Port Of Leith Distillery

The magic of a great whisky is that it can taste of many things at once: complexity. A novice can probably identify a couple of flavours in a whisky - cereal and vanilla, for example. But a truly great whisky can be extraordinarily complex, with many aromas and flavours contained in a single spirit.

Here at Port of Leith Distillery we want to create an incredibly complex, balanced spirit; delicious, beguiling flavours held in perfect harmony.

Address:

11 Whisky Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6FH. A short walk from Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

By bus: Service Number 10, 34, 35, 36 and 200 Airport Bus - frequent service to Ocean Terminal from the city centre. Service Number 16 - disembark at Commercial Street, the centre is a short walk.

By Tram: Hop on a tram heading to Newhaven. Hop off the tram at Ocean Terminal.

By train: Edinburgh Waverley Train Station located in the City Centre is approximately 15mins by public transport from Ocean Terminal. There is a taxi rank within the train station and the tram or bus can be picked up near the station.

Opening Hours:

Bar & Shop 7 days 10am-11pm.
Tours 7 days 11am-8pm

This distillery is included as part of our Edinburgh Tour.

The Distillery Bar:

Hop in the lift and head all the way up. Expect to find well-crafted cocktails, thoughtfully curated small plates and an impressive selection of new-wave whisky - all set against panoramic views of the city and water beyond.

Podcast:

In the February 2024 edition of the Distillery Tours podcast we spoke to Ian Stirling joint owner of Port of Leith distillery.

Ian tells us about his journey from selling wine in London to co-owning the brilliant gin brand - Lind and Lime which helped set them on the path to building the fantastic Port of Leith Distillery. He explains how they managed to secure the land required for the build in Leith and what kind of whisky we can expect in the coming months and years. Ian also answers some questions from our brand new feature - Desert Island Drams!

Experiences:

PORT OF LEITH TOUR & TASTING £30

During your tour you’ll hear the story of two Edinburgh friends who wanted to make an extraordinary whisky, work your way through our remarkable vertical distillery layout then fill & label your very own bottle of our New Make spirit.

Hear the story of our company’s unlikely inception.
Explore the world’s tallest distillery.
Fill your own miniature bottle of our New Make spirit.
Take a seat in the QC LAB and understand whisky-making like never before with a tasting that takes you right the way through the production & maturation process. Enjoy this guided tasting session of our New Make spirits, port, sherry and Table Whisky.

Duration: 90mins

PORT OF LEITH DISTILLERY DASH £20

Short on time yet still want to hit all the high notes of our unique distillery? With the Distillery Dash you will experience the top 3 tour elements listed above then finish with a wee taste of our Table Whisky in retail on level 6. This tour does not include the guided tasting in the QC Lab.

Duration: 60mins

Children (7-17years) £10pp

Children aged 7-17 years are permitted on either tour and will receive a soft drink at the time of tasting. They must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout. For Health & Safety reasons, children under 7 and babies are not permitted on the tour.

All tours are conducted in English. We do not have translations or audio guides available at this time. If you would like to translate for members of your party please contact us to book a private tour. We ask you kindly not to translate during a public tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Port of Leith Distillery?

Port of Leith Distillery offers a range of modern whisky experiences in Edinburgh including the Distillery Tour & Tasting, Distillery Dash, Distiller’s Tasting Experience, and private group bookings. Visitors can explore Scotland’s first vertical whisky distillery, learn about the full production process from grain to spirit, fill their own bottle of new make spirit, and enjoy guided tastings that include raw spirit, cask samples, and blended whisky elements.

How long does a Port of Leith Distillery tour take?

Most Port of Leith Distillery experiences last between 60 and 90 minutes depending on the tour selected. The flagship Tour & Tasting lasts around 90 minutes, while the Distillery Dash takes approximately 60 minutes.

Is whisky tasting included at Port of Leith Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in all Port of Leith Distillery experiences. Guests typically enjoy guided tastings of new make spirit, grain and malt samples, port and sherry influences, and selected whisky expressions depending on the experience booked.

Do I need to book Port of Leith Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Port of Leith Distillery tours, especially at weekends and peak times, as experiences operate on timed entry and can sell out in advance. Walk-in access is sometimes available for the bar and shop, but tours must be booked ahead.

What are the opening hours of Port of Leith Distillery Visitor Centre?

Port of Leith Distillery is generally open daily, with the bar and shop typically open from around 10am to 11pm. Tours run at scheduled times throughout the day, usually from late morning into the evening depending on availability.

Is Port of Leith Distillery family friendly?

Port of Leith Distillery is family friendly in its visitor areas, and children are permitted on tours (typically aged 7+ with adult supervision). However, whisky tastings are intended for adults aged 18 and over, with soft drink alternatives provided for younger visitors.

Is Port of Leith Distillery accessible?

Port of Leith Distillery is designed with modern accessibility in mind, featuring lift access to upper floors, step-free routes in public areas, and accessible facilities. Some production areas may have limited access due to operational requirements.

Is parking available at Port of Leith Distillery?

There is no dedicated on-site parking at Port of Leith Distillery. Visitors are advised to use nearby public parking such as Ocean Terminal car park, or travel via bus, tram, or taxi from Edinburgh city centre.

Does Port of Leith Distillery have a café or shop?

Yes, Port of Leith Distillery features a top-floor bar serving cocktails, whisky flights and small plates, along with a retail shop selling whisky, merchandise and gifts. The bar offers panoramic views across Edinburgh and the waterfront.

Where is Port of Leith Distillery located?

Port of Leith Distillery is located at 11 Whisky Quay in Leith, Edinburgh (EH6 6FH), close to Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia on the city’s waterfront.