Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery

Visiting the South Loch Gin Distillery in Edinburgh offers a refreshing glimpse into Scotland’s celebrated gin scene. For around $26, you’ll spend about 90 minutes with a small group, learning how this small-batch distillery produces its award-winning gins, while enjoying tastings and a cocktail. The tour begins at 56 North, 2 W Crosscauseway, a location just a short walk from the Royal Mile, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience strikes a perfect balance between educational insight and fun tasting.

What we love most about this tour are the stunning stills—their craftsmanship is visible and impressive—and the personalized attention in a small group setting. The guide’s humor and expertise make learning about gin both engaging and approachable. The included tastings of three different gins paired with premium mixers, plus a gin cocktail topped with bubbly at the end, add genuine value for the price.

A potential consideration is the strict age restriction—you must be over 18 with ID (Challenge 25 policy)—which might exclude some visitors. Still, for adventurous spirits and gin lovers, this tour offers an authentic, insider’s look at Scottish gin-making that’s hard to match elsewhere. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate small-batch distilleries or enjoy interactive, hands-on experiences with local producers.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn the gin production process directly from a working distillery.
• Tastings Included: Enjoy three gin samples, a gin cocktail, and a G&T, all included in the price.
• Small Group: Max 18 travelers for a more personalized, engaging tour.
• Educational and Fun: Guides are knowledgeable and add humor, making the experience memorable.
• Convenient Location: Close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, easy to fit into a city sightseeing day.
• Great Value: For about $26, you get more than just a tasting—you gain insight into Scottish craftsmanship.

A More Detailed Look at What to Expect

When you arrive at 56 North, you’ll be greeted with a G&T—a welcoming touch that sets a relaxed tone. The host, often someone like Hamish, is noted for being knowledgeable and engaging, with reviews praising guides for their humor and expertise. As you sip your gin and tonic, you’ll be introduced to the process of making gin, from selecting botanicals to bottling. The stills themselves are visually striking, lending a sense of craftsmanship that you can see firsthand.

The tour then proceeds into the distillery area, where you’ll be shown the distillation process. One review describes the host as “very friendly and very engaged,” helping to demystify the art of gin making for all levels of knowledge. You’ll learn what makes South Loch Gin unique—small-batch, family-run, and award-winning—and gain insights into how different botanicals influence flavor profiles.

Following the educational segment, you’ll sample three distinctive gins produced on-site, each paired with premium mixers. The reviews consistently highlight the quality and variety of the gins, with one stating that they ended up purchasing their favorite to take home—a testament to the drink’s appeal. The tasting is casual, but the guide’s explanations provide useful context, making each sip more meaningful.

At the end of the session, you’ll be treated to a gin cocktail topped with bubbly. This final touch rounds out the experience, leaving you with a delightful souvenir of your visit. The entire tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, and with a small group, you’ll find it easy to ask questions and engage with your guide.

Why This Tour Excels

The authentic atmosphere of a working distillery makes this experience stand out. Instead of just hearing about gin, you see the stills, hear the stories, and taste the products in a setting that’s both informative and intimate. The small group size—capped at 18—ensures personalized attention, which many reviews praise as making the experience more fun and engaging.

The value for money is another strong point. At $26, you’re getting a comprehensive look into gin production, multiple tastings, and a cocktail—all with expert host guidance. The reviews also mention that guides like Hamish blend humor and knowledge effortlessly, making the tour both educational and entertaining.

The location’s proximity to central Edinburgh means you can easily combine this tour with other sightseeing. It’s a perfect mid-morning or late afternoon activity—giving you a break from the crowds while indulging in Scotland’s best.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for gin enthusiasts who want to understand how their favorite spirit is made, as well as curious travelers interested in Scottish craftsmanship. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small, boutique experiences rather than large, commercial tasting rooms. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo, the friendly group atmosphere will make you feel welcome.

However, if you’re not over 18 or prefer more extensive excursions, you might want to explore other options. Still, for a relaxed, informative, and tasty introduction to Edinburgh’s distilling scene, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The South Loch Gin Distillery tour offers a genuine peek into Scotland’s renowned gin industry, right in the heart of Edinburgh. For just over $26, you gain access to expert insights, top-quality tastings, and a friendly, engaging atmosphere. The guide’s humor and knowledge, coupled with the beautiful stills and delicious samples, make this a standout experience for anyone who enjoys craft spirits or local craftsmanship.

This tour is especially valuable for those who want a hands-on understanding of gin production—something you won’t get at a larger, more commercial distillery. With its great location, manageable duration, and inclusive tastings, it’s an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable—a true highlight for your Edinburgh visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the experience involves tastings and a cocktail, the focus is on learning about gin. Non-drinkers might find the tasting component less appealing, but the educational part about gin making could still be interesting.

How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, including the introduction, the distillation explanation, tastings, and the cocktail.

What is included in the price?
For about $26, your ticket covers a G&T on arrival, three gin samples, and a gin cocktail topped with bubbly.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes. The tour is strictly over 18 due to alcohol regulations, and they operate a Challenge 25 policy for ID verification.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 56 North, 2 W Crosscauseway, Edinburgh—a convenient central location close to the Royal Mile.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes. You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

This small, friendly tour offers genuine insight into Scottish gin-making, combined with tastings and a lively guide. If you’re eager to understand and sample Edinburgh’s craft spirits, it’s a practical and enjoyable choice that’s sure to leave you with new knowledge—and maybe a bottle to take home.