Whisky Month 2026: What’s On
Whisky Month has arrived! Celebrate the incredible world of Scotch whisky with us as we also mark 25 years of Amber Restaurant. Read on to discover what’s happening this May and let’s raise a dram to the water of life.
#GlobalWhiskyToast
We’re raising a dram for Whisky Month, and you’re invited!
2026 marks two big milestones:
✨ 25 years of our very own Amber Restaurant
✨ 25 years of the iconic @Glencairn Glass
To celebrate, we’re bringing whisky lovers together from every corner of the world for a Global Toast – and we want YOU to be part of it.
Find our how to join in here.
We’d also love for you to post your own toast on your channels on World Whisky Day – just tag us @scotchwhiskyexp and use #GlobalWhiskyToast.
25 years of Amber Restaurant
To mark this special milestone, we are introducing some exciting menus to honour the people and passion behind Amber Restaurant.
Taste of Scotland Anniversary Menu: Rediscover where Taste of Scotland began. A special anniversary menu celebrating the original dishes and Scottish flavours.
25 Years of Scottish Tapas Menu: We launched tapas 25 years ago at the opening of our Amber Restaurant, offering visitors from all over the world a chance to sample the best of Scotland on a plate.
Manager’s Choice Flight: Our long-serving managers have each chosen a whisky that holds a special place behind the bar. Together, their selections create a tasting flight that reflects the true “spirit” of Amber. Designed as a four-course journey, this anniversary flight invites guests to explore Scotland’s flavours in a new way, where each dram can be paired with a dish that brings its character to life.
Amber’s 25th Cranachan Sour: 25 years of Amber Restaurant calls for a celebratory cocktail – a delicious twist on a whisky classic! Pop into our Amber Bar to try it for yourself.
Visit a distillery or a whisky festival
Scotland is home to over 150 Scotch whisky distilleries, so what better way to celebrate Whisky Month or World Whisky Day (May 16th) than by planning a visit! We have put together a list of all the distilleries you can visit by train, see the section below. You’ll also see below a list of events a few of our whisky distiller companies are hosting this May too.
Clackmannanshire’s Whisky Festival
Clackmannanshire’s Whisky Festival 2026 will be held on Saturday 9th May at Alloa Town Hall, bringing together more than 40 exhibitors to explore whisky, heritage and wellbeing.
Glen Scotia Mini Malts Festival
A new festival, taking place across two days from Saturday 16th May – Sunday 17th May at Luss Distillery.
The Campbeltown Malts Festival is taking place from 18th – 23rd May. With lots of different events taking place throughout the region, a visit to Campbeltown should definitely be on your list!
From 22nd – 30th May, fans of Islay, and her whiskies, gather from across the globe. Islay’s whisky and culture come together in a calendar of celebrations across the island.
A Dram of History Tour & Taste of Scotland Dinner
We’re excited to announce a collaboration this Whisky Month once again with The Real Mary King’s Close. Guests taking ‘A Dram of History’ tour at the underground close can enjoy a special dining experience at our Amber Restaurant, featuring our Taste of Scotland menu.
Taking place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout May, this package, includes an exclusive guided walking tour of The Real Mary King’s Close followed by an underground tasting of three whiskies. Before or after the tour, visitors can indulge in our Taste of Scotland tasting menu, complete with a dessert paired with a dram.
Find out more here.
Shop Samplings & Whiskies of the Month
Pop in and enjoy a sampling from one of Scotland’s distillers and discover more about their range. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new favourites and sample expressions you may not find elsewhere. We have the following dates in the diary:
Saturday 9th May: Douglas Laing
Friday 29th May: Tomatin Distillery
Whiskies of the Month: Each month our team handpick whiskies, each linked to a fun theme. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of our Amber Restaurant, this May, we are highlighting the growth and change in the whisky industry since this award-winning restaurant opened its doors. Read here.
Distilleries to Visit by Train Blog
If you’ve always wanted to visit a whisky distillery, or add more to your bucket list, then our team have narrowed down a list of distilleries you can get to by train exploring the Lowlands, Highlands and Speyside. Whisky month is the ideal time to visit! The country’s railway lines are home to some incredible views, so get ready to immerse yourself in the Scottish landscapes as you begin your journey.
Part 1: Departing from Edinburgh Waverley
Part 2: Departing from Glasgow Queen Street
Part 3: Departing from Inverness
#WhiskyIsAJourney