Here you can find some of the best whisky bars in Scotland. The beginning of the year is always the hardest with cold, dark days so what better way to unwind and catch up with friends than visit a nice, cosy whisky bar. Feel snug by the fire, get a cuddle from a dog, enjoy a hearty pie or listen to some traditional Scottish music, all while discovering new whiskies from Scotland and beyond.
Whisky Bars & Pubs in Scotland
1 The Highlander Inn, Craigellachie
Offers a selection of more than 300 interesting whiskies as well as its own single casks. At the Highlander Inn you can also find an extensive list of Japanese whiskies. The venue is known for its friendly service and tasty burgers.
2 Seumas’ Bar, Isle of Skye
Lovely venue with over 400 whiskies to choose from. Get warm by the fire and take in the amazing views whilst sipping a dram of something special. They were awarded the ‘Whisky Bar of the Year’ for four consecutive years.
3 The Malt Room, Inverness
This whisky bar has a cosy, intimate atmosphere and a distillery inspired décor. Choose a whisky flight or let the staff guide you. A must-visit when up in Inverness!
4 The Whisky Bar at Torridon Hotel, Torridon
The Torridon Hotel is like a castle and the views around it are magnificent. Of course, such a stunning venue also needs a cosy whisky bar. The Whisky Bar has 365 classic and rare malts. With a whisky for every day of the year, you’re bound to discover something new. You can also find around 80 gins including their own gin range, Arcturus Gin, which is made using botanicals from the hotel gardens.
5 Port Charlotte Hotel Bar, Islay
Cute bar to visit when on Islay. The walls are filled with art, nautical objects, and musical instruments. Admire the stunning views across the beach to the lighthouse from the top room or sip away by a roaring log fire.
6 Bertie’s Whisky Bar at Fife Arms, Breamar
Bertie’s Whisky Bar is one of the cosiest whisky bars in Scotland. It is a very ornate venue, named in honour of Queen Victoria’s eldest son, King Edward VII, also known as ‘Bertie’. There are over 500 whiskies, arranged by flavour profile: fragrant, fruity, rich and smoky.
There is no ‘bar’ as such. Instead, guests can scan through the labyrinth of whisky bottles, arranged like books on shelves with ambient backlighting. Bertie’s can be said to be a ‘whisky library’ where guests are actively encouraged to discover, wander and browse with bartenders as ‘librarians’ to answer questions and make suggestions.
7 The Whisky Snug at The George Hotel, Inveraray
The Pub & Whisky Snug at the George Hotel is the perfect winter venue to visit. Choose from the extensive whisky list (over 500 bottles) or try one of their whisky cocktails and get comfy by the fire. They have recently added a dedicated whisky tasting area where you can enjoy a whisky flight or try a rare bottling at a very decent price.
8 The Criterion Bar, St Andrews
The Criterion is a small family-run traditional Scottish pub established in 1874 in the heart of St Andrews. It offers nearly 200 whiskies and 80+ gins. They also specialise in cask ale and is famous for its pies. A great atmosphere guaranteed!
9 Ardshiel Hotel, Campbeltown
If you find yourself in Campbeltown, make sure to visit Ardshiel Hotel to discover its ever-growing whisky selection. Currently the bar boasts over 700 whiskies! It is known for its friendly and helpful staff. Make sure to order haggis bon-bons to go with your dram!
10 Tipsy Midgie, Edinburgh
Tipsy Midgie was awarded Best Whisky Bar in Scotland in 2023 and 2024 and claim to have the largest whisky selection in Edinburgh. They host guest from various distilleries to offer customers a way to learn more about the Scottish whisky history and folklore while enjoying some great whiskies in good company. See their Distillery Discovery Thursday, book a Chocolate & Whisky pairing or ask for the Sunday Exploration Flight (three drams for a tenner!).
11 The Bow Bar, Edinburgh
Huge selection of whiskies to choose from, including several from independent bottlers. They also have a wide offering of beers from Scotland, Germany and Belgium. You’re likely to get a hug from a dog when visiting the Bow Bar.
12 Whiski Bar, Edinburgh
Whiski Bar offers over 300 whiskies, and it has traditional Scottish music every night of the week to guarantee you a cosy night out! If you are looking to enjoy Scottish seafood, beef, venison or even haggis, Whiski Bar also specialises in fresh Scottish foods.
If you are a member at Scotch Malt Whisky Society, make sure to visit their member’s lounge in Glasgow.
13 The Pot Still, Glasgow
The Pot Still is a family-run whisky bar with over 1000 whiskies. They are great at suggesting whiskies to suit your palate and the prices aren’t too bad either. You can also book a private whisky tasting with them (one to 25 guests). Great location right in the city centre.
14 The Wee Whisky Bar, Glasgow
The Wee Whisky Bar at the back of the Ubiquitous Chip houses possibly the most whisky per square foot of anywhere in Scotland. All drams are served in traditional 35ml measures. Make sure to check their special cocktails!
15 The Bon Accord, Glasgow
The Bon Accord is a family-run pub known for its great hospitality. It has more than 500 whiskies in its gantry, and with five Malt Whisky Clubs meeting each month, this really is THE place to go for whisky lovers in Glasgow!
Which one of these whisky bars have you been to? Did I miss any of your favourite Scottish whisky pubs?
