City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience

If you’re considering a unique way to spend a couple of hours in Aberdeen, the City of Aberdeen Distillery’s Gin School Experience might just be your ideal pick. It’s not your typical tasting tour—here, you actually get to roll up your sleeves and become a Scottish gin maker yourself. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or just someone curious about the craft, this experience offers a fun, interactive glimpse into the art of distilling.

What really draws us in is how personalized and engaging the process looks—plus, you leave with your very own bottle of custom gin. But, as with any hands-on activity, it’s not all smooth sailing; the two-hour format packs a lot in, which means it’s best suited for those who enjoy active, social experiences and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve. If you’re after a laid-back, taste-only tour, this might not be the right fit, but for those who want to get involved, it’s a great choice.

Two standout features are the high-quality guidance from passionate experts and the opportunity to craft a truly one-of-a-kind gin tailored to your tastes. On the flip side, keep in mind it’s a relatively short, busy session, so if you love slow-paced, in-depth tours, you might find this a little rushed. This experience suits curious travelers, small groups, or couples who want an active, memorable activity that mixes learning with plenty of tastings.

Key Points

• Hands-on Gin Making: You’ll get to distil your own 70cl bottle of Scottish gin with guidance from expert distillers.
• Taste & Sample: Multiple gin samples, plus Prosecco and berry cocktails, ensure you enjoy a wide range of flavors.
• Inclusive & Accessible: The distillery is wheelchair accessible, and seats are available throughout the experience.
• Local & Global Botanicals: You’ll explore botanicals like Macedonian Juniper and over 100 others, including fresh citrus, to craft a unique recipe.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about gin’s history in Aberdeen and the craft of small-batch distilling, all while enjoying a lively, interactive session.
• Memorable Souvenir: Take home your personalized bottle, and even name it—adding a personal touch to your new creation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experience Overview: What to Expect at the Aberdeen Gin School

The experience kicks off with a welcome double G&T—a nice way to settle in and start the day on a spirited note. As you settle into the distillery, you’ll be introduced to the art of gin-making through a friendly, knowledgeable guide. The guides, like Alan and Dan, receive rave reviews for their warmth and expertise, making everyone feel comfortable and engaged from the start.

The Distilling Process: Hands-On & Educational

Once you’re introduced to the basics, the real fun begins: distilling your gin. You’ll use premium organic alcohol and choose botanicals from a vast selection—over 100 options, including Macedonian Juniper and fresh citrus—so the possibilities for your signature blend are pretty much endless. The guides will walk you through each step, explaining how different botanicals influence flavor, aroma, and character.

We loved the way the guides encourage experimentation, making it clear that this is about creativity and personal taste. As one reviewer noted, “Alan is walking you through the process and Dan is giving advice and probably handing you another drink.” The drinks flow freely, allowing you to taste different gins from their range as you craft your ideal profile.

Sampling & Tasting: The Flavour Journey

Throughout the session, you’ll sample various gins—both London Dry and fruit gins—so you get a real sense of what flavors you prefer. The tasting part is casual and unpretentious, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and try new things. Plus, the included Prosecco and berry cocktail add a touch of celebration.

One guest shared that “they immediately brought us double Gin & Tonics and begin learning about our tastes for Gin and other spirits,” which highlights how personalized the experience is. This sampling helps you fine-tune your recipe and understand what makes a good gin to your palate.

Crafting Your Bottle & Naming Your Gin

After experimenting and tasting, you’ll bottle your creation—a 70cl bottle of your very own gin—a pretty satisfying moment. The guides help you with bottling and labeling, and you’ll even get the chance to name your gin, adding a fun, personal touch.

The reviews emphasize how fulfilling this part of the experience is, with one guest remarking, “They are truly masters of their craft and made this a memorable experience for both of us.” It’s a perfect souvenir to take home or gift to friends, and the fact that you’re involved in the creation makes it more meaningful than just buying a bottle off the shelf.

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Final Toast & Surprises

As the session wraps up, a surprise cocktail is served—ideal for celebrating your new status as a “distiller.” It’s a light, fun way to toast your efforts and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Duration, Group Size & Accessibility

This experience is designed to last about 2 hours, which is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a full, engaging activity. Group sizes are small enough to feel intimate, and the distillery is wheelchair accessible, with facilities including a WC and designed workbenches for mobility needs.

On the practical side, you’ll want to bring your ID or passport, and note that pets (other than guide dogs) aren’t permitted inside. The event offers seats throughout, making it comfortable even if you prefer to sit and observe sometimes.

Price & Value: Is It Worth It?

At $121 per person, this experience might seem a bit steep at first glance, but when you factor in the guided instruction, tastings, the personalized gin bottle, and the fun of creating something yourself, it feels like good value. It’s not just a tasting; it’s an active craft session that leaves you with a tangible souvenir and memorable stories.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This gin school is perfect for travelers who enjoy a interactive, hands-on activity. It’s especially suited if you’re curious about spirits, love trying new drinks, or want a memorable, personalized souvenir. Small groups or couples will find the atmosphere friendly and engaging, thanks to the hosts’ warmth and expertise.

If you’re traveling with friends who are open to learning and tasting, this is a great way to bond over something unique. However, if you’re after a more relaxed, purely observational tour, you might find this a bit too lively or fast-paced.

Final Thoughts: Is the Aberdeen Gin School Experience for You?

If you’re looking for a unique activity that combines education, fun, and tasting, this gin-making experience delivers. It’s a chance to learn about the craft of gin in a lively setting, guided by passionate experts who want you to have a great time. The opportunity to create your own bottle, name it, and bring home a personal souvenir makes it especially appealing.

The experience’s focus on smaller groups and personalized guidance really sets it apart, offering plenty of interaction and attention to detail. While it might be a bit quick for those wanting an in-depth distilling course, it’s a perfect choice for a memorable afternoon in Aberdeen—especially for those with a taste for gin or curious about spirits.

In the end, it’s an experience that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and fun, making it a worthwhile addition to your Scottish itinerary if you want something more than just sightseeing.

FAQ

How long does the Gin School Experience last?
It runs for about 2 hours, making it a good fit for a shorter activity that still offers plenty of hands-on fun.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the distillery is all on a single level with a dropped curb close to the property. The workbenches are designed to accommodate those with mobility issues, and a wheelchair-accessible WC is available.

What should I bring with me?
You’ll need to bring your passport or ID card for participation. No other specific items are required.

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

Is there a limit to the group size?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the experience seems to be intimate enough to ensure personal attention, and seats are available throughout, suggesting it’s not a large crowd.

Are non-alcoholic drinks available?
Yes, alternative options like water and soft drinks are available for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly stated, the activity is designed for adults, especially since it involves alcohol. It would be best suited for those 18 and over, and no mention of children’s participation is made.

What’s the value of the experience?
Considering the guided instruction, tastings, and your own bottle, many find the price justified for a memorable, interactive activity that provides a unique souvenir and lasting memories.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at making your own gin or are just looking for a fun, engaging activity in Aberdeen, this Gin School offers a lively, friendly environment with plenty of opportunity to learn, taste, and create. While it’s not a deep dive into distillation techniques, it’s perfect for those who appreciate good spirits and a little hands-on adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: