Scotland is the home of whisky and people rightly fly from all over the world just to get a nip of our national drink.
And what better place to enjoy some of our distilleries' best drams than in Scotland's capital itself.
Edinburgh's bars are often voted as some of the best in Britain, and many of them specialise in serving whisky, from those enjoying it for the very first time to those who can consider themselves whisky connoisseurs.
READ MORE: Edinburgh's best beer gardens to enjoy a drink in the sunshine
Meanwhile, just last year, Johnnie Walker Princes Street opened in the heart of Edinburgh after a multi-million pound investment.
To celebrate all things whisky and the heritage of Scotland's favourite drink, May marks National Whisky Month. And if you want to get involved, you might consider taking a trip to some of our city's most impressive whisky bars.
Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel
Self-described as a 'world-class whisky bar', it's hard to disagree. The plush, relaxing surroundings of the Scotch bar are well complemented by over 500 varieties of whisky, which owners consider to be one of the largest collections in Edinburgh.
Aided by the bar's kilted staff, they'll use their expert knowledge of the drink to recommend you the perfect dram.
Kaleidoscope Bar
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s (SMWS)'s hugely impressive Kaleidoscope Bar in Edinburgh was recently crowned Global Whisky Bar of the Year,’ in Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards 2022 - and we're very lucky to have it on our doorstep.
The bar is home to an ever-changing collection of more than 500 exclusive single malts from Scotland and beyond and the bar’s expertly trained staff guide visitors through the colourful world of SMWS whiskies and recommend the best dram for them based on their flavour preferences.
The Devil's Advocate
Hidden away down a close and situated in an old Victorian pump house, the Devil's Advocate features old-school industrial designs and exposed brick and beams, but this place is about substance as well as style.
The bar is stocked to the rafters with hundreds of bottles of Scottish whiskies and is considered one of the best whisky destinations in the capital. It even benefits from its sun trap 'whisky garden'.
The Mother Superior
Named after Trainspotting's infamous drug dealer, Leith Walk's Mother Superior has a back bar housing hundreds of bottles of Scotland's national drink.
Headed up by hospitality industry stalwart Jane Nolan, this brilliant bar opened up during lockdown in 2020 and has gone on to become a huge hit in the local Leith area.
Scottish Malt Whisky Society
Known as The Vaults, this former wine warehouse is considered the "spiritual home" of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Here you can enjoy the ultimate tasting experience in a unique atmosphere brought by the character of an historical building which dates all the way back to the 12th century.
The Bow Bar
Somewhat of a city institution, The Bow Bar, nestled on the colourful West Bow (Victoria Street) in the city's Old Town, is a self-confessed "no frills" pub that prides itself on its single malt selection - alongside its cask beers.
Renowned as being one of the city's most 'cosy' pubs, it was crowned as one the UK's best whisky pubs by the Good Pub Guide in 2020, owing largely to its 300 plus whiskies on offer to be enjoyed in a traditional, old-school setting.
Whiski
Situated on the Royal Mile, Whiski is popular with locals and tourists alike on account of its near 300 bottles of whisky.
You can also book whisky tastings in advance and purchase whisky from their shop, while a visit to the bar and restaurant can provide you with the full Scottish experience, with many diners tucking into their legendary haggis before a live music performance.
Whiski Rooms
Whiski's sister site, Whiski Rooms, opened during the pandemic, providing a new concept over looking the Mound on North Bank Street.
The venue features a bar, bistro and specialist whisky shop, and a comprehensive whisky list with over 300 hundred varieties, including a number of international whiskies too.
Whiski Rooms also put on daily whisky tastings and encourage customers to 'try before they buy'.
Tipsy Midgie
A new addition to Edinburgh's thriving whisky scene is the Tipsy Midgie, a relaxed 30 seater bar, with hundreds of different bottles behind the bar, including a vast selection of old and rare, unicorn and distillery exclusives.
The Tipsy Midgie is the latest project from The Whisky Forager, who previously owned award winning seafood restaurant, the Kilted Lobster, and whisky and food pairing restaurant, Whisky Forager.
Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar at The Scotch Whisky Experience
For the ultimate Scottish food and drink evening, it's worth booking in to The Scotch Whisky Experience.
With the Amber Restaurant chefs cooking up award-winning contemporary dishes including the hugely popular Scottish tapas, guests can also enjoy the choice of around 450 different whiskies while taking in the bar's beautifully-lit whisky wall.
Usquabae Whisky Bar
Currently under refurbishment, this 'subterranean urban whisky bothy' has over 400 different whiskies to try, including an extensive collection of older and rare drams.
Aside from the drink itself, this bar is a must visit on account of its unique, historic surroundings, found in the cavernous basement of the former Cellar Bar, in the heart of town.
The Black Cat
Priding itself as the only independent bar on Rose Street, this lively boozer boasts one of the largest collections of whisky in Edinburgh's New Town.
The atmosphere is provided by their excellent live Scottish folk music nights, which traditionally take place on Wednesday and Sunday nights.
Have we missed your favourite whisky bar from our list? Let us know in the comments!
