightseeing or dining afterward. Since the activity is held in a historic underground space, it is best suited for those comfortable with confined, atmospheric environments.

Pricing Options and Value for Money

The base price covers the guided whisky tasting of four drams. The upgrades to intermediate or high-end tastings involve additional costs but offer a chance to sample rarer whiskies and top-shelf options. Multiple reviews mention that opting for the medium or high packages enhances the experience significantly, providing access to more exclusive and aged whiskies.

Many visitors find the value for money good, considering the expert guides, historic setting, and quality whiskies included in the experience. The 1.5-hour duration fits well into most travel schedules, making it a manageable yet enriching activity.

The Atmosphere and Overall Experience in The Lost Close

The atmospheric underground vaults create a cozy and immersive environment for whisky tasting. The storytelling from guides, combined with the historic surroundings, makes this tour more engaging than a typical tasting at a bar or shop. Visitors appreciate the relaxed yet informative vibe, which balances fun and education perfectly.

Reviews frequently praise the friendly guides’ humor and knowledge, along with the variety of whiskies offered. The atmosphere is often described as welcoming and fascinating, with many guests noting the attention to detail in how the experience is curated.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Edinburgh Whisky Tour?

This tour suits adults interested in Scottish whisky, especially those who enjoy learning through storytelling and historical context. It offers a fun introduction to the different whisky regions and provides an authentic underground setting that enhances the tasting. The upgrade options make it appealing for more dedicated whisky fans seeking rarer drams.

While not suitable for children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, the experience is perfect for adults seeking a relaxed, educational, and atmospheric way to spend an evening in Edinburgh. The friendly guides, combined with the hidden vaults and excellent whiskies, create a memorable outing with great reviews confirming its popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed as an ideal introduction to Scotch whisky, with guides explaining the characteristics of each region and helping newcomers understand the flavors.

Can I upgrade my whisky tasting?
Absolutely. During checkout, you can choose to upgrade to an intermediate or high-end tasting to access more exclusive, rare, and top-shelf whiskies.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at John’s Coffee House & Tavern on the Royal Mile and ends back there, making it easy to continue exploring Edinburgh afterward.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. The meeting point is accessible on foot in the city center.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, the minimum age is 18, as it involves alcohol consumption.

What is the tour duration?
The whole experience lasts about 1.5 hours, including the guided walk and tasting.

Is the underground venue accessible?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as it takes place in a historic underground vault.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing is recommended. No specific gear is needed; just arrive ready for an atmospheric, informative whisky session.

How many whiskies are tasted?
The standard experience includes 4 whiskies, with options to taste more or rarer drams if upgraded.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The exclusive underground location, expert guides sharing stories, and regional whisky variety give this experience a distinctive edge.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby