Leith has its own beer scene, and this tour puts you there fast. I like that it mixes Scottish styles with newer favorites, and I really enjoy the way host Emily connects each pour to the brewers and the local area. One practical catch: the tour ends somewhere different than where it starts.

You get a relaxed crawl that still feels structured: a short first stop, then a longer stretch visiting beer spots and sampling different styles. I also like the small-group setup (up to 20 people), which makes it easier to ask questions about malt, hops, and what makes one beer different from the next.

The only downside I’d plan around is the finish location. You start at Lost in Leith, and you end at the Campervan Brewery Tap Room, so think about how you’ll get back before you book.

Key highlights you should know

• Up to 20 people: small enough to feel social without being chaotic
• Starts 1:30pm in Leith: easy to build into a half-day plan
• A real mix of styles: from Scottish traditions to IPAs, lagers, sours, and smoked beers
• Hosted by Emily: a guide who links beer flavor to place and brewer
• Ends at Campervan Tap Room: plan your return route around the different finish point

Starting in Leith at 1:30pm: 82 Commercial St to the first pour

This is a craft beer tour designed for a specific time and place: you meet at 82 Commercial St, Leith at 1:30pm. That matters because craft beer isn’t just about drinking. It’s about timing—taproom hours, what’s on in the fridge, and what’s fresh at the bars you visit.

The meet point is also helpful for logistics. Leith is a walkable neighborhood, and the tour is listed as near public transportation, so you’re not stuck relying on a taxi at the end. Still, since the tour doesn’t finish where you began, I’d treat the whole thing like a route, not a loop.

3 hours 30 minutes: how the route actually plays out

The total tour time is about 3 hours 30 minutes. You start with a shorter kickoff segment of around 40 minutes, then you spend the majority of the afternoon moving through beer venues and finishing with a longer stop at the Campervan Brewery Tap Room.

In the real world, that pacing is smart. The first part helps you get your bearings and tastes aligned—so by the time the tour is rolling, you’re more likely to notice differences between styles (rather than just thinking everything tastes like beer). Then you get enough time later to slow down, chat, and compare what you liked earlier.

Also, the tour is set up with a “mobile ticket” format. That usually means less fuss on your end—arrive, show your ticket, and get going.

Emily’s hosting style: beer flavor explained without the lecture

If you care about beer but don’t want a school course, this is the right vibe. Emily is repeatedly praised for being friendly, funny, and well versed in what’s happening in each place. That shows up in how she talks about styles—from classic Scottish options to modern hop-forward beers.

You’ll get more than a list of what to order. The best tours help you learn how to taste. For example, people mention a spread that includes a traditional Scottish 80/- style, plus IPAs and lagers, as well as sours and smoked beers. When a guide connects those styles to ingredients and brewing choices, you start tasting with intention. You’re not just drinking. You’re building a mental map of what malt, hops, fermentation, and smoke actually do to flavor.

One more nice touch: on at least one departure, the owners Lee and Fred were part of the experience and interested in feedback. That’s a good sign for a small business—more personal, less corporate.

Stop 1 at 82 Commercial St (about 40 minutes): a quick start you can actually use

Your first stop is at 82 Commercial St. This is where the tour begins at 1:30pm, and the time here is about 40 minutes. That’s a short window, so it’s usually best for orientation and an early taste or two.

For you, the value of this short start is focus. You’re not wandering for an hour with no structure. You’re getting the tour underway, meeting the group, and getting your taste buds warmed up so the later venues land better.

Also, the tour notes admission ticket components at this stop as free, which is a good indicator that the pricing isn’t just about walking and talking. You should expect you’re paying for actual access and experiences at the venues, not just someone holding the leash.

Between stops: Leith’s beer trail, with places you’d miss on your own

After the kickoff, the tour moves through various local breweries and craft beer bars. You shouldn’t expect it to feel like a bus tour where every stop is obvious. In fact, one of the most praised parts of the experience is how many of the venues feel tucked away—exactly the kind of places you wouldn’t stumble into unless someone brought you there.

This is where Leith earns its keep. The neighborhood has personality, and craft beer fits right into that. By the time you’re a bit farther into the route, you’ll likely start spotting how each spot fits its own corner of the scene: some lean classic and traditional, others go for bold experiments.

A common theme from people’s experiences: the lineup changes depending on what’s available at the taprooms. That’s not a problem—it’s part of the realism. Beer changes fast, and a tour that adapts to what’s on tends to feel current.

