Gin Tasting Experience with a Perfect Serve

A Detailed Look at the Gin Tasting Experience with a Perfect Serve in Edinburgh

Imagine spending an hour learning about and tasting some of Scotland’s finest gins, right in the heart of Edinburgh. The Gin Tasting Experience with a Perfect Serve offers just that—an engaging, intimate journey into the world of gin, led by knowledgeable guides at the Eden Mill Experience in the city. For $38 per person, you get a lively, educational session that balances tasting, storytelling, and hands-on cocktail creation. The experience typically lasts an hour, but be prepared for some flexibility, as it can extend up to two hours depending on the group.

What we love most about this tour is how accessible and friendly it feels. First, the guided tasting of three high-quality gins gives you a real appreciation for different flavor profiles—from the classic Original Gin to a yet-unreleased smoky and sweet gin. Second, the opportunity to craft your own perfect serve means you leave with a personalized cocktail—something you’ll want to recreate at home or impress friends with. The only potential downside? Since the session is limited to small groups of ten, it might fill up fast, so booking ahead is advisable.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy spirits, appreciate good storytelling, or simply want to explore Edinburgh’s vibrant gin scene in a relaxed setting. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re curious about botanicals and distillation or looking for a fun, authentic activity that’s both educational and tasty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic small-group experience provides personalized attention from expert guides.
• Tasting three distinct gins deepens your understanding of flavors and botanicals.
• Create your own perfect serve tailored to your favorite gin, with expert help.
• Learn about coastal botanicals and distillation—adding context and depth to your tasting.
• Unreleased gin offers a chance to sample something exclusive and innovative.
• Ideal for gin lovers and curious travelers seeking an authentic, fun activity in Edinburgh.

Exploring the Edinburgh Gin Tasting Experience: What to Expect

This tour starts in the cozy basement bar of the Huxley Hotel, accessible directly from Rutland Street. As you descend the signposted staircase, you’ll be greeted by your hosts, who immediately set a welcoming tone. The setting is intimate, with a small group limit of just ten participants, ensuring plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get personalized insights.

The First Sip: A Classic Gin and Tonic

Your experience begins with a straightforward yet classic gin and tonic made with Original Gin. It’s a simple welcome drink, but it immediately demonstrates the quality of the distillery’s base spirit. We appreciated how this initial step set the stage for the tasting, emphasizing the importance of good quality ingredients and proper proportions.

Guided Tasting Flight: Discovering Unique Flavors

Next, your guide will lead you through a tasting flight of three premium gins: Original Gin, Love Gin, and Golf Gin. Each of these represents a different style and flavor profile, allowing you to compare and contrast what makes each one special.

The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, as Marilyn noted, “Andre was our guide he was very friendly & most knowledgeable.” Expect to learn about the botanicals used—particularly coastal botanicals which are part of the distillery’s signature. These ingredients give the gin a distinctive flavor, tying the spirits to their seaside origins.

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Behind the Botanicals: The Coastal Connection

One of the highlights is understanding how these botanicals influence the flavor. For instance, the use of coastal botanicals adds a slightly saline or briny note, which we found fascinating. You may find that the botanicals used are not only locally sourced but carefully selected for their unique contribution to each gin’s character.

The Future of Gin: Unreleased and Experimental Flavors

A real treat is sampling the unlaunched, unreleased gin. This new product offers a sweet and smoky profile that adds an extra layer of intrigue. It’s a glimpse into what’s coming next from the distillery and lends an exclusive feel to the experience.

Crafting Your Perfect Serve

After the tasting, it’s time to get hands-on. You choose your favorite gin from the flight, and with guidance, create your perfect serve. This personalized cocktail can be tailored to accentuate the gin’s flavor profile, whether you prefer something more citrusy, smoky, or floral. The ability to craft a bespoke drink is a highlight for many, as Marilyn shared, “Very enjoyable learnt a lot about how the gin is made and the different flavors & the ingredients.”

Additional Details and Practicalities

This activity is designed for ease and convenience. The meeting point is right in Edinburgh’s city center, and the tour ends back at the same spot. The price includes the guided tasting, three gins, and your custom cocktail, making it a very good value for those interested in spirits and culture.

While food is not included, the focus on gin and the relaxed setting means you can easily combine this activity with nearby dining options afterward. The experience is ideal for those 18 and over, and it emphasizes responsible drinking.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $38, this tour provides a well-rounded, immersive introduction to Scotland’s gin heritage. You’re not just sipping; you’re learning about the botanicals, the distillation process, and what makes each gin unique. The small group size means you’ll get plenty of interaction and tailored insights, something larger tours often lack.

The opportunity to sample an unreleased gin adds a touch of exclusivity, making this experience not just educational but also memorable. For gin enthusiasts or anyone curious about spirits, this is a hands-on way to deepen your understanding and appreciation.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is perfect if you’re a gin lover looking for a fun, educational activity. It’s also excellent for those who enjoy discovering local spirits and want a behind-the-scenes look at a Scottish distillery. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, the shared experience of tasting and cocktail-making can be a highlight of your Edinburgh trip. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and personalized attention.

However, if you’re not a drinker or are traveling with someone who isn’t interested in spirits, this might not be the best fit. Also, since the experience involves alcohol, pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues should consider their comfort and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for all ages?
No, participants must be at least 18 years old to join the tasting and cocktail-making.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about one hour but can extend up to two hours depending on group size and interest.

Is transportation provided?
No, you need to make your own way to the venue—located at the Huxley Hotel in Edinburgh.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food included in the experience?
No, food is not included, but you can enjoy nearby dining options after the tour.

What should I bring?
Just wear comfortable shoes and consider bringing sunscreen, water, or a sun hat if you’re planning to explore Edinburgh beforehand.

What’s the best way to book?
It’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance, especially since small groups fill up quickly.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
This experience may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments, as it involves moving around a bar setting.

Final Thoughts

This gin tasting experience in Edinburgh offers a delightful, informative, and interactive way to deepen your appreciation for Scotland’s famous spirit. The small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and exclusive tastings make it a standout activity for spirits enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. You’ll enjoy not only the tasting, but also the stories behind each gin, the craft of creating a perfect serve, and the chance to sample an unreleased product.

If you love discovering local flavors, enjoy learning about botanicals, or simply want a fun, laid-back activity that’s more than just a tasting, this tour hits the mark. Perfectly suited for those who value authentic experiences and engaging guides, it’s a small step for your Edinburgh trip but a big leap in your gin knowledge.

In short, this is a well-priced, thoughtfully curated experience that combines education, tasting, and hands-on fun—making it a memorable highlight of your visit to Edinburgh.

You can check availability for your dates here: