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Taste ‘The Edinburgh Malt’ at the Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery

by The Foodie Travel Guide | Apr 12, 2015

Glenkinchie Distillery, near Edinburgh, Scotland

Known as “The Edinburgh Malt’ because it’s just a 30 minute drive from Scotland’s capital city, Glenkinchie is a classic lowland whisky distillery, set in an idyllic landscape of rolling barley fields.

Take the tour of Glenkinchie Distillery and taste traditional Scottish whisky

If you don’t have time to go to the Highlands or the West coast to follow the world famous whisky trails, and Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience isn’t your thing, we recommend you put a visit to the Glenkinchie distillery on your itinerary. The distillery provides transport to and from the city so getting there couldn’t be easier. It also means you can relax and enjoy a wee dram or two. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, book yourself on to a tour that also includes a visit to the Rosslyn Chapel (of Da Vinci Code fame) and Melrose Abbey.

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Discover the Story of Glenkinchie

Production at Glenkinchie began back in 1837 when two local farmers became the first to hold a licence for the distillery. By 1914, it joined four lowland distilleries to form Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd but like all the other malt distilleries, production ceased during the latter part of the First World War as barley was conserved for food supplies. Today, the Glenkinchie distillery is owned by drinks giant Diageo and welcomes more than 25,000 visitors a year through its doors.

Tour the Distillery

Three different tour options are available. The most basic is entry is to the model distillery exhibition housed on the old maltings floor. This is perfect for families visiting with young children but don’t worry, adults still taste a wee dram. Pay a little extra and you’ll get a guided tour of the production floor where you’ll discover how ‘the water of life’ is made. On the Flavour of Scotland Tour, you can compare the taste of a Glenkinchie single malt next to those from other parts of Scotland.

Tasting Notes

Glenkinchie 12 Year Malt – this is typical of lowland malts and is made using the water from the Lammermuir Hills. On the nose, it has aromatic and floral notes. On the palate, it’s sweet with a slight liquorice aftertaste and a dry finish.

The Glenkinchie distillery runs a daily minibus shuttle service from Edinburgh city centre to Glenkinchie. Advanced booking is advisable and must be pre-paid
Alternatively, for a really interesting day trip from Edinburgh book on to a tour that includes a visit to the Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose Abbey and Glenkinchie Distillery
Children under the age of 8 are not allowed in the whisky production area

Mr Hendricks says, “They say they’re sorry but they only accept Guide Dogs.”