Edinburgh Gin Distillery: Gin Making Experience

If you’re a fan of spirits or just curious about how gin is crafted, this gin-making experience at Edinburgh Gin Distillery could be a fun addition to your trip. It’s perfect for those who want to get hands-on, learn about the distilling process, and walk away with a personalized bottle of their own creation.

What really draws us in is the chance to craft a bespoke gin—a rare opportunity outside of professional distilleries—and the inclusive, friendly atmosphere. The experience also includes a tutored tasting of award-winning gins, plus a chance to customize your label and toast your creation with a tailored G&T.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour lasts about three hours and is designed for adults 18 and over—so it’s not suitable for kids or anyone who might be sensitive to alcohol. Still, if you’re into spirits, enjoy interactive experiences, or simply want a unique souvenir from Edinburgh, this will likely tick many of your boxes.

This tour particularly suits spirits enthusiasts, couples, friends, or small groups looking for a memorable, engaging activity that combines education, creativity, and delicious tasting.

Key Points

• Hands-on gin crafting in a small-group setting, limited to just 8 participants.
• Expert guidance from a Distillery Ambassador helps you choose botanicals and craft your own gin.
• Includes a tutored tasting of multiple award-winning gins paired with local produce.
• Create a personalized label for your bottle to take home as a keepsake.
• Enjoy a tailored G&T at the end, celebrating your custom creation.
• Approximately 3-hour experience, ideal for those with an interest in spirits and interactive activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Edinburgh Gin Distillery Experience

Walking into the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, you’re immediately greeted by a lively, friendly atmosphere. The setup is designed to be both informative and enjoyable, with a focus on making the experience accessible whether you’re a gin novice or a seasoned connoisseur.

The Distillery Tour and Introduction

Your journey begins with an exploration of the distilling process, where a guide or ambassador explains how Edinburgh Gin has become a renowned name. You’ll learn about the ingredients, the craftsmanship, and what makes their process special. The tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery’s operation, making it clear how much care and skill go into each bottle.

The Gin Lab — Crafting Your Own

Once the initial tour wraps up, it’s time for the fun part: unleashing your inner distiller in the Gin Lab. Here, you’ll work with a selection of botanicals, carefully chosen from the earth’s finest ingredients. The guide is there to help you select and balance flavors, so even beginners can create something truly personalized.

You’ll get a chance to fire up a small copper still—a highlight for many—as you start distilling your own batch of gin. The process is straightforward, but you’ll definitely feel a sense of accomplishment as your creation begins to take shape.

Tasting and Pairing

After your gin is crafted, you’ll move to a seasonal tutored tasting featuring some of Edinburgh Gin’s award-winning offerings. Expect to sample a variety of gins, with expert commentary explaining the nuances of each. The tasting is complemented by delicious local produce, turning the experience into a true flavor journey.

The guide often shares interesting facts about the different botanicals and distilling techniques, making this part both educational and palate-pleasing.

More Great Tours Nearby

Personalization & Celebration

Before you wrap up, you’ll have the chance to design a custom label for your bottle, marking the moment in a way that’s both personal and memorable. This makes for a fabulous souvenir or gift, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Finally, you’ll raise a tailored G&T to toast your own creation. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, this is a laid-back way to end the session and enjoy your handiwork.

Is It Worth the Price? Analyzing the Value

At $198 per person, this might seem like a splurge, but it’s important to consider what’s included. You’re getting about three hours of engaging, hands-on activity, guided by experts, with plenty of tastings and the chance to create a personal bottle.

The personalization aspect—a custom label and your own gin—adds a memorable, tangible element that you can take home. Plus, the inclusion of a cheese and charcuterie platter elevates the experience, making it a well-rounded activity that combines education, creativity, and good food.

Considering the interactive nature and the small-group setting, the price is reasonable, especially for those who appreciate a high-quality, intimate experience rather than a large, generic tour.

The Experience Itself: Pros and Cons

What We Loved
– The intimate group size makes it easy to ask questions and get personalized attention.
– Creating your own gin is a rare and rewarding experience, especially with guidance from knowledgeable staff.
– The tutored tasting showcases the versatility of Edinburgh Gin’s range, complemented by local produce.
– The custom label is a thoughtful touch, turning your effort into a lasting keepsake.

What Could Be Better
– If you’re not particularly interested in spirits or don’t enjoy tasting, this may feel a bit niche.
– The price point might be high for some, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
– The duration (around 3 hours) means it’s best suited for those with enough time to spare and a genuine interest in gin.

Reviews highlight that participants appreciated the “delicious food and tapas,” which added an extra layer to the experience, making it more than just a tasting.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

The tour starts with a warm welcome at the distillery, where you’re given an overview of Edinburgh Gin’s history and craftsmanship. This part is mostly educational, setting the stage for what’s to come. The guide will share tidbits about the different botanicals used and the distillation process, making sure everyone understands the craft behind each bottle.

Next, you move into the Gin Lab, a dedicated space for hands-on activity. Here, the focus is on personalization—selecting botanicals, adjusting flavor profiles, and firing up a copper still. It’s an approachable process, designed to be accessible, even for beginners, but still with enough technical detail to satisfy curious spirits enthusiasts.

While you’re waiting for your gin to distill, you’ll sample a seasonal range of gins from the award-winning collection. This part includes a guided tasting with plenty of opportunity for questions. Expect to learn about the characteristics that distinguish each gin, from floral notes to spicy undertones, all paired with local produce that highlights Scottish flavors.

Once your gin is ready, the guide helps you design a personalized label—a fun, creative step that makes your bottle truly yours. This is a highlight for many, as it transforms a simple activity into a meaningful keepsake.

Finally, the experience wraps up with a G&T toast, where you get to enjoy your own creation in a relaxed setting. It’s a celebratory moment that leaves you with a sense of achievement—and a bottle to savor back home.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This distillery tour is best suited for adults who enjoy spirits, hands-on activities, and a relaxed social atmosphere. It’s particularly appealing if you want a personalized souvenir and enjoy tasting and learning about gin.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, you’ll appreciate the intimate size and personalized attention. The experience is also a good fit for those interested in Scottish culture and local flavors, especially with the added charcuterie and cheese platter.

While not designed for children, this is a great activity for adults seeking a fun, educational, and tasty experience that goes beyond just drinking.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, participants must be at least 18 years old, as the activity involves alcohol-making and tasting.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, so it’s best to set aside enough time to enjoy it fully without rushing.

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

What is included in the price?
You get the gin-making session, a charcuterie and cheese platter lunch, a seasonal tutored tasting, a custom label for your gin, and a tailored G&T to finish.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for different needs.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended. Just arrive a little early—about 15 minutes before your start time—to settle in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who appreciates craftsmanship, loves a good drink, or wants to get creative, this Edinburgh Gin distillery experience offers a memorable way to spend a few hours. It’s a distinctive activity that combines learning with tasting, and the personalized label caps off the experience beautifully.

The small group size and guided approach make it friendly and engaging, ensuring you don’t feel lost in a crowd. The inclusion of delicious food, local produce, and the chance to craft your own gin elevate this beyond a simple tasting tour—it’s an experience you’ll remember.

While the price isn’t cheap, the combination of hands-on involvement, expert guidance, and the chance to bring home something uniquely yours makes it a worthwhile splurge for spirits lovers and curious travelers alike.

If you’re in Edinburgh and looking for an activity that blends fun, flavor, and a touch of Scottish craft, this gin-making experience is a solid choice. Just remember to come with an open mind, a relaxed attitude, and a taste for all things gin.

You can check availability for your dates here: