Beer Tasting Session @ The Lost Close

Taste Edinburgh’s local brewing history with the Beer Tasting Session at The Lost Close, a unique experience in the heart of the Old Town. For just $20.70 per person, this approximately one-hour tour offers an intimate setting with small groups of up to 8 guests. Hosted in a historic underground close, it combines local beer sampling with fascinating stories about Edinburgh’s brewing heritage. The tour is highly rated at 5.0/5 from 57 reviews, with 96% recommending it to visitors seeking a fun, educational, and social experience in Edinburgh.

This session is perfect for adults interested in beer, history, or both. It emphasizes learning how to taste beer like a professional, discovering the differences between light, golden, and darker, roasted beers. The small group size ensures a cozy atmosphere, ideal for meeting new people and enjoying personalized attention. Keep in mind, this tour is only suitable for adults due to the alcohol involved, and advance booking—typically around 51 days ahead—is recommended.

Key Points

• Price: $20.70 per person for a 1-hour underground beer tasting
• Location: Edinburgh’s historic Lost Close, near Parliament Square
• Group Size: Limited to 8 guests for a small, social experience
• Highlights: Sampling up to 7 beers, learning how to taste beer professionally, exploring Edinburgh’s brewing history
• Timing: Starts at 7:00 pm, ideal for an evening activity
• Special Setting: Hosted in a fascinating underground space in Edinburgh’s Old Town

Exploring the Historic Venue: The Lost Close in Edinburgh

The tour begins at the CoDE Pod on Parliament Square, where guests meet just a short walk from public transportation. The Lost Close is a stone, historic underground building that provides a fascinating backdrop for the tasting. As one guide describes, the space has underground discoveries and stories that add a layer of intrigue to the experience.

This ancient setting amplifies the connection to Edinburgh’s past and makes the beer tasting more memorable. The atmosphere in this cozy cellar is both authentic and intimate, perfect for discovering local brews in a unique environment.

The Craft of Beer Tasting: Learning and Sampling

During the session, knowledgeable guides teach guests how to taste beers like a pro, explaining why beers vary in bitterness and color. Up to 7 beers are sampled, representing a range of styles, from light and golden to dark and roasted.

The small group size makes it easy to ask questions and engage with the guides, who are praised for their enthusiasm and expertise. Guests can expect a relaxing, social atmosphere where conversations flow easily, and everyone can try a variety of local beers.

The Range of Beers: From Edinburgh to Beyond

The selection of beers mainly features local brews from Edinburgh’s breweries, making this a great way to taste the city’s beer scene. Several reviews highlight the diversity and quality of the beers offered, with some mentioning fewer than five beers in some sessions, but all are noted as good quality and interesting.

Participants often find themselves surprised by how much they enjoy beers they might not usually pick, thanks to the guides’ insights. The variety ensures there is something for every palate, whether you prefer light, hoppy, or darker, roasted flavors.

The Guide’s Role: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Multiple reviews praise the guides for their expertise and personality. Sarah, Nicky, and Terry are mentioned as enthusiastic, friendly, and well-informed, sharing history and fun facts about Edinburgh’s brewing and the underground location.

The guides’ storytelling style often includes local history and underground discoveries, making the experience both educational and entertaining. They are also praised for adapting the session to your’ preferences and questions, creating a personalized experience.

Social Atmosphere and Small Group Dynamics

The small group setting fosters conversations and connections among participants. The maximum of 8 guests encourages a cozy, friendly environment. Reviews mention meeting people from around the world, and many find the social aspect one of the best parts of the tour.

This aspect makes the session ideal for solo travelers or small groups looking for an evening of relaxed, engaging fun in Edinburgh’s historic surroundings.

Meeting Point and Practical Details

The tour starts at the CoDE Pod on Parliament Square at 7:00 pm. The location is near public transportation, making it easy to access from different parts of the city. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics.

Guests should arrive promptly to maximize the experience, as the session lasts approximately one hour. Once booked, confirmation is received immediately, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

The Unique Setting: An Underground Edinburgh Experience

The Lost Close location is a stone cellar with a fascinating history. Guests can expect to learn about underground discoveries in Edinburgh, which adds to the overall charm and intrigue of the tour.

Many reviews mention how the venue contributes to the experience, with fascinating stories about the space itself, making it more than just a beer tasting but an immersive historical adventure in Edinburgh’s hidden depths.

Value for Money: Quality and Quantity

The price of $20.70 is considered very reasonable given the up to 7 beers sampled and the knowledgeable guides. Several reviews highlight the good value, especially considering the local, quality beers and unique underground setting.

The small group size and personalized attention make this a good bargain for anyone interested in trying a variety of Edinburgh’s brews in a special environment.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Last-minute cancellations are not refundable, so planning ahead is recommended. The experience requires a minimum number of participants to run, but if canceled, guests are offered alternative dates or full refunds.

This straightforward policy adds reassurance for those hesitant about booking in advance.

The Overall Experience: Fun, Educational, and Unique

This underground beer tasting in Edinburgh offers a blend of local history, beer craftsmanship, and social interaction. Many reviews describe it as fun, cozy, and informative, with guides who love sharing their knowledge.

Guests particularly enjoy the fascinating underground setting, the diversity of beers, and the friendly guides. It’s a great way to spend an hour in Edinburgh’s Old Town, especially if you’re curious about local brewing traditions and enjoy small, engaging tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-beer drinkers?
While the session focuses on beer tasting, the educational aspect and social environment make it enjoyable even for those with less interest in beer. However, alcohol consumption is part of the experience, so it’s only for adults.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at the CoDE Pod on Parliament Square, near public transportation. The location is well-marked and easy to access from central Edinburgh.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

What makes this tour different from other Edinburgh beer experiences?
The small group size, underground, historic setting, and knowledgeable guides who share local stories and beer insights make this tour stand out as a personalized, authentic experience.

Is this tour suitable for late arrivals?
Guests should arrive on time at 7:00 pm to fully enjoy the session, as late arrivals may miss parts of the experience.

This Beer Tasting Session at The Lost Close offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s brewing past, combined with craft beer sampling in a fascinating underground space. Its affordable price, small group size, and enthusiastic guides make it a great choice for visitors eager to learn and socialize in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.