Whisky Tours · WHISKY &
Scotch, Irish pot still, bourbon, Tennessee sour mash and the Japanese and Tasmanian outsiders, in one list. These 15 are ranked on what ends up in the glass rather than how smart the visitor centre is, each with its price and its running time.
At the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, learn how Scotch is made, follow a sensory journey through five whisky regions, and visit a glass-and-marble vault holding almost 3,500 bottles. The standard tour includes a tasting or soft drink, while Gold adds four regional single malts.
“It was great, the explanation of the greats and really enjoy it”
At Jameson Distillery Bow Street, an English or French-speaking guide takes you through John Jameson’s story, whiskey production, and the old Dublin site. Taste three whiskeys side by side, enjoy a Jameson cocktail, and consider adding barrel tasting or a personalized bottle.
“The guide was enthusiastic and kept us entertained. We learned a lot about whisky.”
Tour Jameson’s historic Bow St. home in Dublin with an English-speaking guide, learn about ingredients and triple distillation, then enjoy comparative whiskey samples and a Jameson Ginger and Lime drink at JJ’s Bar. Guides such as Alex, Finn, Jack, Nathan, and Nial are praised for their energy.
“Great experience although our guide had a very odd flourish and speech pattern (not an accent). Had to wonder if he drank too much of the product!”
Travel from central Melbourne to the Yarra Valley in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Tom, Gilberto, Richard or Matt. Taste wines at Soumah, St Huberts and Balgownie, sample 10 chocolates, browse Hubert Estate, and choose lunch at extra cost.
“Had a nice day. Met some really nice international travellers. Wine tasting was excellent. Lunch was decent. The bus was comfortable.”
At Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Museum, guides such as Andrew, Linda, and Hailey lead a one-hour tour through whiskey’s story, from uisca beatha to its modern revival. You’ll view historic memorabilia, learn tasting basics, and sample several Irish whiskeys, with a premium upgrade available.
“The tour was amazing.....fun, enlightening, and very tasty. Our tour guide was full of whiskey knowledge and humor.”
Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a cloaked English-speaking Storyteller, then descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults for grim tales, eerie sounds, and a drink in Megget’s Cellar. Choose Ballantine’s whisky, Scottish beer, or a soft drink. Guides include Michael, Steph, Sophie, and Marina.
“A brilliant tour by the fantastic Kirsty! She knew so much about the local area and was a great ghost story teller. It was spooky, cooky and really informative with great expertise on the history of Edinburgh and what the vaults represented. I definitely felt someone stand on the back of my shoe (I was at the back of the group) whilst in the vaults, I'm assuming this was 'The Watcher'! When sat with our whiskeys, our whole bench slid forward as if being pushed but there was a wall behind us and it was only my partner and I sat there - it was a fantastic experience and we…”
Spend about four hours touring Jameson Distillery Bow St. and the Guinness Storehouse with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. Taste Jameson whiskey, enjoy a signature whiskey drink and a Guinness pint, and walk between the venues through old Dublin streets with local stories along the way.
“Worth the money, very informative tours of both the Jamesons factory and the guiness factory. Both with tasting exprriences. As a bonus our tour guide Emmett told us all about the history of Dublin and showed us things we never would of known he was very knowledgeable and very kind. Very good at his job.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street, near the Royal Mile, for two hours of whisky, folklore, and Scottish history. You will sample four single malts from Scotland’s main whisky regions, with alternatives available if whisky is not your drink. Guides may include Ben, Kofi, Angus, or Eleanor.
“Amazing. Great way to learn how to taste whisky. And the guide was so friendly and really good at story telling. I was hooked for the full 2 hours haha. She also made sure everyone was apart of the coversation which was very nice. :)”
Ride from downtown Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery with a driver-guide, tour the production areas, taste Tennessee whiskey in the George Green Barrel House, and browse Lynchburg. The 9am departure includes about 90 minutes in town. Expect stairs, a 21+ age limit, and no bus restroom.
“We really loved the tour and learned a lot! The history of Jack Daniel’s whiskey and the process of making it is very interesting. It was a fun day! Jacob our tour guide was very knowledgeable and did a great job as did Frank our driver. We would highly recommend!”
You’ll tour Teeling’s working distillery in Dublin’s Liberties, hear the city’s whiskey story, and taste a choice of pours. Guides such as Marc, Blaise, Dave, and Ivie are known for warmth and humor, while the café, terrace, bar, and gift shop make this an easy stop before or after sightseeing.
“Great experience. Wonderful tour and tasting. Appreciate the hospitality. Blaise Was very informative and fun.”
Spend 90 minutes at Johnnie Walker Princes Street learning how Scotch whisky is made through projections, performances and tastings. Your flavour quiz shapes three drinks, including non-alcoholic choices. Guides such as Paula, Anton and Leah are known for warm, lively presentations.
“Anton (not sure I’ve spelled his name correctly) is such an awesome and fun tour guide. You can tell that so much work and planning goes into this tour. The special effects, the immersive features and the history all make for a very well-done tour. I recommend this tour to anyone visiting Edinburgh, even if Whiskey is not your thing. Definitely one of the highlights of my Scotland visit.”
At Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience, a guide leads you through a theatrical distillery recreation, whisky aromas, regional flavor, and one tasting. You’ll see more than 3,000 unopened bottles and receive a crystal tasting glass if you’re an adult or concession visitor. Under-18s get Irn-Bru.
“Clear explanation and engaging videos of distilling process and varying tastes of regions in Scotland. Tasting selection was good examples of the distinct variations, Fiona was great!”
At Casa Bacardi, choose a Legacy Tour, Mixology Class, or Rum Tasting Tour. Expect a welcome cocktail, a short trolley ride, Bacardi family history, and a taste of the exclusive Special Reserve. Guides such as Maria, Edwin, Itsy, and Violeta bring plenty of humor to the visit.
“Maria was amazing. She was very vibrant and knowledgeable. super sweet and fun! we enjoyed the tour and the drink!”
Spend eight hours in the Yarra Valley with Red Carpet Wine Tours, tasting wine at Soumah, St Huberts, and Balgownie, plus chocolate at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Guides such as Matt, Gilberto, Tom, and Richard keep the day social, flexible, and easy to enjoy.
“Loved our experience with Red Carpet Tours. We did their Wombat Tour and enjoyed every stop we visited. There was a good amount of time at each stop and the food for lunch at St Hubert’s was delicious. Thank you Tom for being a great host, driver and DJ!”
Spend about three hours walking Edinburgh’s Old Town with a local guide such as Carlos, Nyssa, Nichola, or Madge. Sample haggis with neeps and tatties, Scottish cheese, cakes, whisky, tea, and a surprise dish while hearing food stories and city folklore.
“I really enjoyed this food tour with Nyssa. There was a good variety of food and I learned some about Scotland too!”
Pick a region, a spirit or a way of getting there.
