“Such a cool tasting experience, unlike anything I’ve done before.”
Scotland is world-famous for its whisky, with countless distilleries across the country producing whisky that is enjoyed far and wide. Many of these distilleries offer tours and other experiences that enthusiasts can take part in.
Every distillery in the country has something different to offer, with each tour offering a unique perspective on whisky-making. However, one distillery tour was recently named as the best in Scotland.
The 2025 World Travel Awards’ (WTA) Europe Gala was held in Italy on October 23, with the awards celebrating the best of the global travel and tourism industry. Taking home the prize for ‘Scotland’s Leading Distillery Tour 2025’ was Glenkinchie distillery in East Lothian.
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The distillery is situated near the village of Pencaitland, around 15 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. It was founded in 1837 and is known for its rare Lowland-style whisky.
There are a number of tours and other experiences on offer at Glenkinchie, starting from £21 per person. The most affordable experience on offer is the Glenkinchie Flavour Journey, which is comprised of a full-sensory tour and a tutored whisky tasting of three drams and a cocktail in the distillery’s Tasting Room.
Meanwhile, the Glenkinchie Flavour and Cask Experience features a fully guided tour that concludes with the opportunity to draw straight from a cask. The tour is followed by a tutored whisky tasting of six drams.
Another experience on offer is the Glenkinchie Hidden Lowland Tour and Tasting, which includes an in-depth tour of areas that are normally off-limits to guests. It also offers the opportunity to taste rare and exclusive Glenkinchie whiskies that have spent years maturing.
In addition to its tours and experiences, Glenkinchie features The Lowland Bar that serves a range of food and drink throughout the day. Its menu includes soup, meat and vegetarian platters, and afternoon tea.
The distillery also has a shop where visitors can choose from a selection of its renowned whiskies. Both its smooth and delicate Lowland single malt and limited editions and special releases are available.
As well as being named Scotland’s Leading Distillery Tour 2025, Glenkinchie has also earned rave reviews from members of the public. It has an overall rating of 4.9 out of five on Google based on 1,010 reviews.
One visitor shared: “We went with some friends and our tour guide was incredible at storytelling, walking us through the process so clearly, I learned so much about whisky in one short hour and the experience will always be remembered.
“I enjoyed the whole journey from start to finish. Such a cool tasting experience, unlike anything I’ve done before.”
A second wrote: “The distillery tour and tasting was a great experience. The gentleman who guided the tour was a great person.
“All staff were very friendly. We visited two other distilleries in the Edinburgh area but this one was way way better.”
For those who are interested in sampling Glenkinchie’s whisky but are unable to visit the distillery, many can be ordered online.
The Glenkinchie 12 Year Old can currently be bought from The Whisky Exchange at a price of £46.50. The whisky is aromatic and flowery, with notes of butter icing and lemon cheesecake on the palate.
Elsewhere, Master of Malt sells the Glenkinchie Distillers Edition for £67.90. The Glenkinchie Distillers Edition is double matured in amontillado seasoned American oak casks, and features sherry sweetness alongside woody spices.
More information can be found on the Glenkinchie distillery website. Meanwhile, the full list of winners can be found on the World Travel Awards website.
