Explore Edinburgh’s Tallest and Most Modern Distillery

The Edinburgh: Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting offers an engaging 90-minute experience at the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery. Priced at $40 per person, this tour is perfect for those interested in innovative spirits production and modern whisky craftsmanship. The tour begins at the Distillery Lobby, where visitors are taken through the building’s impressive architecture, notably the tallest distillery in the UK.

This distillery, founded by two Edinburgh friends, reflects a pioneering approach to whisky making. It leverages extensive research and presents a fresh outlook on Scotlands’ traditional spirit. The experience is suited for curious spirits enthusiasts, design lovers, and anyone eager to see a new chapter in whisky production unfold.

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Why the Port of Leith Distillery Stands Out in Edinburgh

The distillery’s vertical design makes it unique worldwide, breaking away from conventional distillery layouts. Visitors explore the structure that rises high above the Leith waterfront, a visual marvel that highlights modern innovation in whisky manufacturing. The building itself acts as a conversation starter, combining contemporary architecture with a historical whisky district.

Founded by two friends from Edinburgh, the distillery’s story combines a passion for whisky with a vision for the future. This background adds a personal touch, making the tour not just educational but also engaging, as guides share the unlikely origins of this ambitious project.

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What’s Included in the 90-Minute Tour & Tasting Experience

The tour starts with a guided exploration of the building, where the architecture and the distillation process are explained in accessible terms. Visitors get to fill their own miniature bottle with the distillery’s New Make spirit, offering a tangible memory of the experience.

The tasting segment takes place in the QC LAB, where you sample New Make spirits, port, sherry, and Table Whisky. This part of the tour emphasizes the production and maturation process, helping visitors understand the nuances of whisky making through guided tastings. The price includes a guide, the tastings, and the miniature bottle of New Make spirit.

Navigating the Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

The meeting point is at the Distillery Lobby, after which visitors take the elevators on the left to reach Level 6 Retail where the tour begins. The group size can accommodate a sizable crowd, but guides ensure everyone’s questions are answered with knowledge and friendliness. The tour lasts for 1.5 hours, with availability depending on the day, so it’s best to check timings in advance.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a broader audience. Since high-heeled shoes are not permitted, comfortable footwear is advisable for exploring the distillery’s architectural features comfortably.

Meet the Guides Behind the Storytelling

Reviews highlight the quality of the guides, with Olivia, Anna, Rocky, and Adaline all praised for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendliness. They explain complex distillation processes with clarity, often adding interesting anecdotes about the distillery’s journey and future plans. Many reviews mention guides answering all questions thoroughly, creating an informative and engaging atmosphere.

The guides’ enthusiasm and ability to communicate technical details clearly significantly enhance the overall experience, making complex whisky concepts accessible even to newcomers.

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Tasting the Spirit of a Modern Distillery

The guided tasting session is a highlight, covering New Make spirit, port, sherry, and Table Whisky. Visitors get to sample early-stage spirits still in development, which gives insight into the innovative approach at this distillery. The miniature bottle of New Make spirit** is a memorable keepsake, allowing visitors to take home a piece of their experience.

Many reviews note the quality of the tastings, with some discovering a preference for dry sherry or becoming excited about the future single malt products. The tasting’s educational focus offers a deeper appreciation of whisky production, especially the maturation process.

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Scenic Views and the Atmosphere of the Whisky Bar

The stunning whisky bar offers views over the water, making it an ideal spot to relax and reflect after the tour. Many appreciate the atmospheric setting, which combines modern design with a casual, welcoming vibe. The bar and restaurant upstairs provide options to extend the experience, although specific food offerings are not detailed in the available data.

This setting is perfect for those who enjoy drinks with a view and want to deepen their understanding of whisky in a relaxed environment.

Booking and Cancellation Flexibility

The tour can be reserved without upfront payment, offering full flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules. The experience runs regularly, so checking availability is easy.

Since the tour is English-guided and accessible for wheelchair users, it suits a variety of visitors seeking a hassle-free whisky adventure.

Comparing to Other Edinburgh Whisky Tours

While this tour emphasizes modern architecture and a pioneering approach to whisky, other experiences in Edinburgh may focus more on traditional distilleries or underground tasting rooms. The Port of Leith Distillery offers a novel experience with its tall structure and innovative spirits, setting it apart from more conventional tours.

The price point of $40 provides good value, considering the length, guided experience, tastings, and miniature spirit bottle included. Reviews confirm the experience is well worth the cost, especially for those interested in contemporary whisky production.

The Future of Whisky at Port of Leith

Since the distillery is still in its early stages, visitors get a preview of upcoming products, including single malts expected to be released in the future. The New Make spirits sampled during the tour are early expressions, and many reviewers express excitement to try the distillery’s future releases once matured.

This focus on innovation and future offerings makes the tour especially appealing for whisky enthusiasts eager to see what’s coming next.

Final Thoughts on the Port of Leith Distillery Tour

The Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting offers an impressive blend of modern architecture, innovative spirits, and passionate guides. For $40, visitors enjoy a comprehensive 90-minute experience that includes fascinating insights into whisky production, tastings of early-stage spirits, and a personalized miniature bottle.

While it may not be suitable for very young children or those with high heels, the tour’s inclusive accessibility and flexible cancellation make it a practical choice. It particularly appeals to those interested in contemporary whisky innovation and beautiful waterfront views.

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Edinburgh: Port of Leith Distillery Tour & Tasting

4.8

(146)

“Fraser was an excellent tour guide, the tour group was pretty large but he answered everyones questions and was super knowledgable, everyone had fu…”

— Alara, April 2, 2025