Whisky Tour

Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, where the world’s largest Scottish whisky company was founded and a vibrant history of “aqua vitae” (or the “water of life”) began. Hear the stories of those who jump-started whisky production in Edinburgh, including the smugglers, bootleggers and other seedier characters of Old Town’s underbelly.

We have King James IV of Scotland (commonly referred to as the world’s first famous whisky drinker) to thank for Edinburgh’s monopoly on whisky production in the 15th Century. He believed in the drink’s medicinal properties, which is why the Guild of Surgeon Barbers was originally tasked with manufacturing it.

You’ll also learn of 19th Century Old Town locals like George Ballantine and Andrew Usher Jr; pioneers of homemade whisky which ended up being exported worldwide.

These are just two of the many fascinating transformations that Scotch whisky has undertaken over the centuries, which we will explore as we wander the streets where these events took place.

Whisky Tasting

Colourful history, tradition and a candlelit whisky tasting

The tour continues with a whisky tasting in our candlelit Megget’s Cellar. There’s no better way to warm the spirits. Under the guidance of our whisky specialist, as part of Mercat Tours 40th birthday celebrations sip a 40-year-old Scottish dram along with four whiskies from across the country.

Your expert will cover everything you need to know about the water of life; from how whisky is made to the effects that different elements such as water, barley, peat and the cask have on the production process and the art of blending. Nose and taste your way through the whisky regions, with sample whiskies from Speyside, Highland, Islay and Lowland distilleries and an extraordinary special birthday edition 40-year-old blend. Just consider this your first step to becoming a whisky connoisseur! 

Win a weekend trip

Post a selfie with your Mercat birthday pin and be entered to win! T&Cs apply.