The Tasting Notes
Reading this on your commute, or subtly at the office while no-one’s looking? Here’s a few highlights from the article - make sure to bookmark and come back for the full pour.
An easy itinerary addition from Edinburgh: Located just 15 miles (25 minutes) south of the capital, Glenkinchie offers an immediate escape from the city into the scenic, rural heartland of East Lothian.
Year-round charm: Famous for its Garden of Scotland landscape, the distillery offers distinct seasonal charms - from cherry blossoms in spring to a cosy, dog-friendly bar fire in the winter
East Lothian’s eclectic charms: Local expert Joanne Bee recommends pairing a distillery tour with coastal gems like Seacliff Beach, clifftop coffee at Drift Café, and artisan picks from Haddington's The Cheese Lady.
"People ask if there’s a best time to visit Glenkinchie Distillery, and my answer is always the same, [...] there’s something special about Glenkinchie in every season"
"People ask if there’s a best time to visit Glenkinchie Distillery, and my answer is always the same, [...] there’s something special about Glenkinchie in every season"
-Joanne Bee
When is the best time to visit Glenkinchie?
In terms of the distillery, there are events that run throughout the year - from immersive flavour journeys to sensory experiences. Some seasonal experiences pop up nearer the time so it’s always worth checking when you’ve decided the months you’re visiting.
Joanne’s verdict? Any time is the best time. “People ask if there’s a best time to visit Glenkinchie Distillery, and my answer is always the same, Glenkinchie is a year-round destination, with each season offering something unique.
“One of the most beautiful times to visit is in late April and early May, when our cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The vibrant display of colour creates a truly spectacular setting and makes the distillery look even more magical.
“The warmer months also offer the perfect opportunity to sit outside in our beautiful gardens and enjoy lunch, a coffee, or your favourite dram or cocktail, accompanied only by the sound of birdsong. It's a wonderfully peaceful way to experience the beauty of Glenkinchie and the surrounding countryside.
“That said, there’s something special about Glenkinchie in every season. On crisp winter days, after exploring the surrounding countryside, our bar is the perfect place to relax and warm up with delicious food and drink. We also love welcoming our four-legged visitors, who are always guaranteed a warm Glenkinchie welcome!”
What to see in Glenkinchie - ‘the most beautiful scenery in East Lothian’
Your visit to the Glenkinchie distillery will be the highlight, of course, but East Lothian is known for its gorgeous landscape. From historic landmarks like the looming ruins of the Tantallon Castle to the National Museum of Flight and the world-famous North Berwick harbour, there’s something that appeals to any mood.
For Joanne, even after five years of working in the distillery, the landscape is still a highlight. She says, “One of the things I love most about working at Glenkinchie is the location. Just 25 minutes south of Edinburgh, we're surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in East Lothian. The drive alone is enough to help you unwind, with stunning countryside views setting the tone before you even arrive.
“Then you catch sight of our beautiful gardens, and that sense of calm continues. They transform with every season, offering something special all year round. Whether you're visiting for a tour or simply relaxing in our bar garden with your favourite tipple or lunch, the gardens provide the perfect backdrop to slow down and soak it all in.”
Nature and wildlife in Glenkinchie - and how it inspired a whisky release
A summer trip to Scotland or a visit in winter will offer a totally different experience, with a plethora of flora and fauna for each season.
For Glenkinchie, situated in the heart of East Lothian, a county long known as the Garden of Scotland, you can’t help but feel the rural heartland in every note of the whisky and at the core of the distillery.
Joanne says, “Every journey to the distillery takes you through its rural heartland, past fields of ripening barley, colourful hedgerows and the gentle flow of the Kinchie Burn.
“It's hard not to feel that this landscape influences both the character of our whisky and the atmosphere of the distillery itself. The agricultural surroundings are reflected in Glenkinchie’ s signature Lowland style, with delicate notes of florals, fresh grass and sweet barley.
“The setting also shapes the experience of visiting Glenkinchie. Surrounded by vibrant green fields, seasonal flowers and open countryside, there's a sense of calm that begins long before you arrive. It's a relaxed and welcoming environment that encourages visitors to slow down, take in the scenery and connect with the place where our whisky is made.
“For me, Glenkinchie and East Lothian are inseparable, the landscape, the people and the whisky are all part of the same story.”
Glenkinchie captures the connection between nature, place and purpose.
Glenkinchie captures the connection between nature, place and purpose.
-Joanne Bee
Glenkinchie: A Richness of Swallows
Joanne goes on to share how the inexorable link between Glenkinchie and East Lothian is at the heart of one of her personal highlights of working at the distillery over the years - the creation of Glenkinchie’s A Richness of Swallows bottle.
She shared, “One of our guides, John Johnstone, shared an idea for a special bottle inspired by a deeply personal experience. His story centred on the swallows and their remarkable journey from Africa to Glenkinchie and the Lowlands, a tale that beautifully captures the connection between nature, place and purpose.
“What began as an idea has evolved into something truly special: A Richness of Swallows 30-Year-Old, a premium expression that reflects both the character of our landscape and the spirit of Glenkinchie. The story behind the whisky is every bit as meaningful as the liquid itself.
“Seeing John's vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding. Today, we have the privilege of sharing this story with our guests, passing on not just a remarkable whisky, but also a lasting connection to the rich heritage, beauty and wildlife that make Glenkinchie so unique.”
"East Lothian combines fantastic local food with the most beautiful coastal scenery in Scotland"
"East Lothian combines fantastic local food with the most beautiful coastal scenery in Scotland"
-Joanne Bee
H2: Glenkinchie hot spots - pubs, cafes and the best views as chosen by a local
Whether you’ve been inspired to add a short trip to East Lothian during your Edinburgh trip or you’ve decided to spend a few days around the area, there’s no one better to share all the real local delights than a local who loves where they live - and what they do.
For Joanne, the perfect day out in East Lothian starts “with a visit to The Foraging Goat and The Cheese Lady to pick up supplies for a picnic. The artisan cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread, and selection of chutneys and preserves make it impossible to leave empty handed. From there, I'd head to Seacliff Beach. With views across to Bass Rock and over to Tantallon Castle, it's one of the best places in East Lothian to enjoy a picnic and take in the scenery. It's peaceful, unspoilt and never fails to impress.
“My next stop would be Drift Café at Canty Bay. Perched on the clifftops just outside North Berwick, it's a great place for a coffee and a homemade bake while enjoying the panoramic coastal views with their binoculars!
“To round off the day, I'd head into North Berwick for fish and chips from North Berwick Fry, eaten on the beach looking out to sea.
“As you can probably tell, food plays a big part in my perfect day out! But that's what I love about East Lothian, it combines fantastic local food with some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Scotland.”
Explore the world of Malts
The Beginner’s Guide to Different Whisky Types
Whisky Flavours Explored
