A bottle of whisky is a go to gift for many loving sons and doting daughters every Father’s Day. This year though, why not treat that special man in your life to a whisky experience right here in Edinburgh? Here’s a look at five of the best…
Lunch at Whiski Rooms
Perched right at the top of The Mound, Whiski Rooms is the perfect spot for a Father’s Day lunch. The team at Whiski Rooms offer a range of seasonal menus, using local suppliers and delicious Scottish produce, with Scotland’s national drink at the core of each menu. After lunch, you can move through to the whisky bar and watch the city rush by with a dram or two.
A tour of Glenkinchie
Located just outside the capital, Glenkinchie is one of only a few distilleries in the Lowlands of Scotland. A range of tours run throughout the day, offering the chance to see just how The Water of Life is produced, with all tours finishing with a tasting in the distillery's bar. Best of all, Glenkinchie now runs a shuttle bus from Edinburgh city centre, meaning there's no need to appoint a designated driver.
Morning Masterclass at The Scotch Whisky Experience
Apparently our senses are at their best first thing in the morning, so a Morning Masterclass at The Scotch Whisky Experience is ideal for any dads that see themselves as whisky wizards. The daily sessions include a sensory perception test, comparative tastings of a number of whiskies and a nosing of new-make spirit, along with a private viewing of the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky.
Taking place just before Father's Day on Saturday June 20, the Edinburgh Whisky Solstice opens the secretive Queen St Gardens to the public and fills it with whisky. Run in association with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the day promises whiskies from across the country, along with ales, cocktails, food and a whole host of live music.
Whisky on board the Royal Yacht Britannia
If you really like your dad, you can treat him to a special whisky tasting onboard Royal Yacht Britannia. The ship's crew will navigate your dad through three of Johnnie Walker’s rarest expressions in the Royal Chart Room – accompanied by canapés – before a private tour of the boat, which gives a unique insight into its history and the lives of those who lived on it.
See Time Out's guide to Edinburgh's best whisky bars.