5 of the Top Old School Whisky Bars to Visit in Scotland
As we’re now into autumn, we’re firmly in what I like to call ‘pub and bar season’. Don’t get me wrong, sipping on a fine single malt in a beer garden in the warm summer sunshine takes some beating, but there’s just something about sampling a fine whisky in a dimly lit wood-panelled whisky bar, surrounded by leather furniture, roaring log fires, and old-school architecture that just warms my soul.
For whisky-lovers, a trip to Scotland is often highlighted by a trip to a local distillery, and rightly so. You shouldn’t, however, overlook the opportunity to explore some of Scotland’s most famous and iconic whisky bars and sample some of the finest drams in the world.
Whether you’re in the mood to sip on a smoke bomb from Islay, indulge in a sherry-matured fruity Lowlands expression, or enjoy what will probably be the best Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned you’ll ever taste, here are 5 of the top old school whisky bars in Scotland.
The first bar I have for you today is located in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh.
Whereas the bar’s official title is Athletic Arms, locals generally refer to it as ‘Diggers’, due to the fact that it is located between not one, but two graveyards and was often frequented by gravediggers after a long day of helping lay the dead to rest.
The bar was originally founded in 1897 and has more than 500 different whiskies for lucky patrons to choose from, from all four corners of the globe. It even features its very own Silent Distilleries section, where customers can order whiskies from distilleries which now sadly lay silent.
With wood-panelled walls, stained glass windows, and red leather stools and booths, there’s a real old-school vibe to this bar. If for some absurd reason, you’re not in the mood for whisky, they also have a hugely impressive real ale selection, with 22 taps to choose from. Oh, and their steak pies are the stuff of legend!
You wanted old school whisky bars, and take it from someone who knows, you don’t get more old school than this!
Glasgow’s The Pot Still whisky bar is, at first glance, decidedly average in appearance. The bar, which dates back nearly 160 years, has the look and feel of an old-fashioned boozer you’d find in Victorian London. With its dark green exterior and worn, brown leather seating, it doesn’t try to be all fancy and makes no attempt to hide its roots. Why would it? This is an award-winning, family-run bar, specialising in fine whisky, great company, and friendly hospitality.
As you can see by the name, whisky is the spirit of choice here, and what a choice you have. More than 1000 different whiskies in fact, including a selection of very rare Scotch expressions. They also provide private bespoke whisky tastings, priced very reasonably, at just £50 as of this writing.
Ballygrant Inn, Islay
Up next, I’ve a whisky bar that I’ve a very special soft spot for.
More than a decade ago now, when the business was in its infancy and Kirsty and I were still engaged, I wrote about Islay’s Ballygrant Inn.
While looking for a place to stay as we toured Islay’s amazing distilleries, Kirsty chose this inn as it had a wonderful father-son story behind it and heaps of positive feedback. As you know, I love family-run businesses, so this one is right up my street.
This award-winning inn is run by father and son team David and Ewan and has one of the most impressive whisky bars I’ve ever seen. Stocked with close to 1000 different bottles, you probably won’t be shocked to learn that it’s the Islay expressions that make up the majority of this selection. Don’t worry, though, as there are heaps of other drams from other whisky regions, and indeed, other countries, for when you fancy something with a little less smoke.
The bar has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere, complete with log burner, dart board, and breathtaking views out over the Paps of Jura. The hosts couldn’t be any friendlier or more accommodating if they tried, and if you enjoy seafood, you’ll be in heaven. They even have a whisky and food pairing menu, which actually inspired me to write one of my older blogs based on precisely that.
The Highlander Inn, Craigellachie
Located in the heart of Speyside’s Malt Whisky Trail, in the scenic village of Craigellachie, you will find the Highlander Inn in Craigellachie.
This gorgeous hotel and whisky bar is a must-visit location for anybody thinking of taking on the Malt Whisky Trail. The bar, located on the ground floor of the hotel, has a distinctly rustic Highland lodge charm to it. They stock over 300 different bottles of whisky, including a large selection of Japanese whiskies, their very own exclusive single casks, a variety of Scotch and global whiskies, and even a selection of independent bottlings.
The bar and hotel are owned by Japanese-born Tatsuya Minagawa who is one of the most passionate whisky connoisseurs you’ll ever meet. The food also gets a lot of positive feedback, and there are plenty of non-whisky drinks to choose from as well.
And finally, last, but by no means least, we have The Mash Tun in Aberlour.
Situated a literal stone’s throw away from the banks of the iconic River Spey, this quirky bar and hotel was originally designed by a marine architect for a sea captain named James Campbell, back in 1896. Campbell instructed his architect to design the building in the shape of a ship, and so he did just that.
The bar itself pays homage to the art of whisky making, not only in its whisky selection, but also in the design and furnishings themselves. Even the bar and flooring get in on the action, as they’re made from retired wooden washback vessels used as part of the whisky-making process.
Stocking around 150 different whiskies, it may not have as much choice as some of the other bars on the list today, but it’s worth it for their Glenfarclas Family Cask Collection alone. This collection is comprised of 52 single cask whiskies, with one for each year from 1952 – 2003. It’s one of the most unique of its kind anywhere in the world.
If you really want to feel fancy, there’s also a fully stocked whisky and cigar shop, as well as a cigar terrace and pavilion for staying guests to enjoy.
If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.
With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.
Greg
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