Campervan Brewery Tap Room: the longer final stop (about 2 hours 50 minutes)

The tour’s anchor point is the Campervan Brewery Tap Room at Bonnington Business Centre, 112 Jane St, Edinburgh EH6 5HG. This is also where the tour ends, and the scheduled time here is about 2 hours 50 minutes.

That’s a long block, so plan for it the way you’d plan a good afternoon at a taproom: slow down, take notes in your phone if you’re the type, and pace your tastings. The benefit of ending here is that it’s easier to remember what you liked, because you’ll be sampling in one clear final environment rather than constantly switching contexts.

Since it’s the last stop, it’s also a smart place to settle into the beers that match your preferences. If you find a style you love earlier—say smoked or sour—ending at a taproom gives you a chance to grab another version of it and compare.

What you’ll likely drink: Scottish 80/-, IPAs, lagers, sours, and smoked beers

One of the strongest reasons people rave about this tour is the range of styles. The beer descriptions you’ll hear during the experience are not stuck in one lane. Based on what’s been shared, expect a mix such as:

• a traditional Scottish 80/- style
• IPAs and lagers
• sours
• smoked beers
• modern seasonal options that can include unusual flavors (one person mentioned a key lime pie beer)

The practical takeaway for you is that the tour works even if your beer taste is a bit all over the place. You’re not locked into only hoppy beers, only malty beers, or only something sour. The style mix makes it easier to find your personal favorites, then go back later on your own.

Also, because the beers can change with what the taprooms have on at the time, you shouldn’t treat this like a fixed menu. Instead, think of it as a guided tasting sampler of what’s happening in the Leith craft scene right now.

Price and value: $61.70 for a 3.5-hour beer education

At $61.70 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, this tour sits in the “worth it if you enjoy trying multiple beers” category. The value comes from three things:

First, it’s small-group. With a maximum of 20 people, you’re more likely to get real interaction with the host instead of feeling like background noise.

Second, the pacing gives you time to taste and compare. A craft beer tour that rushes you through stops can turn into a blur. This one gives you enough time early to get oriented, then enough time late to actually notice what you’re drinking.

Third, you’re paying for access to multiple venues rather than just a walking tour. Even the way the stops are described includes admission ticket elements marked as free, which suggests your money isn’t only covering the guide’s time. You’re paying for the tasting experience.

If you’re the type who likes breweries beyond the obvious tourist bars, this is a good way to spend an afternoon. You’ll leave with better beer instincts, and you’ll also have a short list of places to return to.

Getting the most out of it: smart expectations before you go

A few practical tips make a big difference on a craft beer tour like this:

• Eat before you arrive. A 3.5-hour sampling schedule works way better when you’re not starting hungry.
• Go with a flexible attitude toward beer styles. You might discover you love something you’d usually skip, like smoked beers or sours.
• Plan your return. Since the tour ends at Campervan, don’t assume you’ll be close to your earlier transit stop.

One more expectation: it’s 18 and over only. If you’re buying for friends, double-check ID rules—people under 25 may be asked for identification.

Who this suits best (and who might not love it)

This tour is built for adult beer lovers who want more than a generic pub crawl. If you enjoy learning how beer styles differ—and you like small groups—this fits well.

It’s also a strong match if you live in Edinburgh or plan to stay for a while. Many people say they come away feeling they understand the local beer scene enough to explore Leith on their own afterward. Even if you’re only in town for a few days, the venues you learn about are the kind you can revisit independently later.

If you’re looking for a quiet, ultra-scenic tour with minimal walking and no focus on drinking, this probably won’t be your thing. This is a beer route first.

Should you book this Craft Beer Tour Company Edinburgh experience?

I’d book it if you want a guided craft beer afternoon in Leith with enough structure to taste thoughtfully and enough freedom to wander through different styles. Emily’s hosting gets repeated praise for bringing beer styles to life, and the style range—from 80/- tradition to IPAs, lagers, sours, and smoked beers—gives you real chances to find new favorites.

I’d think twice if you dislike changing locations mid-tour. Because it starts at 82 Commercial St and ends at Campervan Brewery Tap Room, your plans after the tour should be built around that finish point.

If those two points work for you—adult-only with a clear start time, plus a different end location—this is a solid value bet for an Edinburgh beer lover.

FAQ

How long is the Craft Beer Tour Edinburgh?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Lost in Leith, 82 Commercial St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Campervan Brewery Tap Room, Bonnington Business Centre, 112 Jane St, Edinburgh EH6 5HG.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 1:30pm.

Is the tour for adults only?

Yes. Participants must be 18 and over, and anyone who looks under 25 may be asked for ID.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What if the weather is bad or the minimum isn’t met?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.