Edinburgh Gin Distillery: Gin Making Experience

Imagine spending three hours in the heart of Edinburgh, learning the secrets behind a world-famous spirit, and then creating your own bespoke gin. For $198 per person, this Gin Making Experience offers an engaging blend of education, hands-on crafting, and tasting that appeals to both spirits enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Hosted at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, this small-group activity promises a memorable journey into the art of gin-making, topped off with a personalized bottle and a celebratory G&T.

Two features really make this experience shine. First, the opportunity to choose from a variety of botanicals—allowing you to tailor your gin to your taste—gives this tour a creative edge you won’t find in standard tastings. Second, the custom labeling of your finished bottle adds a personal touch, transforming your visit into a souvenir worth keeping. On the downside, it’s a three-hour commitment, so if your schedule is tight, this might be a consideration. Still, if you’re interested in spirits, DIY experiences, or simply want a fun activity that combines education with a splash of creativity, this tour is a great fit. It’s especially suited for adults who enjoy good food, local drinks, and a hands-on approach to learning about Scottish craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Personalized Gin Creation: Craft your own gin using a selection of botanicals under expert guidance.
• Expert Tasting: Enjoy a tutored tasting of award-winning gins alongside local produce.
• Memorable Keepsake: Design a custom label for your gin bottle to take home.
• Inclusive Experience: Suitable for those 18 and over, with wheelchair accessibility.
• Small Group Intimacy: Limited to eight participants for a more personalized experience.
• Value for Money: Combines hands-on activity, tasting, and local food for a well-rounded experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Edinburgh Gin Distillery: A Hands-On Journey

When we first arrived at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, the atmosphere conveyed a sense of craftsmanship and Scottish pride. The tour begins with a brief overview of the distillery’s history and the process behind their award-winning gins. We appreciated how the guide explained each step clearly, making complex processes accessible to all levels of familiarity.

What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to actually make your own gin. You’re guided into The Arches Gin Lab, where you get to select botanicals from a well-curated array. This part of the activity encourages you to think about flavor profiles and experiment with ingredients. Whether you prefer more citrus, floral, or herbal notes, the choice is yours. Our guide, Emma, was patient and enthusiastic, offering insightful suggestions without overshadowing our creativity.

Once you’ve chosen your botanicals, you get to fire up one of the small copper stills—a moment that’s surprisingly fun and satisfying. Watching your gin take shape in real time offers a tangible sense of accomplishment and connection to the craft. The process is straightforward enough for most, but the hands-on nature makes it engaging and memorable.

Tasting and Food Pairings

After the distilling, it’s time to sample some of Edinburgh Gin’s award-winning range. The tutored tasting is not just about sipping; it’s about understanding the nuances and the art of gin crafting. We learned how different botanicals influence aroma and flavor, and the guide shared helpful tips on how to enjoy gin in various ways.

Accompanying the tasting, we enjoyed a charcuterie and cheese platter featuring local products. This pairing elevated the experience, as we could appreciate how the spirits complement savory flavors. Participants frequently mention how delicious the local produce is, making the tasting session both educational and delicious. One reviewer noted, “The food was superb—perfectly paired with the gins, and it added a real depth to the tasting.”

Custom Label and Final Cheers

Perhaps the most personal part of the experience is designing your own label for your gin bottle. This adds a creative, memorable touch that makes your bottle stand out. Whether it’s a clever name, a special date, or a personal message, this keepsake is a wonderful reminder of your Scottish adventure.

Finally, the tour concludes with a tailored G&T—made with your own gin—and an opportunity to toast your creation. This celebratory moment caps off a fun, hands-on journey that leaves you with both a new appreciation for gin and a bespoke bottle to take home.

Practical Details and Value

The tour lasts around three hours, making it a solid half-day activity in Edinburgh without feeling rushed. It’s limited to eight participants, ensuring personalized attention—an important detail if you want to ask questions or get the most out of the experience. The price of $198 includes everything: the gin-making session, tasting, food, a custom label, and your own G&T.

Since cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, it offers flexibility for travelers with unpredictable plans. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended, and the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it a good choice for a variety of guests.

While the cost might seem high compared to some other activities, the value lies in the combination of hands-on learning, expert guidance, local food, and a personalized souvenir. It’s a unique experience that appeals equally to spirits aficionados and casual travelers looking for something authentic and memorable.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adults who love exploring local drinks, enjoy crafting, or want a memorable souvenir from Edinburgh. It’s also well-suited for groups or couples looking for a fun, interactive activity. If you’re interested in Scottish craftsmanship, appreciate good food, or want an activity that’s both educational and enjoyable, this tour will serve you well.

However, if you’re not keen on spending three hours on a single activity or don’t drink spirits, it might not be the best fit. Also, for those on a tight budget, it’s worth considering whether the experience’s personalized nature justifies the price for you.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, participants must be at least 18 years old, as it involves alcohol-making and tasting.

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

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately three hours, including making gin, tasting, and designing your label.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be standing and moving around the distillery. Bringing a camera and water is also advised.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a variety of guests.

Does the price include anything besides the gin-making?
Yes, you get a charcuterie and cheese platter, a tutored tasting of award-winning gins, a custom label for your bottle, and a G&T to toast your creation.

Where does the tour take place?
At the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, located in the heart of the city, in the historic setting of The Arches.

Can I do this tour if I don’t drink alcohol afterwards?
While the experience involves tasting and making gin, it’s primarily a craft activity with a focus on learning and creating. If you prefer not to drink, you can still enjoy the process and take your bottle home, but the final toast and G&T are part of the experience.

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery’s Gin Making Experience offers a well-rounded, engaging look into the craft of spirits. It’s an activity that combines education, creativity, and local flavor in a way that few other tours do. Whether you’re a gin lover or simply curious about Scottish craftsmanship, you’ll find this session both fun and meaningful.

The personalized touches—like choosing botanicals and designing your label—make this experience stand out. Plus, the inclusion of food and expert guidance ensures you leave with more than just a souvenir—you’ll carry home a story and a smile.

For travelers seeking a memorable, hands-on activity that offers authentic Scottish flavor in a relaxed setting, this tour hits the mark. It’s a bit of a splurge, but for a chance to craft your own spirit and enjoy a taste of local culture, it’s worth every penny.

Enjoy your gin journey in Edinburgh, and savor the moments—and the memories—that come with it.

You can check availability for your dates here: