9 Best whisky tasting experiences 2022: from a Highlands tour, to drams in the dark
IF YOU'RE looking to treat yourself, a friend or partner - or even if you’re a total beginner and want to learn about all things whisky - we’ve round-up the best whisky experience days on the market right now.
A good dram of whisky has earned its place in history - first appearing on the booze scene over 1,000 years ago. Today, bars, distilleries and breweries have their own version of the liquid gold - and boast the best whisky tasting experiences.
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Virgin Experience Days
Whisky Blending
- Whisky Blending Experience for Two with The Whisky Lounge, £79 -
The only thing better than a good whisky is mixing it with another to make an extraordinary blend.
Learn about how blending whiskies came to be the backbone to the whisky industry, and master the art of the blending process in a Whisky Blending Experience for Two with The Whisky Lounge.
For £79 at nine locations nationwide, a lucky two people will sample a range of whisky blends and styles, noting the smells and flavours while being guided by a resident whisky expert.
Armed with a pipette and mini bottle, you’ll even get to blend your very own bespoke whisky blend. Now, that’s our favourite kind of science…
Japanese whisky masterclass
- Japanese Whisky Masterclass with Tastings for Two at MAP Maison, £90 -
Forget traditional Scotch whisky, and turn your head East - all the way to Japan for a masterclass on exceptional, unique Japanese whisky styles.
Priced at £90, two people can head to the trendy MAP Maison and sample from the largest Japanese whisky collection in London.
You’ll be greeted with a welcome cocktail and snacks, before diving into the history and characteristics of three major Japanese distilleries - and of course, sampling them.
Then, get behind the bar to create your very own cocktail, before getting the chance to take a third bottled cocktail to take home.
Whisky and chocolate tour
- Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery Tour with Whisky and Chocolate Tasting for Two, £46 -
Name a better duo than whisky and chocolate…. We’ll wait. Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is now offering a tour where you can combine the two.
For an affordable £46, two people can get a fascinating guided tour of the warehouse and distillery, followed by a tasting of three whiskies - including a special 18-year-old blend.
What’s more is you’ll get to sample three single origin dark chocolates that have been hand-picked to match your whisky perfectly. Sign us up!
Beginner's whisky guide
- Beginner’s Guide to Whisky for Two with The Whisky Lounge, £49 -
Beginner to all things whisky? No sweat, we have got you covered - Virgin Experience Days are offering a Beginner’s Guide to Whisky for Two with The Whisky Lounge for just £49.
At nine locations across the UK, be guided through the various tastes, styles and types of whiskies born in bonny Scotland.
Sample six unique whiskies, and become a pro in talking about the different notes of each — you’ll be an expert in no time.
Red Letter Days
Scottish borders and whisky tour
- Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Whisky Tour from Edinburgh for Two People, £84 -
Immerse yourself in fascinating Scottish history and whisky in this amazing day trip for two.
Starting from Edinburgh, take a bus tour to the famous Rosslyn Chapel - featured in the Da Vinci Code film - then plunge deep into the Scottish borders, before making a boozy pitstop at Glenkinchie Distillery to sample their very own ‘water of life’ (that’s whisky).
This amazing tour is priced at just £84 for two people, and lasts eight hours - so fantastic value for money.
Whisky distillery bus tour
- Whisky Distillery Bus Tour in Glasgow for Two, £299 -
All aboard the whisky tour bus! Hop onto a vintage red Routemaster bus in Glasgow, first taking in the best sites of the city - accompanied by a hot drink and classic Scottish shortbread.
Then, chug on over to the city’s best distilleries including Clydeside for a tour and tasting of a 10-year-old malt; then it’s back on board for lunch and a whisky pairing, before heading on over to Auchentashan.
To round off an amazing day, expect plenty more food - including haggis, neeps and tatties with a whisky sauce - as well as a final dram, and cocktail.
This jam-packed day will be memorable for whisky-lovers and foodies alike, and comes to £299. It’s a little pricier than some others on this list, but for the amount of food, whisky and sights you see, it’s certainly worth it.
Buyagift
Highland Malt tasting experience
- Highland Malt Whisky Tasting Experience for Two, £70 -
Buyagift is offering the chance to head to the birthplace of whisky in a Scottish Highland Malt Whisky Tasting Experience for Two for £70.
Two lucky people will try five delicious whiskies, situated in the heart of the beautiful Inverness, and learn about the history of the drink - and legendary Scottish Highland Music.
It’s a memorable experience, lasting 1hr 45 minutes, and perfect for whisky beginners or experts alike.
Full day whisky school experience
- Full Day Whisky School Experience for One at The Whisky Lounge, £150 -
Head back to school with The Whisky Lounge and get the best kind of education on all things whisky.
For £150, one person can experience a full day of whisky school and sample between 20 and 25 amazing whiskies - while learning the tricks of the trade, tasting notes, styles and more.
Each student will get a two-course light lunch, a glass to take home as a souvenir and a special certificate to show off to all their friends.
Loch Lomond and whisky tour
- Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour from Glasgow for Two People, £90 -
A trip to Scotland on a whisky trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to hauntingly beautiful Loch Lomond.
For £90, experience the best bits of southern Scotland - starting from Glasgow. Head on a bus to the largest loch in Scotland, measuring a huge 22 miles long.
Admire and soak up the views before jumping back aboard to head to Clydeside distillery where you can learn about how they transform pure Highland water into beautiful, honey-coloured whisky.
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