The 7 best whisky shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe - including drams under the stars
The Whisky Fringe Festival
Dates: 8-10 August
Venue: Mansfield Traquair
The whisky fringe as it's known is a must-visit for whisky lovers. Held in the stunning Mansfield Traquair, the weekend event is host to over 40 exhibitors from across the industry including classic drams from well known brands as well as new releases and independent bottlings.
New for this year is the Whiskies of the World Zone. The popular Highball Hut, two glass masterclasses and half time oranges will make a welcome return. There will also be some whiskies launching exclusively at the festival.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Two Guys, Three Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience
Picture: Two Guys Three Drams
Dates: 4-21 August
Venue: Big at theSpaceTriplex
Following three consecutive years earning the coveted Edinburgh Fringe sell-out laurels, 2 Guys, 3 Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience storms back into the Edinburgh Festival Fringe promising more whisky-soaked swagger, raucous blues, and riotous charm.
Created and performed by blues and whisky duo The Rhythm and Booze Project, Felipe Schrieberg (vocals, lap steel guitar) and Paul Archibald (drums/percussion) host a 65-minute sensory spectacle blending a world-class whisky tasting with foot-stomping live music.
Each show serves three exceptional whiskies, paired with stories, humour, and blistering live blues. More than a concert and more than a tasting, this is a truly full-bodied experience, and a Fringe show like no other.
Previous years have sold out, but luckily this year the guys are in a larger venue but you're best to still book early to avoid disappointment.
Backed by an impressive range of whisky sponsors including legendary Speyside distillery Benromach as well as newer players including Glasgow Distillery and Edinburgh's own Holyrood Distillery, 2 Guys, 3 Drams is as much about education as it is about entertainment.
Felipe and Paul make the whisky world accessible, fun, and unforgettable. Felipe, who is also an award-winning whisky writer and author, says: 'We make a solemn promise: if you come to the show, you'll leave knowing how to sound clever about whisky for the rest of your life.'
Find out more and book tickets here.
Whisky Under the Stars
Dates: 1,2 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 August
Venue: Dynamic Earth
This event gives whisky fans the chance to taste some local Edinburgh drams while learning more about our night sky.
Curated by astronomer Dr Alastair Bruce for Dynamic Earth, attendees will be guided through a journey through the solar system in Dynamic Earth's 360° Planetarium while enjoying three whiskies - Embra, Ambir and Pitch - from Holyrood distillery.
Guided by in-house astronomers Dr Alastair Bruce and Antonia Newell, journey through the Solar System and discover the surprising links between whisky and space.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Whisky and Witches
Picture: whisky & witches
Dates: 1,2, 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24 August
Venue: The Cave at The Mother Superior
This sold-out show is making a welcome return to this year's Fringe. The award-nominated, immersive whisky tasting is ideal for those looking for something a bit different when visiting Edinburgh.
Expect five drams from sponsor The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) as well as stories, women's role in the history of alcohol, links to witches and live music during this two hour show. The event also includes a day pass to a SMWS venue.
Find out more and buy tickets here.
Whisky For Dafties
Dates: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24 August
Venue: Just Up The Road at Just the Tonic at The Caves
This hour long hour combines whisky tasting with comedy, and has been a global sell-out since 2010. Performed by Alan Anderson, this is a five-star show about whisky and comedy.
Expect whiskies, history, methodology and lore along with a lot of laughs.
'Inventive, fun, light-hearted way to learn about whisky' (Scotsman). '
Find out more and buy tickets here.
Single Malt Sessions
Holyrood Distillery. Picture: Contributed
Dates: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25 August
Venue: Production Space at Holyrood Distillery
If you love Holyrood distillery, or just want to find out more about their journey to putting Edinburgh back on the whisky-making map then these evenings of whisky, storytelling and live music are a must-book.
The first single malt producer in the city for 100 years, Holyrood is one of the new whisky distilleries shaking things up.
At the Single Malt Sessions, visitors can learn about the team's innovative approach to distilling, inspired by Edinburgh's brewing past, as well as enjoying live entertainment at the bar. Tickets include a welcome drink, cocktail and dram.
Find out more and buy tickets here.
Whisky and Folklore
Dates: 1-25 August
Venue: Lounge at Hot Toddy
Expert guides will talk attendees through tastings of four whiskies that explore Scotland's rich whisky history.
Whisky fans can enjoy 'fascinating, entertaining stories told by expert guides, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. A memorable journey into Scotland's whisky.'
Find out more and buy tickets here.
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