Edinburgh: Rum Distillation Workshop with Rum Tasting

Imagine wandering through Edinburgh’s charming streets and stumbling upon an unexpected adventure into the world of rum making. For around $121 per person, you can spend about 3 hours learning the art of distilling, tasting a variety of flavored rums, and even distilling your very own bespoke 500ml bottle to take home. Hosted downstairs in the cozy Cumberland Bar, this experience promises a mix of education, fun, and authentic craftsmanship—a rare opportunity to get your hands dirty (figuratively speaking) in the world of spirits.

What we love most about this experience is how Neil, the host, combines knowledge and enthusiasm that make the process accessible and entertaining. The opportunity to distill our own rum with carefully chosen ingredients is genuinely memorable, especially with the chance to taste three different flavored rums beforehand, which helps you understand what goes into each bottle.

A potential consideration is that the distillation room isn’t wheelchair accessible, so if you have mobility concerns, this might not be the best fit. Also, no food is served, so consider grabbing a snack before or after your workshop if you’re hungry. This activity is perfect for adults with a curiosity for spirits, especially those who enjoy hands-on experiences and learning about craft distilling.

This workshop suits travelers seeking a relaxing yet educational activity that offers a unique hands-on craft. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking for a different perspective on Edinburgh’s food and drink scene, this experience is a great way to immerse yourself in Scottish craftsmanship—and have fun doing it.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: Create and distill your own 50cl rum bottle.
• Educational tasting: Sample three flavored rums to understand different profiles.
• Expert guidance: Neil’s engaging and knowledgeable style makes the process enjoyable.
• Authentic craft: Opportunity to bottle, label, and wax-seal your own spirit.
• Limited accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users due to location downstairs.
• No food included: Plan accordingly for snacks or meals around the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Edinburgh Rum Workshop

When you think of Edinburgh, images of historic castles, whisky tours, and vibrant festivals likely come to mind. What might surprise you is that the city also offers a unique opportunity to explore spirits beyond whisky—namely, rum. This workshop, organized by Sip Antics Micro Distillery, offers an intimate, hands-on journey into the art of rum making.

Location & Meeting Point

Your adventure starts downstairs in the Cumberland Bar, a cozy venue located on Cumberland Street. About 15 minutes before the scheduled start, you’ll want to arrive and check in at the main entrance. From there, your guide Neil will meet you upstairs, ready to guide you through the experience. The venue’s intimate setting ensures that each participant gets personalized attention, which is something we really appreciate—especially when it comes to learning a craft like distilling.

What’s Included & The Itinerary

This is not just a tasting session but a full immersion into the rum-making process. Here’s what you can expect:

• A welcome Rum + Mixer on arrival to kick off the experience.
• A brief overview of the micro distillery’s history and what makes their approach unique.
• Tasting three different flavored rums, which helps you identify what you like and understand the flavor profiles typical of various spirits.
• The highlight: distilling your own 50cl bottle. Neil guides you through selecting ingredients and the distillation process, making it accessible even if you’re new to spirits.
• While your rum distills, you’ll enjoy a rum cocktail—a perfect way to relax and appreciate the craftsmanship.
• Finally, you will taste your own handmade rum before bottling, labeling, and wax sealing your bespoke creation to take home. This personalized touch means you’ll leave with a tangible reminder of your Edinburgh experience.

The Experience & Atmosphere

Neil’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through during the workshop. As one reviewer, Chloe, noted, “His energy made the process all the more enjoyable.” The atmosphere is both informal and engaging, making it ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for an authentic, interactive activity.

The tasting component is well thought out, offering three different flavors. It’s clear that the host aims to not only teach but also entertain and inspire. We loved the way the flavored rums showcased different aromas and tastes, giving us a better understanding of what goes into each bottle.

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Crafting Your Own Rum

The process of distilling and bottling your own rum is surprisingly straightforward with Neil’s guidance. The ingredients are carefully selected, and the labelling and wax-sealing add a fun, almost artisanal feel. The fact that you get to take home your own handmade bottle—a true souvenir—makes this experience worth the price for spirits lovers.

Authenticity and Value

Given the small group size—limited to just 2 participants—you get plenty of personalized attention. The $121 fee reflects not just the taste experience but the hands-on craft, learning opportunity, and custom bottle.

While it might seem like a steep price for a 3-hour activity, the value is evident in the quality of the experience and the unique skill you gain. Plus, the tasting of multiple rums and the opportunity to distill your own make this a rare offering in Edinburgh.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is accessibility—the workshop is located downstairs in a non-wheelchair accessible space. Also, since no food is included, travelers should plan to eat beforehand or afterward.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This workshop is perfect for adventurous spirits enthusiasts, couples seeking a memorable activity, or anyone curious about the craft of distilling. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy interactive, creative experiences and learning something new in a relaxed environment.

Final Thoughts

This Edinburgh Rum Distillation Workshop offers a refreshing, hands-on dive into the world of spirits, far beyond just tasting. It combines education, entertainment, and authentic craftsmanship into a memorable 3-hour experience. Neil’s engaging approach makes the science behind rum accessible, and the chance to distill and bottle your own spirit is something you’ll likely cherish long after your trip.

While not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, this experience delivers genuine value for adults interested in spirits, craftsmanship, or unique local experiences. Whether you’re an enthusiast or just looking for a fun, different activity in Edinburgh, this workshop is an excellent choice.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children under 18?
No, this workshop is designed for adults over 18, and children are not permitted.

How long does the workshop last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including tasting, distillation, and bottling.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in your planning.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the welcome rum and mixer, tasting three flavored rums, distilling your own 50cl bottle, enjoying a rum cocktail, and bottling and labeling your creation.

Is there any food provided during the experience?
No, there is no food served. It’s best to eat before or after the workshop.

Where do we meet?
You meet at the main entrance of the Cumberland Bar on Cumberland Street, where your guide will meet you upstairs.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately, no. The workshop is located downstairs in a space that is not wheelchair accessible.

To sum it up, this Rum Distillation Workshop in Edinburgh offers a rare opportunity to learn, create, and enjoy in an authentic setting. It’s ideal for spirits lovers, craft enthusiasts, and those wanting a memorable, hands-on activity. With knowledgeable guides, delicious tastings, and the thrill of making your own spirit, it’s a valuable addition to any Edinburgh itinerary—especially for travelers craving a personal, genuine experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: