Hi, I am wondering if someone might have a suggestion for whisky tasting in Edinburgh and/or a place that would provide a basic overview or refresher on Scottish whisky. After reading the information in the Rick Steves guidebook on this topic, I had intended to visit Cadenhead's, but its website states "no tours or tastings will be available for the time being." I think a visit to Cadenhead's might now be for a person who knows quite a bit about what he or she might want to purchase.
I have watched a couple of YouTube videos on the Scottish Whisky Experience, and they do seem to validate Rick's characterization of it as "Malt Disney." I have looked over the information for Mercat Tours Whisky Tour and Tastings, but its description isn't as informative as I wish it were. The Whiski Rooms Shop seems as if it might be a good choice. Has anyone experienced either of these options recently or another?
Rick Steves guidebook provides quite a good overview of Scottish whisky, so I will review that again before our trip (leaving in a week). My husband and I both enjoy a whisky now and then, but we are far from beginner sommelier status. Our go-to whiskey is actually Jameson's (yes, I know it's Irish).
I guess what I am hoping for (and had thought Cadenhead's might provide) is a basic primer on the topic and some guidance in types and selections from regions we might want to try. I was hoping to fit this in ... in our first couple of days in Edinburgh before we take the train up to Inverness. I am not looking for in-depth information about the process of making whisky, and I am not looking for a distillery tour (we will be visiting a distillery as part of a Rabbie's tour later on and may visit the distillery in Oban during our time there).
I always appreciate the guidance I receive via these forums. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have.