2 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen

Imagine spending a relaxed afternoon in Aberdeen, not just tasting gin but actually making your own. That’s the essence of the Gin School Experience offered at Aberdeen’s distillery. Priced at around $192 per person, this 2-hour session provides a window into the art of gin creation, guided by experts and capped at 20 participants, making it a personalized and fun activity. Hosted at the City of Aberdeen Distillery, this experience is ideal for birthdays, special occasions, or curious travelers eager to learn about Scotland’s own gin traditions.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the chance to blend your own gin from over 100 botanicals, a process that’s both creative and educational. Second, the inclusion of tastings of Aberdeen’s local gin range, along with a full-sized bottle of your custom gin to take home, offers real value and keeps the memories alive long after the experience ends.

One thing to consider is the requirement for good weather, as the experience is outdoor-friendly, and cancellations due to poor weather are possible with full refunds or rescheduling. This activity suits those who appreciate craftsmanship, enjoy tasting new spirits, or are looking for an engaging, authentic Scottish experience that goes beyond a typical tour. If you’re a gin lover or a curious traveler, this could be the highlight of your Aberdeen visit.

Key Points

• Hands-On Crafting: You get to create your own custom gin using over 100 botanicals, guided by a professional distiller.
• Educational & Tasty: Learn about the ingredients, distillation process, and Aberdeen’s gin heritage, with generous tastings throughout.
• Personalized Experience: Limited to 20 people ensures a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.
• Takeaway: You leave with a full 70cl bottle of your own gin, complete with a label and a name.
• Ideal for Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays or special occasions, combining fun with a genuine learning experience.
• Value for Price: At just under $200, you get both a memorable activity and a quality product to take home.

A Deep Dive into the Aberdeen Gin School Experience

If you’re looking for a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in Aberdeen, this Gin School Experience offers more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to become a distiller for an afternoon. Starting at the City of Aberdeen Distillery on Palmerston Road, you’ll be greeted with a double G&T as a welcome drink, setting the tone for a relaxed, educational session.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The experience begins with a brief overview of Aberdeen’s distilling heritage and the origins of gin. This isn’t just a sales pitch; it’s an engaging story that sets the context for what’s to come. You’ll learn about base spirits and the botanicals that give gin its distinctive character. Then, the real fun begins: selecting your botanicals from a selection of over 100 choices.

With the guidance of the head distiller, you’ll experiment with different combinations and quantities to craft your unique recipe. The process takes place using a beautiful copper alembic mini-still, adding an authentic touch to your creation. Watching your gin take form is a highlight, especially as you anticipate your final product.

Tasting & Learning

While your gin is distilling, you’ll sample Aberdeen’s own gins, exploring what makes each one special—from ingredients to distillation techniques. As one reviewer notes, the generous tasting allows you to develop your palate and learn how different botanicals influence flavor. You’ll also enjoy a specially prepared cocktail, celebrating your progress and creativity.

Personalization & Final Touches

Once your gin has distilled, you’ll decide on the strength, and choose a bottle, cap, and label. You’ll need to come up with a memorable name for your creation—an excellent icebreaker and creative outlet. After sealing your 70cl bottle, you’ll celebrate your success with a surprise cocktail, an enjoyable capstone to your afternoon.

The Experience’s Intimate Atmosphere

Limiting the group to 20 travelers helps ensure everyone receives personal attention, and the guidance from the head distiller makes it accessible, even if you’re new to spirits. This isn’t a quick, superficial tour; it’s an engaging workshop where your participation truly matters.

Authentic, Local Flair

What we loved most is how this experience connects you to Aberdeen’s distilling scene. Unlike generic tours, you’ll hear about local traditions, taste unique regional gins, and leave with a genuine, handcrafted product. As one delighted reviewer said, it’s “a true education about gin” with a chance to develop your nose and make some deliciousness.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, starting at 2:00 pm, and is accessible via public transportation. The price factors in both the learning experience and the full-sized bottle you get to take home, offering good value for those interested in spirits, craftsmanship, and Scottish culture. Remember, good weather is necessary, as cancellations due to poor conditions are possible with full refunds.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This gin-making class is perfect for spirits enthusiasts, those celebrating a special occasion, or adventure-seeking travelers eager to try something different in Scotland. If you enjoy tasting and creating, you’ll appreciate the hands-on nature and personalized touch. It’s also suitable for adults who appreciate craftsmanship and local traditions, and makes for a memorable gift or a fun outing with friends or partners.

Final Thoughts

The 2-hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen offers an enriching blend of education, creativity, and tasting. It’s a fantastic way for anyone to understand the art of gin-making, sample local spirits, and leave with a unique souvenir—a bottle of gin personalized by you. With friendly guidance and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a standout activity that combines Scottish authenticity with a hands-on approach.

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the opportunity to craft your own gin, taste a variety of regional gins, and take home a full-sized bottle makes it a worthwhile investment—especially for those who love spirits or are looking for an authentic, engaging Scottish experience.

In all, if you’re after a memorable, educational, and fun activity in Aberdeen that connects you directly to local traditions, this gin-making experience is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The session is guided by a professional distiller and designed to be accessible, even if you’ve never made gin before.

How long does the entire experience last?
It runs approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, starting at 2:00 pm, including tasting, crafting, and personalization.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll enjoy a double G&T welcome drink, samples of Aberdeen gins, a cocktail, and a full 70cl bottle of your custom gin at the end.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance. Full refunds are available if canceled early.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. You might get a bit of stickiness from botanical extracts, so dress accordingly.

Is transportation nearby?
Yes, the distillery is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from central Aberdeen.

Can I bring children or non-drinkers?
This experience is strictly for adults since it involves alcohol creation and tasting.

Whether you’re a dedicated gin lover or simply curious about Scotland’s local spirits scene, this Aberdeen Gin School experience offers a well-rounded, genuine, and fun opportunity to learn, taste, and create. It’s a rare chance to step behind the scenes of a working distillery and come away with a handcrafted bottle—and a story to tell.