Distil a Bottle of Rum Experience in Edinburgh

Thinking about adding a bit of spirit to your Edinburgh trip? This Distil a Bottle of Rum experience is picking up high praise, and it’s easy to see why. It’s more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to craft your very own rum, learn about the process, and take home something truly unique. It’s perfect if you’re a rum enthusiast or just looking for a memorable, hands-on activity that steps beyond typical tourist fare.

What we really love about this experience is the small group setting—no more than three people—which keeps things personal and relaxed. Plus, the chance to customize your own rum with up to 10 botanicals makes each bottle special. On the flip side, keep in mind that booking in advance is wise since the tours tend to fill up about 40 days ahead. And at around $124 per person, it’s an investment, but one that seems to deliver plenty of value, especially considering the personalized craft and expert guidance.

This experience is best suited for adults with a curiosity for spirits and a taste for something a bit different. It’s not a family-friendly activity, but for couples, friends, or solo travelers wanting a fun, educational hands-on outing, it ticks a lot of boxes. If you’re into spirits or looking to learn a new skill, this could be just the thing to make your Edinburgh trip stand out.

Key Points

• Intimate group size enhances the personalized feel of the class
• Create your own custom rum with up to 10 botanicals for a unique flavor
• Learn about rum’s history and process from knowledgeable guides
• Includes tasting and making your own bottle to take home
• Book early—average 40 days in advance—to secure your spot
• Great value for those interested in spirits and hands-on experiences

What to Expect from the Rum Distilling Experience in Edinburgh

This 3-hour experience is designed to feel more like a friendly workshop than a formal class. You’ll meet at The Cumberland Bar and then head into a bespoke micro distillery room—small, cozy, and perfect for an intimate group of up to three people. The size of the group is a real win because it means plenty of personal attention from your guides and plenty of time for questions, banter, and hands-on participation.

Your host will kick off the experience with a welcome drink—likely a rum and mixer—and a quick overview of what’s on the agenda. The focus is on making the process accessible and fun, whether you’re a seasoned rum drinker or just curious about how spirits are made. The guides are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining, making complex processes easy to understand without dumbing things down.

Tasting and Choosing Botanicals

The heart of the experience involves tasting three different rum samples. This isn’t just about sipping—it’s about understanding what flavors appeal to you and how different ingredients influence the final product. Guests then get to design their own rum recipe by choosing from a selection of botanicals—up to 10 options—allowing you to craft a flavor profile that’s completely your own.

One of the reviews highlighted how this part of the class “really helped us understand the ingredients and process,” making the experience educational as well as enjoyable. Plus, the guides provide expert advice on ingredient clashes, ensuring your blend is both balanced and tasty.

The Distilling Process

Once you’ve chosen your botanicals, it’s time to distill your creation. You’ll use an individual mini copper still—a small but effective piece of equipment—that produces about 500ml (half a liter) of your own bespoke rum. Watching the still work is surprisingly fascinating, and it’s a process that most participants find satisfying and quite fun.

While your rum is distilling, you can enjoy a cocktail, giving you a moment to relax and chat. The entire process is designed to be hands-on but straightforward enough that you’ll feel confident creating your own bottle. When your rum has finished distilling, you’ll sample your freshly made spirit, then proceed to bottle, label, give it a name, and wax seal it—your own personalized bottle to take home.

Final Touches and Takeaways

The experience wraps up with you walking away with your very own 500ml bottle of Navy Proof rum, sealed and labeled. Many guests loved this part—the chance to bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir that’s both personal and well-crafted. Several reviews mention that the guides make the process smooth and fun, with Neil in particular earning praise for his knowledge and humor.

Meeting Points and Practicalities

The tour starts at The Cumberland Bar, located at 1-3 Cumberland Street in Edinburgh, with the experience beginning promptly at noon. It concludes back at the start point, so you won’t need to worry about transportation for the return. The activity is perfect for those who enjoy small, exclusive classes, and with a maximum of just three participants, you’re guaranteed plenty of individual attention.

The booking process is straightforward, with most people reserving about 40 days in advance. The experience is priced at around $124 per person, which, when you consider the personal crafting, tasting, and expert guidance, seems quite reasonable. Plus, booking early ensures you get a spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

The tour is suitable for anyone with no allergies—just be sure to inform the organizers if you have any sensitivities. Service animals are allowed, making it an accessible experience for some travelers with assistance needs.

Authentic Reviews and What They Say

Many visitors have raved about the guides, especially Neil and Gary, describing them as knowledgeable, fun, and engaging. One reviewer mentioned that Neil “goes above and beyond,” making the experience memorable and lively. Others appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and how the class wasn’t just educational but also full of laughter and banter.

The tasting portion consistently receives positive comments. Guests love how the class balances history, practical skills, and tastings, often ending with a bottle that’s as much a souvenir as a craft project. One reviewer summed it up by saying, “It’s a fantastic few hours of belly laughs and more, all whilst leading the history of Rum!”

The Value for Money

Considering the price, many reviews suggest this experience offers excellent value, especially for those interested in spirits or hands-on activities. The inclusion of a personalized bottle, the educational component, and the fun of creating something from scratch make it a memorable investment that’s more than just a tasting tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a spirits enthusiast, especially someone keen to understand more about rum, this is a great pick. It’s also ideal if you like personalized, craft experiences—and don’t mind small group sizes—that foster a friendly, informal atmosphere. While not designed for children or families, it’s perfect for adults looking for a unique, interactive activity that combines learning with fun.

For those who enjoy learning new skills or want a special souvenir to bring home, this experience ticks all the boxes. It’s also suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers wanting a memorable afternoon that’s different from typical Edinburgh sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

The Distil a Bottle of Rum experience in Edinburgh offers a rare chance to get hands-on with spirits, understand their origins, and create your own personalized bottle. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate good guides, personalized experiences, and tasty tastings. The small-group setup makes it feel special and tailored, and the overall vibe is friendly and unpretentious.

While it’s priced higher than a simple tasting, the value is clear—you’re leaving with a handcrafted spirit and a wealth of knowledge that will make your whisky or rum adventures all the more interesting back home. If you’re a fan of spirits, love learning new things, or just want to do something a bit different in Edinburgh, this class is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is designed for adults, as it involves alcohol distilling and tasting.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect afternoon or early evening activity.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, since most bookings are made about 40 days in advance, securing your spot early is recommended.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers a welcome drink, tasting samples, your own distilled rum in a bottle, and all guidance throughout the process.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing some flexibility if needed.

Is this experience available near public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point at The Cumberland Bar is near public transit options.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing is fine, but you might want an apron—although it’s provided—and to dress in layers in case the room gets warm or cool.

If you’re a rum lover or a curious traveler eager for a personalized, fun-filled activity in Edinburgh, this distilling experience offers a real taste of craftsmanship—and some good laughs along the way.