A Dram of History
Venture beneath the Royal Mile and raise a glass to Scotland’s most iconic drink with this exclusive experience at The Real Mary King’s Close.
About A Dram of History
Whisky tales from Edinburgh’s underground
A Dram of History offers the perfect blend of heritage and flavour, taking visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s hidden streets and whisky-soaked past.
This special event begins with a guided tour through the atmospheric underground closes, where you’ll uncover stories of trade, community, and the vital role alcohol played in the area’s history.
Once your tour concludes, you'll be welcomed into a vaulted chamber for a guided whisky tasting. The tasting includes three unique drams, hosted by whisky expert Ken Hanley, who brings over two decades of expertise. Among them is The Real Mary King’s Close’s very own blended whisky, served in surroundings that capture the spirit of old Edinburgh.
Need to know:
• Includes a full underground tour with added whisky-focused stories
• Features a 30-minute whisky tasting with three drams to sample
• For guests aged 18 and over
• Limited spaces available. Fridays and Saturdays only throughout May
A Taste of Scotland Dinner – Celebrate Whisky Month in Edinburgh
After stepping beneath the Royal Mile on the Dram of History tour, guests have the exclusive option to round off their evening with a specially curated three-course Taste of Scotland dinner at Amber Restaurant. Just a short walk from the Close, Amber is known for its warm welcome and menus rooted in seasonal, locally sourced produce.
The menu is a celebration of bold Scottish flavours—think confit duck and pork terrine, Chicken Balmoral with a whisky sauce, and the ultimate sticky toffee pudding paired with a dram of Edradour 10 Year Old. It’s rich, comforting, and unforgettable.
Dinner is served at 18.30 for guests on the 20.45 tour, or at 20.45 for those booked on the 19.00 tour.
£50 per person. Includes three courses, tea or coffee to finish, and a dram.
Available exclusively to Dram of History guests. Dinner must be booked through The Real Mary King’s Close.
Please note: This experience is not available on Saturday, 3 May or Friday, 30 May.
Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary requirements can be accommodated—just let us know when booking.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
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