Edinburgh’s Lost Close Unveils Exclusive 30-Year Grain Whisky 2026

Key Points

• The Lost Close, an underground historic whisky attraction off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, has launched The Lost Close No. 3, a 30-year-old independently bottled grain whisky.
• The whisky was distilled in December 1995 at North British Distillery in Edinburgh and matured for three decades in a single refill hogshead.
• Only 238 bottles were produced, with an ABV of 44.6%, and it is available exclusively at The Lost Close for £135.
• The release was developed in partnership with CASC Whisky Ltd, led by former Scotland rugby international Chris Cusiter.
• Katie Scott, Head of Events and Experiences at The Lost Close, described the whisky as a “story-driven spirit” that connects flavour, history and Edinburgh’s heritage.
• North British Distillery, founded in 1885, has a long history including repurposing for munitions in World War I and temporary closure in World War II.

Royal Mile (Edinburgh Daily) July 30, 2026 – Edinburgh, an underground historic whisky attraction just off the city’s uk/local/royal-mile/">Royal Mile, has announced the launch of a new independently bottled 30-year-old grain whisky. The Lost Close, located at Barrie’s Close, revealed The Lost Close No. 3 on 29th July 2026, marking the latest milestone in its commitment to story-led whisky experiences.

The Lost Close No. 3 is a North British grain whisky with an ABV of 44.6%, distilled in Edinburgh in December 1995 and matured in a single refill hogshead for three decades. With just 238 bottles produced, the rare release represents exceptional cask selection and tells the story of one of Edinburgh’s most significant distilling institutions: the North British Distillery.

How was The Lost Close No. 3 developed and bottled?

This particular cask was expertly selected in partnership with Chris Cusiter, former Scotland international rugby union player and now CEO of CASC Whisky Ltd, an independent Scotch whisky bottler. As reported by whiskyexperts.net, Cusiter commented: “A whisky like this is just as much about the story as it is the flavour. You’ve got over 30 years of quiet maturation, tied to a distillery with real history in the city, it all adds to the experience. What I loved about this cask is that it delivers both a beautifully balanced, elegant whisky, and a deeper sense of place and time behind it.”

Katie Scott, Head of Events and Experiences at The Lost Close, said:

“The Lost Close No. 3 fits perfectly within our whisky range. It’s a beautiful example of the kind of story-driven spirit we love to share. Every tasting with us is led by our expert Storytellers, and no two experiences are ever the same. This whisky gives us something truly special to explore with guests, connecting flavour, history and Edinburgh’s unique heritage in a meaningful way.”

What is the history of North British Distillery?

Founded in 1885 and operational by 1887, North British was established as a co-operative to challenge the monopoly on grain whisky production held by the Distillers Company Limited (DCL). Over its long history, the distillery has endured significant global events, having been repurposed for munitions production during World War I and temporarily closed during World War II due to shortages of raw materials.

These dates place North British only around 60 years younger than The Lost Close itself, reflecting the longevity and resilience both share within Edinburgh’s cultural heritage. Single cask expressions from North British remain comparatively rare, particularly at this age, as grain whisky is typically matured for use in blends and relatively few casks are left to age for 30 years before being released as single cask bottlings.

What are the tasting notes and flavour profile of The Lost Close No. 3?

Mature North British grain whiskies are especially prized for their ability to develop complexity while retaining a silky, elegant texture. After three decades in cask, The Lost Close No. 3 reveals a rich and refined profile. On the nose, it is clean, light and estery, with notes of green apple and underripe pear.

The palate is light and airy, with butterscotch, toffee and hints of fresh coconut, leading to a vibrant, quick and citrussy finish. Distilled during a pivotal cultural moment, the whisky also captures a snapshot of 1995, a year when Scottish culture was experiencing a global revival, with Braveheart having reignited global fascination with Scotland and Trainspotting being filmed on the streets of Edinburgh.

Where can visitors purchase The Lost Close No. 3?

The Lost Close No. 3 is now available exclusively at The Lost Close for £135, located just off Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile on Barrie’s Close. The independently bottled range builds on The Lost Close’s growing reputation for expertly curated whisky experiences.

By leveraging in-house expertise, the team will continue to expand its portfolio with distinctive, story-led expressions designed to elevate the guest experience. The Lost Close offers guests the opportunity to experience another unique aspect of Edinburgh’s history, stepping into a close that was ‘lost’ following the Great Fire of 1824 before being found again in 2019.

Background of the Development

The Lost Close is a historical underground site and venue located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just off the Royal Mile, which was buried for over 200 years and rediscovered in 2019. The attraction offers intimate whisky, gin, and beer tasting experiences in a unique atmospheric underground setting.

This latest release follows The Lost Close No. 2, a 25-year-old single grain whisky from the now-demolished Port Dundas Distillery, which was unveiled in November 2025 in partnership with Fragrant Drops and produced in a limited run of 190 bottles at £100 per bottle. The No. 3 release continues The Lost Close’s strategy of developing exclusive, story-driven whisky expressions that connect visitors with Edinburgh’s distilling heritage.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Whisky Enthusiasts and Edinburgh Tourism

This development is likely to strengthen The Lost Close’s position as a destination for whisky enthusiasts seeking rare, locally-rooted expressions with historical narratives. The limited availability of 238 bottles at £135 positions the whisky as an accessible luxury for collectors and visitors, potentially increasing footfall to the attraction from both domestic and international tourists interested in Scotch whisky heritage.

For whisky collectors, the exclusive nature of the release and the connection to North British Distillery a historic Edinburgh institution may enhance the bottle’s long-term value and appeal as a collectible item. For Edinburgh’s tourism sector, such story-led releases contribute to the city’s reputation as a centre for whisky tourism, complementing established attractions like the Scotch Whisky Experience and supporting the broader visitor economy in the Old Town area.