May sees the third annual Whisky Month kick-off – a month-long celebration of Scotland’s national drink and the people and culture behind it. And there’s no better place to experience whisky than in Scotland’s capital, with a number of events taking place throughout the month. Here's a look at some of them.
Create:Eat:Whisky
14-17 May
Jelly and Gin’s Create:Eat:Whisky returns for a second time, with the creative team pairing up with Haig Club (aka David Beckham’s whisky) to put whisky cocktails at the core of its offering. Those in attendance are promised a journey through different multi-sensory settings, with each cocktail designed to match the differing environments. Using sound, light, small edible items, aromas and other environmental factors, whisky lovers will be transported from a mountain top to a roaring fire, with an unexpected final destination promised.
Create:Eat:Whisky, May 14-17, Gayfield Creative Spaces, 11 Gayfield Square.
The Hive and The Still at the Royal Botanic Garden
15 May
Top chefs, scientists and producers explore what makes both whisky and honey – two of Scotland’s most famous products – so distinctive and diverse. The evening will feature live entertainment, demonstrations and hands-on activities, all taking place within the unique surroundings of the Botanic Garden.
The Hive and The Still, May 15, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row.
World Whisky Day
The fourth World Whisky Day takes place on May 16, with whisky fans the world over encouraged to gather together and raise a glass to Scotland’s national drink. The day encourages whisky lovers to hold their own events and register them on the World Whisky Day website, becoming part of a worldwide celebration of whisky. If that seems like a bit too much effort though, the WWD team is holding its own event at the Devil’s Cut from 7pm on the day itself.
Devil's Cut, May 16, 7-11 Hope Street.
Whisky Stramash
The Whisky Stramash has always done things a little differently, combining the standard whisky festival with an array of unique experimental events. Last year, this included the Auchentoshan Barber Surgeon and Drambuie does Breaking Bad. New features of this year’s Stramash include a secret Friday night event, with an expanded range of distillers and independent bottlers in attendance.
Whisky Stramash, May 21, secret location; May 23-24, Surgeons' Hall Museum.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Throughout May visitor attraction The Scotch Whisky Experience will be holding a series of events to celebrate Whisky Month. From unique tastings and food pairings, to a mobile-based whisky adventure app and World Whisky Day festivities, the centre is celebrating Scotland’s national drink in style.
The Scotch Whisky Experience, throughout May, 354 Castlehill.
See Time Out's guide to Edinburgh's best whisky bars.