Edinburgh: Gin Tour & Tasting – South Loch Distillery

If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh and have even a mild interest in gin, this tour is worth considering. It promises a taste of award-winning South Loch Gins, a behind-the-scenes look at a craft distillery, and a visit to Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it seems like a well-rounded experience for gin lovers and curious travelers alike.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines tastings with education, letting you understand the art of gin making while enjoying some delicious drinks. The passionate guides, often praised for their knowledge and humor, really bring the process to life. Also, visiting a distillery with such a strong reputation—having won 14 Scottish Gin Awards since 2021—is pretty exciting.

A potential downside? The tour lasts only about 1.5 hours, which is quite short given the depth of info and tastings involved. Also, it’s not suitable for children or those with mobility issues, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with family or friends with specific needs. Still, if you’re an adventurous spirit or a gin aficionado, this experience likely hits the mark.

In all, this tour is best for adults who enjoy spirits, want an authentic insight into gin production, and appreciate good company and storytelling. It’s a lively, educational, and tasty jaunt through Edinburgh’s gin scene.

Key Points

• Authentic experience at a small, award-winning distillery with a focus on craft gin.
• Knowledgeable guides who blend expertise with humor, making the experience engaging.
• Tastings of three unique gins plus a gin cocktail, offering great value for money.
• Visit to Scotland’s oldest gin bar, adding a touch of history and atmosphere.
• Insight into gin production, botanicals, and innovation, suitable for enthusiasts.
• Limited accessibility: Not ideal for those with mobility issues or children under 18.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This 1.5-hour guided tour strikes a nice balance between education and enjoyment. You’ll step into Edinburgh’s 56 North Distillery, one of the most recognized within Scotland, especially since it’s the most awarded gin producer in Scotland since 2021. The experience begins with a warm welcome in one of Scotland’s oldest gin bars, where you’re greeted with a South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic. That first sip sets the tone for a relaxed, yet informative session.

Exploring the Distillery and Gin Bar

Your guide will take you around the distillery’s copper stills, explaining the intricate process of creating small-batch gins. Multiple reviews mention how passionate and knowledgeable the guides are—often with a good dose of humor—which makes learning about the botanicals and production process more enjoyable. You’ll get a clear idea of how the distillery goes from concept to bottle, making the technical part accessible and interesting.

The visit to Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar, with over 300 spirits on the shelf, adds a special touch. Here, you can enjoy your initial gin and tonic while soaking in the atmosphere, which is often described as cozy and inviting. Many reviewers have highlighted how the staff’s passion and friendliness elevate the experience, making it more than just a tasting.

Tasting and Sampling

The core of the tour is the guided tasting of three distinct South Loch Gins. These are crafted with care, and you’ll learn about the research and development behind each one. Several reviews praise the quality and flavor of the gins, with some even calling the tasting “brilliant” and “delicious.”

What’s unique here is that the guide explains the botanicals and techniques used, deepening your appreciation for the flavors. Several reviewers mention how the guide’s knowledge and humor made the tasting fun and memorable. There’s also an opportunity to enjoy a South Loch Gin cocktail crafted by the bar team, which many found to be a perfect end to the experience.

Visiting the Distillery’s Inner Workings

Seeing the inner workings of the distillery, including the copper stills, adds authenticity. It’s a chance to get a glimpse of how a small, award-winning operation functions day-to-day. This is particularly appealing if you’re interested in craft spirits.

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Value and Pricing

At about 1.5 hours, the tour offers a good amount of value for its price. You’re getting multiple tastings, a cocktail, and insights that would cost much more if done individually. Many reviews emphasize how generous the tastings are and how the overall experience is well worth the cost.

Accessibility and Suitability

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is not suitable for children or people with mobility impairments. The experience takes place in a distillery with some uneven surfaces, and the age restriction ensures a more adult-oriented vibe. So, if you’re traveling with family or friends who don’t drink, this might not be the best fit.

The Experience Itself: What to Expect Step-by-Step

Starting inside the 56 North Distillery, you’ll be welcomed with a Gin and Tonic, which immediately sets a relaxed tone. From there, your guide, often praised for their enthusiasm and expertise, will lead you through the production process. Expect to see copper stills, learn about botanicals, and hear stories about South Loch Gin’s history and awards.

The guided tasting is where the real fun begins. You’ll sample three different gins, each with its own character and flavor profile. Many reviews mention how delicious and distinctive the gins are—some even saying they would buy them regularly if available locally. Your guide will explain the research and development process behind each gin, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable.

After the tastings, you’ll move back to the bar, where you can try a gin cocktail. Many visitors stay longer, enjoying the cozy atmosphere, chatting with staff, or trying extra samples from the extensive gin collection. One reviewer described the bar as “beautifully decorated” and “very cozy,” emphasizing the inviting vibe.

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive on time at the meeting point inside 56 North.
• Bring passport or ID as proof of age.
• The tour lasts around 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly.
• If you’re a big gin fan, you’ll love the variety and in-depth knowledge.
• For those with mobility issues, note that access may be limited.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Edinburgh Gin Tour & Tasting is a great choice for adults who enjoy spirits, want an insider’s look at small-batch gin production, and love tasting well-crafted drinks. The knowledgeable hosts and friendly atmosphere make it an accessible and engaging experience. It’s particularly good if you’re seeking a relaxed, educational activity that also feeds your taste buds.

If you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or even a small group of friends, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a solid way to spend an afternoon, especially if you appreciate quality gin and want to learn from passionate experts. However, it’s not suited for children or those with mobility challenges, so plan accordingly.

This tour offers value, authenticity, and fun—with enough of a personal touch to stand out among other distillery experiences in Edinburgh.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 due to age restrictions and the adult nature of the tasting.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which includes a guided walk, tastings, and some time at the bar.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during busy periods, but you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay on the day?
It’s best to reserve and pay later, which allows flexibility in your planning. Payment is processed at the time of booking.

What should I bring?
You’ll need to bring passport or ID card to verify your age, as alcohol consumption is involved.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments, as it takes place in an active distillery with uneven surfaces.

Can I stay longer after the tour?
Absolutely. The bar remains open for you to try more gins or food. Many visitors enjoy lingering and exploring the extensive spirits collection.

To sum it up, if you’re after a fun, informative, and tasty introduction to Edinburgh’s gin scene, this tour hits the spot. It offers a touch of Scottish craftsmanship with knowledgeable guides, generous tastings, and a cozy bar setting. Perfect for adults seeking a memorable, relaxed afternoon with a local twist.

You can check availability for your dates here: