Edinburgh: Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour (Distillery & Tasting)

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and enjoy a good gin, chances are you’ve already heard of Pickering’s. They’ve earned a reputation for making some of the best locally crafted gin, and their Gin Jolly Tour offers a chance to see how the magic happens. From learning about the distillation process to sampling four award-winning gins, this tour packs in a lot of value into just an hour.

What truly shines are the knowledgeable guides who make the experience both fun and informative, and the chance to take home a miniature bottle of gin as a souvenir. That said, the tour is designed for those 18 and over and involves some standing, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a very relaxed or family-friendly activity. Still, if you love gin or are curious about spirits, this might well be one of the highlights of your Edinburgh trip.

One thing to consider is the group size and booking requirements—groups larger than eight need to schedule a private tour, and a bit of planning helps ensure you don’t miss out. Otherwise, it’s a straightforward, well-reviewed experience that many visitors find both enjoyable and educational.

This experience is perfect for gin enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone who appreciates artisan spirits and a glimpse behind the scenes of a successful distillery.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with engaging and knowledgeable tour guides.
• Tasting session of four award-winning gins, plus a complimentary miniature bottle.
• Insight into the distillation process of Edinburgh’s first gin-exclusive distillery in 150 years.
• Includes a gin and tonic at the start, setting the mood for the tour.
• Accessible and wheelchair-friendly, making it manageable for most visitors.
• Age restriction: 18+; no underage drinking allowed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour

When considering a distillery tour, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting just a quick look at how spirits are made. What makes Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour stand out is how much they pack into a short, one-hour visit—without sacrificing quality or engagement. This isn’t just about watching stills bubble away; it’s an interactive, lively experience that really brings the brand to life.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Do and See

The tour begins at the Royal Dick Bar within Summerhall, where you’ll meet your guide and enjoy your gin and tonic—a perfect way to start and immediately get into the spirit of things. Many reviews mention how this initial drink sets a relaxed tone, making the group more open and ready to learn.

Next, you’re led to the Old Workshop, a space filled with the history of Pickering’s and its inventive spirit. Here, the guide explains the origins of the distillery, emphasizing that they are Edinburgh’s first gin-only distillery in 150 years. This fact alone makes the experience feel quite special, especially for those interested in local history and industry.

The core of the tour is the distillery visit. You’ll have the chance to see the stills, affectionately named Gertrude and Emily, steaming away in the background. The guides walk you through the distillation process, highlighting what makes Pickering’s gin unique—whether that’s their craftsmanship, their choice of botanicals, or their innovative methods. Many visitors have praised guides like Alyssa, Emma, and Jamie for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. One review notes how Emma “told us all about the history of Pickering’s Gin, showed us different little elements of their history, through the distillery, explaining the process.”

The Tasting Experience

After the behind-the-scenes look, it’s time for the best part—the tasting. You’ll sample four award-winning gins in the next room, where you can chat about your favorites with fellow visitors. Reviewers often mention how much they learned and how impressed they were with the quality of the gin. One reviewer said, “It was impressive to see that this small shop does such a big business,” which speaks to the craftsmanship packed into each bottle.

The tasting isn’t rushed, and guides encourage questions and discussion. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable guides like Max and Jamie made the experience more engaging, answering questions with enthusiasm.

Takeaway and Souvenir

As you wrap up, you’ll receive a miniature bottle (5cl) of Pickering’s London-Dry Gin to take home—a fun souvenir that’s perfect for sharing or keeping as a memento. This small bottle complements the experience by allowing you to remember the tour long after you leave.

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Tour Logistics and Practicalities

The entire experience lasts about an hour, making it a good choice if you’re short on time but want a meaningful activity. The price point at $34 per person offers good value considering the included gin samples, the tour, and the souvenir.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which adds to its appeal, and it’s held indoors most of the time, so weather isn’t a concern. However, keep in mind that standing throughout is required, and no food is allowed during the tour.

Group Size and Booking

If you’re traveling with a larger group (over 8 people), it’s worth arranging a private tour—this ensures you get personalized attention and avoid the risk of being turned away due to capacity limits. Many reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, whether in a small or large group.

Reviews and Real Feedback

The tour’s high rating of 4.8/5 from 132 reviews speaks for itself. Visitors consistently mention knowledgeable guides, like “Max” and “Jamie,” who make the tour both informative and fun. Many say they learned a lot and appreciated the insight into the distillation process. The gin itself gets rave reviews, with many saying they loved the delicious, locally made products.

Some reviews also mention the entertaining nature of the guides, with one saying, “Jamie was an excellent guide and made the tour really interesting to us,” while others highlight the enthusiasm and friendliness of guides like Alyssa and Emma.

Downsides and Considerations

While overall positive, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The group size caps mean that if you book in separate groups exceeding 8 people, you might need a private tour. Also, as with most alcohol-related activities, underage visitors or those under the influence won’t be allowed to participate—so it’s not suitable for families with children or those looking for a casual sightseeing stop.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you love gin, are interested in how spirits are made, or enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides in a friendly environment. It’s a great option for adults looking for a quick, fun, and informative activity during their Edinburgh stay. The $34 price offers good value for the amount of tasting, education, and souvenirs included.

If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even flying solo, you’ll find this experience engaging and memorable. It’s suitable for most people with a decent level of mobility, and the indoor setting makes it a weather-proof choice. However, if you’re after a more relaxed or family-oriented activity, this might not be the best fit.

For those with a curiosity about Edinburgh’s spirits scene or a penchant for craft gin, the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour provides a well-paced, enjoyable look behind the scenes of a thriving local business.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for those 18 and over due to alcohol tasting regulations.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1 hour, including the tasting session and the tour of the distillery.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers entry to the distillery, a gin and tonic, four gin samples, and a miniature bottle of gin to take home.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but you should inform the provider in advance to ensure smooth access.

What if I want a private experience?
Groups larger than 8 should arrange a private tour. Separate bookings for larger groups may be refused entry, so planning ahead is recommended.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Absolutely. Most of the tour is indoors, so weather won’t affect your experience.

In the end, the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour offers a genuine peek into Edinburgh’s first dedicated gin distillery. It’s a lively, interactive experience that balances education and tasting with a friendly, approachable vibe. Whether you’re a seasoned gin lover or just curious about spirits, you’ll likely find this tour a worthwhile addition to your Edinburgh itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: