Edinburgh Gin Distillery: Gin Making Experience

If you’re looking for a unique, hands-on activity in Edinburgh that combines creativity, education, and a dash of local flavor, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery’s Gin Making Experience might just be the ticket. While we haven’t personally donned the apron, reviews and detailed descriptions reveal this tour offers a genuine window into the art of gin-making, wrapped up in a memorable 3-hour session.

What we love most about this experience is how it transforms a simple visit to a distillery into an interactive craft session—giving you the chance to unleash your inner distiller. Plus, the inclusion of a tutored tasting from the award-winning range, a custom label for your creation, and a G&T toast at the end creates a well-rounded, fun-filled activity. However, since it’s a small group experience (limited to 8 participants), it can fill up fast, so booking in advance is advised if you’re keen. This experience is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a memorable souvenir to take home—your own handcrafted gin.

Good To Know

• Interactive and Customizable: Craft your own gin with guidance from experts, choosing botanicals that suit your taste.
• Educational: Learn the intricate process behind gin production during a detailed distillery tour.
• Tasting Experience: Enjoy a tutored tasting of award-winning gins, paired with local produce.
• Memorable Keepsake: Design a personalized label for your gin bottle, making it a perfect souvenir.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
• Value for Money: At $198, you’ll get a comprehensive session including lunch, tastings, and a custom bottle—good value for those interested in spirits.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery’s Gin Making Experience is designed to be both fun and informative. For about 3 hours, you’ll be guided through the process of how gin is made, from selecting botanicals to firing up a small copper still. The experience begins with an immersive distillery tour, where you get to see the machinery and learn about the distillation process from a knowledgeable Distillery Ambassador. This part of the tour provides essential context about what makes Edinburgh Gin special, including insights into their award-winning range.

Following the tour, you’ll head into The Arches Gin Lab—a dedicated space for hands-on gin crafting. Here, you’ll select botanicals from a curated list, carefully balancing flavors to create a bespoke spirit. The guides are praised for their expertise and patience, which makes the process accessible even if you’re not a seasoned distiller.

The Crafting Process

The process of creating your gin is straightforward but engaging. Under expert guidance, you’ll fire up one of the small copper stills and add your chosen botanicals. Reviewers mention that the hands-on nature of this part makes it more memorable than a standard tasting or tour. You get to experiment with flavors, which can be as bold or subtle as you like—making the experience highly personalized.

Tasting and Food Pairings

After distillation, a seasonal tutored tasting awaits. Expect to sample gins from Edinburgh Gin’s award-winning range, paired with local produce, which elevates the tasting experience. Multiple reviews note the delicious food and tapas pairing, which adds a satisfying culinary element to the session. It’s a delightful way to appreciate how different botanicals influence flavor, and the expert guidance helps you identify subtle notes.

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Custom Labels and Celebratory G&T

One of the highlight features is the custom label for your bottled gin, allowing you to put your own mark on your creation—great for souvenirs or gifts. The session concludes with a toast—raising a tailored G&T made with your own gin—an excellent capstone to the experience.

Practical Details and Group Dynamics

• The small group size keeps things intimate and ensures personalized attention.
• The activity is accessible in a wheelchair-friendly setting.
• Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to settle in and start on time.
• The price of $198 includes everything from the gin-making session to lunch, tastings, and your personalized bottle.

Why This Experience Offers Good Value

At nearly two hundred dollars, this might seem like a splurge, but when you consider what’s included—a full distillery tour, hands-on gin crafting, expert tasting, lunch, and a personalized bottle—it’s a comprehensive package. The knowledge gained, along with the opportunity to create your own spirits, makes it appealing for those who want more than just a tasting session.

Plus, the custom label and the chance to raise a G&T with your own gin give this experience a memorable, personal touch that many standard distillery tours lack. It’s perfect for travelers who want an interactive activity that feels special and distinct from typical city tours.

What to Expect at Each Stage

Arrival and Orientation

You’ll want to arrive 15 minutes early to check in and get briefed. The group will be small, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere where questions are welcomed. The guide, often a friendly and knowledgeable ambassador, sets the tone for a fun, learning-focused experience.

The Distillery Tour

The tour takes you through the distillation process, where you’ll see the machinery, hear about Edinburgh Gin’s history, and learn what makes their gins award-winning. Reviewers appreciate how the guide, often named or praised for their engaging style, makes technical processes understandable and interesting.

Gin Crafting Session

Next, you’ll choose botanicals—some reviewers describe the process as akin to “being a flavor scientist”—and load the still. The guides are attentive, offering tips on balancing flavors, which makes even beginners feel confident. Many reviewers remark on how satisfying it is to see and smell the botanicals, connecting the ingredients to the final product.

Tasting and Food Pairing

The tasting involves sampling multiple gins from their collection, with expert commentary about botanical profiles and distillation nuances. The accompanying charcuterie and cheese platter elevate the experience, providing delicious bites that complement the spirits.

Creating Your Bottle

Designing your own label is a highlight—offering a keepsake that’s both stylish and personal. Some reviewers mention that the labels are sturdy and look professional, perfect for gifting or keeping as a memento.

Celebration and Departure

The session wraps up with a tailored G&T, giving you a chance to enjoy your own creation. Many have described it as a celebratory and satisfying end to a well-rounded experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Enjoy This?

This experience is best suited for spirits lovers, curious travelers, or those looking for a memorable activity in Edinburgh. It’s particularly great for people who appreciate a hands-on approach, as well as those wanting a tangible souvenir—your own crafted gin. The inclusion of food and personalized labels makes it a special treat for special occasions or a unique gift idea.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local spirits, appreciates good food, and likes to get involved, this tour offers excellent value. The small group ensures a personal touch, making it more than just a typical tasting.

However, it’s worth noting that the price is on the higher side, and if you’re not a fan of gin or alcohol-based activities, it might not be the best fit. Also, since the experience relies on a set schedule and group size, booking in advance guarantees your spot.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, participants must be at least 18 years old, as it involves alcohol.

How long does the tour last?
The session runs approximately 3 hours, including the distillery tour, gin crafting, tasting, and celebration.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be standing and working in the lab. Bringing a camera is a good idea for photos.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options available?
The information doesn’t specify dietary options, but you might find the charcuterie and cheese platter adaptable or able to accommodate specific requests if you ask beforehand.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair friendly, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably.

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

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, allowing you to keep your plans flexible without immediate financial commitment.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the gin-making session, tasting, lunch, custom label, and a G&T made with your own gin.

Final Words

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery’s Gin Making Experience offers a well-rounded, engaging journey into the art of gin making, topped with a delicious tasting and a personalized keepsake. It’s perfect for those who want a hands-on activity that’s both educational and fun, especially if they’re fans of spirits and local crafts.

While the price might be a consideration, the value packed into this 3-hour experience makes it a worthwhile splurge for anyone eager to craft their own spirit and learn about Edinburgh’s gin heritage. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable activity, this experience promises a delightful blend of learning, tasting, and creating.

You can check if your dates are available here: