City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience

The City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience offers a unique chance to step behind the scenes of Scottish gin production. For around $121 per person, you spend two hours learning, creating, and tasting in a friendly, interactive setting. Located in Aberdeen, this experience is led by knowledgeable guides who guide you through the gin-making journey, making it ideal for anyone curious about spirits or looking for an authentic Scottish craft experience.

What we love about this tour are two key points: First, the chance to distil your own 70cl bottle of Scottish gin using premium organic alcohol—an authentic souvenir you truly create yourself. Second, the friendly, expert guidance provided by the team, who help you craft a recipe that matches your taste preferences while sharing stories about the local distilling history.

One possible consideration is the duration, which is just two hours—perfect for a quick, engaging activity but maybe too short if you’re hoping for a deep dive into distilling techniques. Still, it’s well-paced and packed with hands-on fun.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of learning, tasting, and crafting. It’s especially great for those interested in small-batch spirits, Scottish traditions, or simply a fun, memorable activity during a trip to Aberdeen.

Key Points

• Authentic hands-on experience: You get to create your own gin recipe.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable distillers help you every step of the way.
• Tastings included: Sample a variety of gins plus other drinks like Prosecco and berry cocktails.
• Local story: Learn about Aberdeen’s distilling past and its unique role in Scottish gin history.
• Value for money: The price includes your personalized 70cl bottle, tastings, and souvenirs.
• Accessibility: The distillery is on a single level and wheelchair accessible, with some limited accommodations for mobility needs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and How It All Begins

Starting in a charming, accessible distillery located under a railway arch (Arch #10), this two-hour session begins with a warm welcome. Guests are greeted with a double G&T, setting the tone for a relaxed yet informative experience. From there, the guides—fluent in English—bring you into the heart of the process, sharing their knowledge and passion for gin-making.

Throughout the experience, you’ll enjoy sampling Aberdeen Gin and other drinks, including non-alcoholic options. The price not only covers your personalized 70cl bottle of gin, created from your own recipe but also includes gins from the distillery’s range and a surprise cocktail at the end. Swag such as branded pens, drink mats, and postcards add a touch of memorabilia, making the visit both fun and memorable.

The Crafting Process: From Botanicals to Bottle

The core of the experience is the chance to distill your own Scottish gin. The guide, often referred to as a master of their craft, walks you through each step—from selecting botanicals to testing flavors—making sure you understand the influence of each ingredient.

You’ll learn that Macedonian Juniper is the backbone of traditional gin, with over 100 botanicals available, including fresh citrus and Asian spices. The guides encourage creativity, so your final recipe can be tailored to your preferences. As one reviewer noted, “Building your recipe is very exciting while Alan is walking you through the process and Dan is giving advice.” The process is interactive; you’re actively participating, not just observing.

Tasting and Sensory Experiences

Sampling is a key feature. You get to taste various handcrafted artisan gins, exploring how different botanicals influence flavor. The guides explain the nuances between London Dry and Fruit Gins, helping you appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. This part of the experience reveals the skill involved in small-batch distilling and helps you understand what makes Scottish gin special.

The sensory aspect of the tour is enhanced by the aromas from the botanicals, which the guides carefully describe. They advise guests to avoid strong fragrances on their skin, to better appreciate the subtle aromas of the gins.

The Highlight: Personalizing Your Gin

Once you’ve formulated your recipe, you’ll bottle your creation—an exciting moment! You even get to name your gin, adding a personal touch to your souvenir. As one reviewer expressed, “They immediately brought us double Gin & Tonics and began learning about our tastes,” emphasizing the personalized service.

The final step is taking home a personalized 70cl bottle of Scottish gin—your own creation. This is a meaningful keepsake, especially since it’s crafted by your own hand, and you’ve learned about the ingredients and techniques behind it.

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The Historic and Local Context

Beyond the technical process, the guides share stories about Aberdeen’s distilling history, which adds depth to the experience. You’ll hear about long-lost local distilleries and the city’s role in Scottish gin’s evolution. This contextual knowledge enriches the tasting, making it more than just a fun activity—it’s a culturally rooted experience.

The Social and Fun Aspect

The experience isn’t just about learning; it’s also lively and social. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to chat and share laughs, especially as guides encourage tasting and recipe sharing. As Dylann, a visitor from the US, remarked, “Alan and Dan were right there to greet us and get to know us… they are truly masters of their craft and made this a memorable experience.”

The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing, making the environment perfect for both novices and enthusiasts.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The distillery’s all-on-one level design makes it accessible for wheelchairs, which is a big plus. Specific accommodations for mobility requirements are available upon request, and the activity includes seats throughout, ensuring comfort for those who prefer to sit rather than stand. The meeting point is straightforward—enter through Arch #10—and the activity ends where it begins, simplifying logistics.

If you’re a fan of spirits, a lover of Scottish culture, or just looking for a fun, hands-on activity in Aberdeen, this Gin School is a fantastic choice. It’s especially appealing for those who want to create a personalized gift or just learn something new about the craft.

The price—$121—may seem steep, but considering it includes your own bottle of gin, tastings, souvenirs, and expert guidance, it offers solid value. You’re getting much more than a passive tasting; you’re actively participating in the story of Scottish gin.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate interactive, craft-focused activities. It suits adults of all ages, especially those interested in small-batch spirits and Scottish traditions. It’s also attractive for people seeking a memorable, personalized souvenir of their trip.

While the experience lasts only two hours, it’s packed with information and fun, making it a perfect afternoon activity. Because of the friendly guides and manageable group size, it’s also suitable for first-time gin enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs alike.

The City of Aberdeen Distillery’s Gin School Experience offers a genuine taste of Scottish craftsmanship. You’ll learn the secrets behind the city’s historic distilling scene, craft your personalized gin, and enjoy a variety of tastings—all guided by friendly, knowledgeable experts. It’s a hands-on activity that provides a meaningful souvenir and insight into the world of small-batch spirits.

The experience is well-suited for those who enjoy interactive activities, want a memorable gift idea, or are simply curious about the art of distilling. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours in Aberdeen—informative, fun, and full of flavor.

Can I make my own gin during this experience?
Yes, you will be guided through the process of creating your own gin recipe and distilling it into a bottle to take home.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately two hours, including tasting, crafting, and bottling your gin.

Is the distillery accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the distillery is on a single level, with a dropped curb and facilities designed to accommodate mobility requirements. It is wheelchair accessible.

What drinks are included?
You’ll receive a double G&T upon arrival, samples of Aberdeen Gin, and the opportunity to taste other artisan gins, Prosecco, and berry cocktails.

Can I bring non-alcoholic drink options?
Absolutely. Non-alcoholic drinks like water and soft drinks are available throughout the experience.

Is it suitable for groups or just individuals?
The experience is typically conducted in small groups, making it great for friends or couples. It’s also accessible for those with mobility needs.

Do I get to name my gin?
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to give your handcrafted gin a personal name before taking it home.

What should I bring?
You only need to bring a valid ID or passport, and comfortable clothes suitable for a hands-on activity.

In essence, the Aberdeen Gin School Experience offers a memorable blend of education, creativity, and tasting—all in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or simply looking to do something different on your trip, this activity promises a fun, authentic taste of Scottish distilling craft.

You can check availability for your dates here: