Did you know that there are underground tasting rooms right underneath the Old Town in Edinburgh? Where as soon as you step inside, it’s like disappearing into another world and the walls seem to whisper of histories of the past. The air smells earthy and I couldn’t help to wonder who would’ve walk through this space in its heyday. The Lost Close is hidden right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town where they offer tastings of whisky, gin and beer in historic underground rooms. The city used to have plenty of closes and streets underneath what is now the famous Royal Mile street. But these streets were all hidden away back in the day. Luckily The Lost Close team found such a space behind a wall and now you can enjoy a taste of Scotland’s drinks whilst in the historic surroundings of these underground rooms!
The Lost Close Whisky Tasting Edinburgh: an underground experience
As a whisky writer and former tour guide I’ve been so curious about this whisky tasting experience ever since I first heard about it. Locals widely recognise that Edinburgh Old Town once had lower streets that now lie buried beneath the modern city. This is something you can learn more about on The Real Mary Kings tour – which I really recommend. Therefore, the team’s discovery of this venue didn’t surprise me. And I was quite glad to hear that they were doing something with it so that visitors would be able to experience the venue. A whisky tasting is of course one of the top things to do in the city.
In comparison to The Scotch Whisky Experience and Johnnie Walker Princes Street, this experience is more suited to those looking for a whisky tasting, without doing an immersive tour as well.
The Lost Close team kindly invited me to a special tasting hosted throughout March for International Women’s Month. So let me tell you more about it.
♥ If you are looking to explore more whisky experiences across Edinburgh – I’ve written a full guide to the top Whisky tastings and tours which can be found here!
Whisky tasting
The whisky tastings at The Lost Close in Edinburgh take place in one of the underground rooms in the close. You all meet above ground outside John’s Coffee House & Tavern. Before climbing the stairs down to the close entrance. It’s a lovely space for a tasting and the table is set up with glasses and water. I also loved seeing the old map which shows you exactly where you are in the Old Town. The whisky tastings are available in different categories so you can choose one that suits your preferences, if you are a beginner or more experienced with whisky.
The tasting I did was to celebrate International Women’s Month in March. So all the whiskies included in the tasting had a connection to four fascinating women who have helped shape the industry to this day. The tasting line up was Cardhu, NcNean, Benriach and Laphroaig and we got to learn more about Helen & Elizabeth Cummings, Annabel Thomas, Rachel Barrie and Bessie Williamson. My work as a whisky writer and content creator has introduced me to these women, and I valued how the event showcased their achievements. If you are visiting Edinburgh in March, do keep an eye out if this themed lost close tasting returns as it’s a fascinating way to learn more about scotch whisky and the industry. There are also other themed tastings available each month, besides the other tours.
Price: from €46 per person
Beer Tasting at The Lost Close
Did you know that Edinburgh has a really good craft beer scene? If you’ve been to one of the pubs in the city, chances are you’ve seen at least one of them available. And where better than to explore a one hour tasting session of some of Edinburgh’s best local breweries, than underground in a mysterious lost close? The tasting includes four beer from breweries such as Campervan Brewery, Moonwake Beer Co and Bellfield Brewery and you get to learn more about them as you sip on some tasty samples.
I love tastings that focus on local cuisine, and even more so when it is supporting local businesses. This experience is ideal for beer lovers and anyone curious about locally brewed beers in Edinburgh.
Price: from €27 per person
Gin Tasting Underground in Edinburgh
Of course it’s not just whisky and beer that is popular in Edinburgh – but also gin. The history of gin is really interesting and if you are travelling around in the United Kingdom (and if you’re a fan of a gin & tonic), I would definitely recommend learning more about it. You’ll learn more about its connection to Scotland and how it has developed so quickly in recent years. Of course you’ll also have the chance to try four different gins – as well as three different tonic waters for mixing – and create your own perfect serve.
Bring a friend along and experience a fun underground tasting in a lost close in the middle of Edinburgh’s Old Town where you might find your new favourite gin!
Price: from €31 per person
FAQ – The Lost Close Edinburgh
The Lost Close hosts a variety of tastings, including whisky, gin and beer tastings.
Due to the locations within a lost close, the tour unfortunately is not wheelchair accessible.
The Lost Close is located at Barrie’s Close, right behind St Giles Cathedral in the Old Town of Edinburgh.
Yes, the lost close is located in a hidden stone cellar, which was uncovered underneath a building which is ground level in the Old Town.
There are different levels of whisky tastings available, ranging from beginners to more experienced drinkers. Our host was very approachable and friendly so it can definitely be suited for beginners.
Looking for more whisky or gin experiences in Edinburgh?
- The Best Whisky Distilleries in Scotland: From Historic Icons to Hidden Gems
- Where to go for a whisky tasting in Edinburgh: Scotch whisky tours & distilleries
- The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh: Tours, tastings & Scottish restaurant
- Edinburgh Gin Distillery Tour in Edinburgh: A botanical experience in the heart of the city
- Johnnie Walker Princes Street Edinburgh: the tours, tastings and rooftop bar
Or other inspiration for your Scotland trip?
- Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
- The best hotels in Edinburgh: 19 luxurious recommendations from a local
- The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
- The Glenturret Distillery: Whisky Tours & Two Michelin Star Lalique Restaurant
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
