2 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen

A Closer Look at the 2-Hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen

If you’re someone who appreciates a good gin and enjoys rolling up your sleeves for a bit of fun, this gin-making masterclass in Aberdeen could be right up your alley. Hosted at the City of Aberdeen Distillery, this experience promises more than just a peek behind the scenes — it gives you the chance to craft your own unique bottle of Scottish gin.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are its interactive nature and the opportunity to take home a full-sized, personalized bottle. You also get to sample a range of local gins, learn about the distilling process directly from the head distiller, and enjoy a couple of cocktails along the way.

One potential consideration is the price — at $191.93 per person, it’s definitely an investment, but for true gin lovers, the hands-on experience and custom creation might well justify the cost. If you’re in Aberdeen and looking for something a little different from a standard tour, this gin school caters best to those who enjoy craft spirits and want a memorable, personal touch.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: You get to distill your own gin using a mini copper alembic still.
• Expert guidance: The head distiller leads the class, sharing tips and knowledge.
• Tasting opportunities: Enjoy generous samples of Aberdeen gins and a personalized G&T.
• Take-home memento: Leave with a full 70cl bottle of your own creation.
• Ideal for special occasions: Perfect for birthdays or unique celebrations.
• Accessible location: Conveniently situated in the city with public transport options.

What to Expect from the Aberdeen Gin School Experience

This experience runs for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a nicely paced session that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It kicks off at 2:00 pm at the City of Aberdeen Distillery, where you’ll start with a welcome double G&T, setting the tone for the afternoon.

Learning about Aberdeen’s distilling heritage provides context that enriches the experience—knowing you’re partaking in a tradition of quality Scottish spirits makes the process even more engaging. The host, the head distiller, is on hand to guide you through the selection of botanicals. With over 100 botanicals to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options to craft a unique flavor profile.

The Distilling Process

The highlight is undoubtedly distilling your own gin. You’ll use a beautiful copper alembic mini-still to create your custom recipe. Before that, there’s a brief introduction to botanicals and ingredients, so you understand what influences the flavor of your gin. The group is small, which makes for a more personalized experience, and the distiller’s expertise helps you navigate your choices.

While your gin is distilling, you’re encouraged to sample different Aberdeen Gins. Each gin has its own story and ingredients, and you’ll learn how they are authentically distilled in the area. It’s an excellent way to see the variety and craft behind local spirits.

Tasting and Cocktails

The tasting stage is generous — you get to try multiple gins, and if you prefer, a G&T based on your favorite sample. The reviews highlight how educational and flavorful this part is, with one saying, “A true education about gin. A chance to develop your nose and make some deliciousness.”

Once your gin has finished distilling, you’ll decide on the strength, bottle, cap, and label, even giving your creation a name. To wrap up the session, there’s a surprise cocktail to celebrate your newfound distilling skills, which adds a festive touch.

The Final Product

At the end, you’ll leave with a full-sized 70cl bottle of your own gin—a tangible reminder of your time in Aberdeen and a potentially great gift or keepsake. The entire process, from choosing botanicals to bottling, feels like a creative journey, and you’ll likely appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

The Practical Details and Group Dynamics

The tour is designed for up to 20 travelers, which helps foster a friendly, interactive atmosphere. The small group size ensures you get plenty of attention from the distiller, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized advice.

The location is easy to find, in arch 10 Palmerston Rd, close to public transportation. The experience is flexible enough to fit into an afternoon schedule, and the booking average is about 35 days in advance, so to secure your spot, it’s best to plan ahead.

Pricing at roughly $192 per person might seem steep, but when you consider the inclusion of the custom gin, tastings, cocktails, and the experience of distilling your own spirit, many find it reasonable—especially if you’re a gin aficionado. Reviews praise the generous tastings and the quality of the education, suggesting this isn’t just a gimmick but a genuinely worthwhile experience.

What We Love and What to Consider

We really appreciate how this experience offers more than just a tour—it’s an interactive, educational journey into the art of gin-making. The chance to blend botanicals under expert guidance and walk away with a personalized bottle is a memorable highlight. Plus, the stunning views of Aberdeen‘s distilling heritage add to the authenticity.

One thing to keep in mind is the cost, which is on the higher side for a two-and-a-half-hour activity. However, for those who value craftsmanship, unique experiences, and a tangible souvenir, the price can be justified.

While the reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that weather could impact the experience if it’s an outdoor or partially outdoor setup, but since the main activities are indoors at the distillery, this shouldn’t be a major concern.

Is This Experience Right for You?

This gin school suits adults with an interest in spirits, especially those wanting a hands-on, personalized experience. It’s perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want something memorable during your trip. If you’re curious about the distilling process or love trying new local gins, you’ll find this session both fun and educational.

It’s less suited for those on a tight budget or travelers who prefer purely observational tours. But if you enjoy crafting, tasting, and taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir, this experience hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

For anyone with a passion for gin, this Aberdeen gin-making class offers an engaging, immersive experience that combines education, tasting, and creativity. The guided process with the head distiller keeps things approachable, and the chance to customize and bottle your own gin makes it all feel very personal. Plus, the opportunity to try different Aberdeen gins and enjoy a surprise cocktail adds layers of enjoyment.

While the price might give some pause, the value lies in the hands-on nature and the memorable keepsake you leave with. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want a unique activity in Aberdeen, this tour delivers a crafted experience worth considering.

If you’re into spirits, enjoy trying new things, or want a fun story to tell back home, this gin school might just be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the experience?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 2:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

What does the price include?
The cost covers the gin distillation process, tastings of Aberdeen gins, a surprise cocktail, and your own full-sized 70cl bottle of custom gin to take home.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers to run, but the maximum is 20, ensuring a friendly, small-group setting.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy if you do so more than 24 hours before the experience starts.

Is this suitable for children or families?
The experience is adult-oriented, focused on gin-making and tasting. It’s best for travelers 18+ interested in spirits.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At the City of Aberdeen Distillery, arch 10 Palmerston Rd, Aberdeen AB11 5RE.

If you’re someone who appreciates the craft of spirits and loves a hands-on activity, this gin school offers a genuinely rewarding way to spend an afternoon in Aberdeen.