Edinburgh: Rum Distillation Workshop with Rum Tasting

If you’re curious about how rum is made and want to craft your own in Edinburgh, this Rum Distillation Workshop offers a memorable peek into the art of spirit-making. While it’s not a traditional distillery tour, it’s a focused, interactive experience that combines education, tasting, and hands-on creativity. The fact that you get to design, distill, and bottle your own rum makes it a standout for anyone interested in spirits or looking for a unique activity in the city.

What we love about this experience is first, the personal touch—you’re not just tasting but actively creating your own bottle with guidance from knowledgeable hosts. Second, the variety of tastings, including different flavored rums and a cocktail, keeps things lively and engaging. The only potential hiccup? It’s held downstairs in a space that isn’t wheelchair accessible, so accessibility could be a concern for some travelers.

All in all, this tour is best suited for adults who enjoy spirits, hands-on activities, and curious about how rum is made. If you’re after a fun, educational experience with a tangible takeaway—your own bottle of bespoke rum—this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Interactive experience combining tasting, learning, and spirits creation
• Personalized bottle to take home, which adds a memorable keepsake
• Knowledgeable host makes the process engaging and informative
• Limited group size ensures a more intimate, tailored experience
• Not suitable for children or pregnant women, due to alcohol involvement and safety considerations
• No food served, so plan accordingly if you need a meal

This isn’t your average tasting session. It’s a full, 3-hour journey into the world of rum—perfect for spirits lovers and the curious alike. The experience starts at the downstairs ‘Cumberland Bar,’ located on Cumberland Street, where you’ll check in about 15 minutes early. Your guide will greet you upstairs, ready to walk you through what’s set to be an engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Welcome and Introduction

Once everyone’s gathered, your host (Neil, in most reviews) kicks things off by offering a welcome Rum + Mixer. This initial sip sets the tone—giving you that sense of what’s to come. Your host then provides an overview of the micro distillery’s story, explaining the process and history of rum production in a way that’s friendly and accessible.

Tasting Flavored Rums

Expect to sample three different flavored rum samples. These aren’t just generic brands; they’re carefully curated to showcase different profiles and styles. As one reviewer noted, Neil was “very knowledgeable about various rums and was engaging and entertaining throughout,” making the tasting both educational and fun.

Crafting Your Own Rum

The highlight? You get to distill and make a 500ml (50cl) bottle of your own rum. This process involves choosing your ingredients and blending them to create a bespoke spirit. While the exact technicalities aren’t detailed in the info, the fact that you’re actively involved makes for a satisfying and memorable experience. You’ll be hands-on, guided every step of the way, and end up with a personalized bottle you can take home and keep.

Relaxing with a Rum Cocktail

While your rum is being distilled, you aren’t just waiting around. Each guest is treated to a rum cocktail, which is a thoughtful touch that keeps the experience lively. Being able to enjoy a cocktail while your spirit is in the still helps you relax and savor the moment.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tasting Your Own Creation

Once your rum has been distilled and bottled, you’ll get the chance to taste your own bespoke creation before sealing and labelling it. This allows you to compare your flavor profile with the samples you tried earlier, adding a sense of achievement and pride.

For $121 per person, you get a lot. The package includes:

• A welcome Rum + Mixer to start
• An overview of the process and what to expect
• Tasting three flavored rums
• Your own distilled, handcrafted 500ml bottle to take home
• A rum cocktail during the distillation
• The opportunity to taste your own rum before bottling, labelling, and sealing it

This makes the experience quite good value, especially considering you leave with your own personalized bottle.

Things to Keep in Mind

One notable point is that no food is served during the session. So, if you’re planning a day of activities in Edinburgh, you might want to grab a meal before or after. Also, the space isn’t wheelchair accessible, as it’s located downstairs, which could be a barrier for some.

Duration and Group Size

The experience lasts about 3 hours, a comfortable length for a relaxed, engaging activity. It’s designed for small groups (limited to 2 participants), which means you’ll get more personalized attention, and it fosters a friendly, informal environment. The small group size is a big plus for those who prefer a more intimate, less commercial experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Flexibility is built in—free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can also “reserve now & pay later,” making it easier to fit into your travel schedule without pressure.

Based on reviews, this tour hits the right notes. Nico called it an “extraordinary workshop” and enjoyed how passionate the host was about their craft. Chloe found Neil to be “engaging and entertaining”, which enhanced her overall experience. Urmita appreciated the learning about the history of rum, combined with the chance to distill her own and taste the results.

Participants enjoy the blend of education, fun, and tangible takeaway. It’s clear that the host’s knowledge and enthusiasm are a big part of what makes this experience memorable. Many reviewers express a desire to return, especially to explore other spirits like gin.

Given the detailed process, the personalized bottle, and the tasting menu, the price of $121 feels reasonable for a unique activity in Edinburgh. You’re not just watching a demonstration—you’re actively participating, which adds value. Plus, the ability to take home a crafted spirit makes it more than just a temporary experience.

However, the downside is the lack of food and limited accessibility, which might impact some travelers’ enjoyment. Also, if you’re not into spirits or alcohol, this might not be your best fit.

This workshop is perfect for adults who love spirits, enjoy DIY projects, or are curious about how rum is made. It’s suitable for those seeking a memorable, hands-on experience in Edinburgh that combines education with fun. If you’re traveling with someone who shares your interest in craft spirits, it’s an excellent activity to do together.

This isn’t a family-friendly activity, nor is it suitable for children or pregnant women, but for genuine spirit enthusiasts, it’s a real treat.

The Edinburgh Rum Distillation Workshop offers a personalized, educational, and enjoyable experience for those interested in spirits or looking for something offbeat during their visit. The combination of tasting, learning, and creating your own bottle makes it a standout choice for a small group activity.

While it may not be perfect for everyone—owing to accessibility issues and the lack of food—it delivers on quality and engagement. If you’re after a memorable souvenir and a behind-the-scenes look at rum’s craft, this experience will likely meet or exceed your expectations.

Whether you’re a seasoned spirits lover or just curious about the process, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for rum—and your own handcrafted bottle to remind you of Edinburgh’s vibrant, inventive spirit scene.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s only for adults over 18, as it involves alcohol and distillation processes.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any food served during the workshop?
No, the experience does not include food, so plan accordingly.

How long does the workshop last?
It runs approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Is the space accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately, no. The workshop is held downstairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

What do I take home after the session?
You’ll have a 500ml bottle of your own crafted rum, sealed and labeled, as well as memories of a unique experience.

Is the price of $121 worth it?
Considering the hands-on involvement, tastings, and personalized bottle, many find it quite good value for this kind of exclusive activity.

Are group sizes small?
Yes, the experience is limited to 2 participants per booking, fostering a more personal environment.

What should I wear?
While not explicitly stated, it’s best to wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for some liquids involved in the process.

Can I do this experience if I’m pregnant?
No, due to the involvement of alcohol, it’s not suitable for pregnant women.

If you’re looking for a way to connect with Edinburgh’s local spirits scene in a fun, hands-on manner, this rum distillation workshop is definitely worth considering. It’s a great blend of education, entertainment, and take-home craft that brings a little extra flavor to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: