Port of Leith Distillery (11 Whisky Quay) is the UK’s first vertical distillery, a striking tower on the Leith waterfront in one of Edinburgh’s most characterful neighbourhoods. Leith’s whisky heritage runs deep – back in 1822 it held one of only six licences to store whisky – and the modern distillery leans into that history while doing something architecturally new.
The 90-minute tour takes in the copper stills on the ground floor, a guided tasting, and the chance to fill your own 10ml bottle of the distillery’s spirit. Save time for the rooftop bar on the eighth and ninth floors, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Firth of Forth and the Leith skyline – a long-standing Everything Edinburgh favourite.
Location & Getting There
The distillery stands on Whisky Quay in Leith, about two miles north of the city centre and easy to reach on foot, by bus, or on the Edinburgh tram, which now runs down to Newhaven. Leith itself rewards lingering: the Shore’s restaurants and bars, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal are all close by. Walking from the New Town, the Water of Leith walkway makes a pleasant route in, and buses from Princes Street reach Leith in around 20 minutes.
Tours & Tastings
The signature tour lasts roughly 90 minutes and centres on the vertical production process, where gravity moves the spirit down through the building. You see the copper stills up close, learn how the team sources and ferments its grain, and sit down to a guided tasting. A highlight is filling and sealing your own 10ml bottle to take away. The rooftop bar is open to tour guests and walk-ins alike, and its views over the Forth are among the best in the city. Note the dress code: no high-heeled shoes are allowed on the production floor for safety.
Who It Suits
Port of Leith suits visitors who want to pair a distillery tour with a wider afternoon in Leith, and anyone who values a view – the rooftop bar alone draws people in. It is a good fit for design-minded travellers thanks to the bold building. If you would rather stay right in the Old Town, Holyrood Distillery is the closer working distillery.
Practical Tips
- Wear flat shoes – high heels are not allowed on the production floor.
- Take the tram or a bus to Leith rather than driving; parking is limited.
- The rooftop bar is open to non-tour guests too – book it separately if tour times do not suit.
- Combine your visit with lunch on the Shore or a walk to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
- Tastings are included, so plan for the 18+ age requirement and bring ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Port of Leith Distillery?
It is on Whisky Quay in Leith, reachable by tram to Newhaven, bus from Princes Street, or a walk along the Water of Leith – about two miles north of the centre.
Do I need to book the rooftop bar?
The rooftop bar is open to both tour guests and walk-ins, but booking ahead is wise at busy times and for sunset views over the Firth of Forth.
