Overview

The Scotch Whisky Experience has to be one of the must see attractions if you are venturing out on to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. We visited on a rainy morning and were glad to seek shelter! That said we were soon exchanted by the story of whisky - even more so when we discovered there was a barrel ride. What we didn’t expect was for the ride to have a wheelchair accessible barrel. Wheeling aboard our adventure began as you are taken through the story of whisky production.

Transport & Parking

We walked up the hill. It is a slope but manageable if you take your time browsing the many shops, closes and curiosities as you go. Just keep an eye out for the busking bag pipers as you have to wheel right in front of them and photo bomb the tourists’ pictures.

Access

When we arrived it was clearly signposted. We loved the display boards explains what you could see and do. An automatic door opened and we walked in and were immediately welcomed. Collecting our tickets we went on the Silver Tour. As we said. Took the barrel ride and then went in to the spirit of Scotland area. Benches for people to sit on and wheelchair spaces too as the guide told the whisky story whilst an amazing panoramic wall showed films from across the five whisky area. We loved the scratch cards where you could get a smell of the characteristics of the different whisky regions. Next was a blenders room where everyone sat in front of benches and the Guide told more of the story ... and then the picture on the wall came alive as a character spoke more about whisky and blending. Whilst this was happening the displays of whisky bottles in the cabinet in front of us came alive with smoke swirling from the bottles, flames bubbling in the bottles and sparkles and more. At the end of this the wall changed from being wooden panels to become a vault door. With the clunking of the locks the door opened and we were invited into to see the world’s largest whisky collection. Everywhere on the tour was wheelchair accessible but also well thought out we we could share in the experience just like everyone else.

Toilets

The accessible toilet was on a lower floor - well signposted and easy to find - just take the lift down. It’s not the largest of loos but it was fine.

Staff

Exceptional ... the warmth of the welcome and the discrete but helpful guiding through the tour and making sure we were ok was great. Top marks to everyone!

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Would recommend the tour to anyone who may be interested in whisky and who is visiting the Royal Mile. For us it made an ideal visit after seeing Edinburgh Castle.