Whisky After Hours: A Tasting Experience at Eden Mill

If you ever find yourself wondering what to do in a town where you've already explored every corner, make your way to the Eden Mill store, nestled next to Logie’s Lane on Market Street, for an unforgettable whisky tasting experience. Founded in 2012, Eden Mill's story began with a simple yet profound moment: gazing at the stunning view over the Old Course, the two founders couldn't help but wonder, with so many distilleries across Scotland, why was there none in this picturesque town? This moment sparked the creation of Eden Mill, St Andrews' cherished distillery. While it is renowned for its award-winning gin, what many don’t realise is that whisky production was always its initial goal. In fact, Eden Mill began distilling in 2014, but knowing that whisky takes time to mature, the founders first turned to gin to generate quicker revenue.

With the whisky slowly ageing, their gin soon became a beloved staple. Now, the whisky tasting experience at Eden Mill offers visitors the chance to reconnect with the distillery’s original passion and uncover a side of the company that many may not know. When you step into the cosy and inviting storefront, usually after hours when the door is unlocked by one of their employees, you’re immediately greeted by welcoming customer experience ambassadors. The staff really makes the experience feel personal, guiding you through the history of the distillery while sharing their deep knowledge of the whisky-making process. 

The whisky samples are served on a well-worn whisky cask, adding an authentic touch to the experience. You’ll even have the chance to sniff the cask stopper, which carries the rich scent of whisky — a small yet delightful detail. To kick things off, you’re presented with a refreshing whisky cocktail, a nice touch that helps ease you into the tasting. It’s a great way to start, especially for those who might not be super familiar with whisky yet but who still want to explore the flavours without feeling overwhelmed. The cocktail sets the perfect tone as you listen to your guide share interesting facts about the distillery and its history.

As the tasting begins, your guide takes you through the steps to properly savour each whisky. First, you're instructed to hold your glass up to the light, admiring its colour. Then comes the smelling — though you're reminded not to get too close to the glass, as the strong alcohol vapours can be overwhelming! This attention to detail really makes the tasting feel special. As the first sip hits, you're encouraged to swish the whisky around in your mouth to prepare your palate. The second sip, however, brings out the whisky’s full complexity, with its myriad of flavours really coming to life. The three whiskies you sample progress from light and simple to rich and complex, highlighting the dramatic differences in flavour driven by ingredient, type of cask, and maturation.

What makes this experience even more memorable is the strong connection Eden Mill has with the town of St Andrews. For instance, later this year when Eden Mill opens its new distillery just a stone's throw away on the Eden Campus, they will be sourcing all the ingredients for their gins from within a 50-mile radius of the distillery, showcasing their commitment to local sourcing. Additionally, their gin will be powered by the University’s solar farm, and any carbon dioxide produced during the fermentation process will be reused by the University, rather than being wasted. 

The evening tastings, which launched in December 2024, offer a great opportunity for the St Andrews community to connect with Eden Mill, especially with the new distillery opening soon. These tastings are held on Fridays and Saturdays, with gin tastings at 4:30pm and whisky tastings at 5:30pm. At £22 for whisky and £15 for gin (with a fifteen per cent student discount), the prices are student-friendly, making it an affordable way to dive into the world of spirits. Whether you’re already a whisky connoisseur or new to the drink, Eden Mill’s tastings provide a relaxed and approachable experience that doesn’t feel too highbrow or intimidating. The distillery's central location makes it the perfect spot for a post-lecture outing, and you can easily follow up with a pint with friends or a stroll through town afterwards. It’s a great way to enjoy something educational and memorable without breaking the bank.

So, if you're looking for an immersive, fun, and exciting experience in St Andrews, the Eden Mill Barrel Top Tastings are a must-visit. Whether you're a seasoned whisky enjoyer or just curious, it’s an event that brings together quality, community, and a sense of local pride — all at a student-friendly price. It’s a great way to break the monotony of university life and try something new with friends or even on your own.

Image by Eden Mill