08-08-2025
A whisky expert's favourite places for a dram in Edinburgh
The Black Cat is conveniently located on Rose Street, with a lovely selection of whiskies, and if you're looking for a fun and lively atmosphere, do come by on one of the nights when they have live music on.
The outdoor seating spaces are also a great spot for people watching when the weather allows.
For those particularly fond of cask strength and single cask whiskies, then the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Kaleidoscope Bar is a no-brainer to visit. Most of the Society venues are members only, but in the Queen Street townhouse, the ground-level bar welcomes anyone.
For members, there are also exclusive spaces upstairs. I'd particularly recommend anything from Distillery no. 35, but the staff can also help with finding something that suits your palate.
An often overlooked whisky bar is the Amber Bar at The Scotch Whisky Experience, which is located right by the castle. Don't worry about that location, this spot is not just for tourists.
The Amber Bar is a great place to try Scottish whiskies - and at really good prices. The staff are happy to help with recommendations and can also put together flights tailored to your preferences.
When I worked upstairs at the venue, the Glen Scotia Double Cask used to be one of my go-tos for an after-work dram.
Cask & Vine is a bit of a newcomer on the bar scene in Edinburgh, but sits in a lovely location on the Canongate and has a great selection of whiskies, wine and food.
It's a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a dram. It's also perfect if you also fancy a cheese and charcuterie board, which also happens to pair incredibly well with whisky.
Don't forget to check if they have any tastings on, as they arrange both whisky and wine experiences regularly.
The Devil's Advocate can be found tucked away in the Advocate's Close in the old town.
They have a great whisky list, which makes it hard to pick out a dram and also a lovely food menu if you're looking for a snack or a meal.
There is outdoor seating out the back on the terrace, and inside the brick walls provide a cosy setting which really makes you feel as if you're in the heart of the old town.
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If you are looking to enjoy your drams in an elegant and iconic setting, then why not stop by SCOTCH at The Balmoral? The whisky cages that fill an entire wall hold many flavourful spirits waiting to be enjoyed.
It would be a shame not to speak with the SCOTCH team about whisky, as they are incredibly knowledgeable and love to chat. If you have a question or need a recommendation, do not hesitate to ask.
If your Edinburgh adventures take you down to Leith, then don't miss out on Nauticus. This bar focuses primarily on Scottish drinks, so of course, that means plenty of whisky.
It's one of the places where I enjoy asking for a recommendation from the team behind the bar the most, as it's always something fun and interesting. The interiors are gorgeous, and this nautical pub makes for a great spot for a dram - and they do great cocktails too if you would be so inclined.
August is obviously all about fun and entertainment when the festival is in full swing, so continuing in the same fashion you should visit Teuchter's Landing in Leith (or the sister venue Teuchter's Bar & Bunker in the West End) for the "Hoop of Destiny" where you get to throw a hoop towards the bar and if you are lucky or skilled enough to land on one of the bottles, then that is the dram you will receive.
And if you miss, then it's a consolation dram instead.
Athletic Arms, or Diggers as it's fondly known by locals, is slightly further away from the city centre than the other options on this list, but if you're looking for a big selection of whiskies (over 500 different ones!), 35ml drams and great prices, then this is the place for you.
A truly brilliant spot for whisky drinkers, just trust me on that one!
Moa Reynolds is the Edinburgh-based content creator, writer and photographer behind the hugely popular Swedish Whisky Girl social media accounts and blog.
Find her on Instagram @swedishwhiskygirl.
