Edinburgh: Gin Distillation Workshop with Gin Tasting

Trying to decide whether a gin-making experience in Edinburgh is worth your time? We’ve looked into it thoroughly, and what’s clear is that this workshop offers something pretty special for those curious about gin, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to appreciate the spirit.

What really draws us in is the opportunity to distill your own gin and take home a bespoke bottle, plus the chance to sample a variety of flavors and sip on a well-made gin cocktail while you wait. It’s a hands-on, fun activity that turns out to be quite educational—without feeling like a lecture.

That said, it’s worth mentioning a potential drawback: the venue isn’t wheelchair accessible since the workshop is downstairs, which might be a consideration if you have mobility issues.

This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy spirits, are interested in the craft of gin-making, and appreciate a friendly, intimate setting. It’s not tailored for children or those with mobility challenges, but beyond that, it’s a genuinely engaging activity for a variety of visitors.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: Make, distill, and bottle your own gin to take home.
• Tasting included: Sample three different flavored gins plus a cocktail.
• Expert guidance: Neil and the team are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Short but sweet: The entire experience lasts around 3 hours.
• Small groups: Limited to just 2 participants for personalized attention.
• Location: Downstairs in the Cumberland Bar, on Cumberland Street, Edinburgh. Not wheelchair accessible.
• Age restriction: Not suitable for under 18s.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, pay later to keep plans loose.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Gin Workshop

When you arrive, you’re greeted with a G+T (gin and tonic) and a friendly welcome. From there, the fun begins: you’ll taste three different gins, each with unique flavor notes. This tasting helps you understand what styles and aromas you like before you start creating your own.

Neil and the team are highly praised for their passion and knowledge, making the process both enjoyable and educational. They guide you through the nuances of gin ingredients, distillation techniques, and flavor combinations, helping you experiment to find your perfect blend.

The highlight of the experience is distilling your own gin—a process that’s surprisingly straightforward but incredibly satisfying. You’ll craft a bespoke 500ml (50cl) bottle of gin, which you’ll bottle, label, and wax-seal to take home.

While your gin is being distilled, you’re not just waiting around. You’ll enjoy a gin cocktail that complements the tasting session, adding a little refreshment to the process. Once your bottle is ready, you’ll get the chance to taste your creation—an exciting moment that brings the whole experience full circle.

The Location and Venue

The workshop takes place in the downstairs area of the Cumberland Bar. It’s easy to find if you arrive 15 minutes early—your guide will be waiting upstairs to lead you down. The venue isn’t wheelchair accessible, which is important to note if that’s a concern. The setting is cozy and intimate, perfect for small groups or couples who want a more personalized experience.

Group Size and Personalization

With only two participants per session, you get a very tailored experience. This setup allows the instructor to give focused attention, answer questions, and help you experiment with flavors. Many reviewers mention how Neil’s enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge make the process engaging and easy to follow, even for beginners.

Duration and Pacing

The whole experience lasts about three hours, which feels just right—long enough to enjoy tasting, learn about gin, and craft your own bottle, without it dragging on or feeling rushed. You can check available times beforehand to pick what suits your schedule best.

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Price and Value

While the exact price isn’t provided here, reviews consistently highlight the good value for the quality of experience. For the price, you’re not only getting a personalized gin but also expert guidance, tasting multiple gins, and cocktails—all in a fun, relaxed setting. It’s a memorable activity that appeals to those who want to learn and create rather than just observe.

What Reviewers Say

The glowing reviews tell a lot about what you can expect. Many call the experience “outstanding,” “educational,” and “fun”. One reviewer from Sweden mentioned that Neil was “funny and educational at the same time,” and that the whole family loved it. Others appreciated the passion and detailed knowledge Neil shared, making the process accessible whether you’re new to gin or familiar with it.

Several reviews mentioned that the gins they made turned out great, with some saying it’s the best experience ever. The opportunity to experiment with aromas and customize your own gin is clearly a highlight, making this more than just a tasting session.

In-Depth Experience Breakdown

Arrival and Introduction

Your journey begins at the Cumberland Bar, where you’re welcomed with a refreshing G+T. This initial drink sets a relaxed tone, making you feel comfortable right away. The friendly atmosphere is part of what makes this workshop enjoyable.

Tasting Session

You’ll sample three different flavored gins—each with distinct notes and aromas. This tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding flavor profiles and what appeals to your palate. Many reviews mention the insight into the complexity of gins and how the tasting helps shape your own creation.

Creating Your Own Gin

Neil guides you through the distillation process step-by-step. It’s surprisingly straightforward, and many mention how enthusiastic and helpful he is. During this time, you can experiment with different botanicals and aromas to craft a gin that matches your preferences.

Waiting and Cocktails

While your gin is being distilled, you’ll enjoy a gin cocktail, which keeps the atmosphere lively and adds a social element. This is a nice touch, especially for those who might be new to gin or prefer a relaxed pace.

Bottling and Labeling

Once your gin is ready, you get to taste your creation. If satisfied, you’ll bottle, label, and wax-seal your own 500ml bottle. The personal touch makes this a memorable souvenir. Many reviews express satisfaction with the quality of their gin and how fun it was to customize it.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This Edinburgh gin workshop is perfect for adults who want a hands-on activity that combines learning, creativity, and a bit of indulgence. If you’re interested in spirits, curious about the distillation process, or just looking for a unique experience to remember Edinburgh by, this is a solid choice.

It’s especially suited for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a personalized souvenir—your own gin. The small group setting ensures a friendly, personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and experiment.

However, if accessibility is a priority or you’re bringing children under 18, this experience might not be suitable. Also, if you prefer more traditional or larger-scale distillery tours, you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
No, the workshop is located downstairs in the Cumberland Bar and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately three hours, which balances enough time for tasting, learning, and creating your own gin.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, the experience is only for guests aged 18 and over.

What is included in the experience?
You’ll receive a G+T on arrival, taste three flavored gins, enjoy a cocktail, and go home with your own bottle of handcrafted gin.

How many people are in each group?
It’s limited to just two participants per session, making it a very personalized experience.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility with your travel plans.

What makes this experience special?
The combination of hands-on distillation, expert guidance, and the chance to personalize your own gin makes it stand out. Many reviewers rave about the knowledgeable host and the fun atmosphere.

In the end, this Edinburgh gin distillation workshop is a friendly, engaging activity that offers more than just tasting. It’s about learning the craft, getting creative, and taking home a genuine souvenir you made yourself. If you’re someone who enjoys spirits and wants a memorable, interactive experience, it’s well worth considering for your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: