Edinburgh: Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour (Distillery & Tasting)

Edinburgh: Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour (Distillery & Tasting)

Getting a taste of Scotland’s famous gin scene through a tour at Pickering’s Gin Distillery promises more than just a sip or two. It’s an engaging, educational experience that combines learning about the craft of gin-making with plenty of tastings, all wrapped in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

This tour offers a peek into Edinburgh’s first gin-only distillery in 150 years, with knowledgeable guides, well-curated tastings, and a chance to understand what makes Pickering’s gin so special. It’s a solid choice for anyone curious about spirits, looking for a fun activity, or wanting a souvenir of their time in Edinburgh.

Three things we love about this experience:

• The chance to learn about the unique distillation process directly from the distillers.
• The selection of four award-winning gins, which showcases the versatility of Scottish gin.
• The intimate, friendly atmosphere, especially with guides like Alyssa, Sofie, Emma, or Jamie, who make the story of Pickering’s lively and memorable.

A possible drawback? The tour is only for guests aged 18 and over, so it’s not suitable for families or younger travelers. Also, the tour lasts about an hour, so those wanting an in-depth experience might want to book additional tastings or visits.

Who’s it for? If you’re a gin lover, a curious traveler, or someone who appreciates a good story behind their spirits, this tour will resonate. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy guided experiences with a touch of humor and enthusiasm.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic distillery experience: Learn directly from the distillers about their innovative process.
• Tastings and aromas: Enjoy four award-winning gins along with a perfectly poured gin and tonic.
• Educational yet fun: Engage with a guide who is knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share stories.
• Take-home souvenir: Receive a miniature bottle of Pickering’s London-Dry Gin as a memorable keepsake.
• Indoor tour: Perfect for all weather conditions, as most of the tour is indoors.
• Limited group size: Usually small groups, making it intimate, but groups of over 8 need a private booking.

A Detailed Look at the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour

Meeting and Setting the Scene at Summerhall

Your journey begins at the Royal Dick Bar, located within Summerhall, a lively arts venue in Edinburgh. From here, a friendly guide greets you and sets the tone for what’s to come. The initial part of the tour involves a relaxed tasting of a gin and tonic, where you can appreciate the aromas and flavors of Pickering’s signature drink.

The bar setting is informal but welcoming, with most guests mentioning how much they appreciated the chance to start with a well-poured drink before heading into the actual distillery. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with one reviewer noting how Alyssa made the entire experience “super informative and enthusiastic from start to finish.”

Behind the Scenes at the Distillery

After the initial tasting, the group moves to the distillery itself. This is where you learn about the story of Pickering’s—how it became Edinburgh’s first gin-only distillery in 150 years, and how its inventive approach has helped it stand out. The guides explain the distillation process in detail, emphasizing the use of small-batch production and the distinctiveness of their ingredients.

Many reviewers appreciated the opportunity to see the stills, like Gertrude and Emily, in steaming action. Witnessing the machinery and the careful craftsmanship involved in gin production helps underscore the quality and authenticity behind each bottle.

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The Tasting Experience

The pièce de résistance is the tasting session, where you get to sample four award-winning gins. Each one is carefully explained, highlighting what makes it unique—be it botanicals, flavor profiles, or the distillation nuances. Several guests mention how much they enjoyed trying these gins, with one reviewer describing it as “impressive to see such a big business from a small shop.”

Guides encourage sharing thoughts about your favorite flavors, making the tasting interactive and lively. The atmosphere remains relaxed, and it’s common for guests to find their new favorite gin during this part of the tour.

The Miniature Bottle and Additional Details

At the end of the tour, you’re gifted a 5cl miniature of Pickering’s London-Dry Gin—a perfect keepsake or gift. For those interested in taking home more, the shop offers bottles for purchase, giving you a chance to bring a piece of Edinburgh’s gin scene home.

Note: Tours can be customized for private groups of 8 or more, and larger groups should contact the provider to arrange a private experience. The tours are for over 18s only, and guides reserve the right to refuse entry if they suspect guests are under the influence.

Practical Aspects and Value

The cost of $34 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusions: a distillery tour, four tastings, a gin and tonic, and a miniature bottle. Compared to similar experiences elsewhere, this offers good value for the quality of the guide, the intimate setting, and the rundown of the distillation process.

The tour lasts about an hour, fitting easily into a day of sightseeing or as a standalone activity. It’s wheelchair accessible and held indoors, making it suitable in any weather. The only real consideration is that you need to stand during the tour, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

The Guide Experience

Based on reviews from many satisfied visitors, the guides—such as Jamie, Emma, Bridget, and Alyssa—are consistently praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to make the experience engaging. One guest pointed out that Jamie’s friendliness and energy made the tour “really interesting,” while Emma’s storytelling helped bring each step of the process to life.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour strikes a lovely balance between education, entertainment, and tasting. It’s a fantastic intro to gin making for beginners and a deeper dive for those already familiar with the spirit. The small-group environment and the passionate guides ensure an intimate, memorable experience.

For gin aficionados, it’s a delightful chance to explore Scotland’s craft scene directly from the team behind it. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the high-quality tastings, make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you enjoy discovering new spirits and stories.

Family travelers or those on a tight schedule might find the 1-hour duration a bit brief, but for many, it’s enough to leave with new appreciation and a lovely souvenir. Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and educational activity in Edinburgh, Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour is a clear choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is specifically for guests age 18 and over, as alcohol consumption and serving are part of the experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, providing a compact but rundown.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers entry to the distillery, a gin and tonic, four gin samples, and a miniature bottle of gin to take home.

Are additional gin samples available?
No, additional samples are not included, but you can purchase extra bottles of gin if you wish.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Royal Dick Bar within Summerhall and finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is there a private option?
Yes, for groups larger than 8, a private tour can be arranged. Separate bookings for groups over 8 may be refused entry on a public tour.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be standing during the tour. No food is allowed, but you’ll be well cared for with tastings and guides’ insights.

Can I visit in bad weather?
Absolutely, since most of the tour is indoors, weather won’t be an issue.

In summary, the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Edinburgh’s craft gin scene with plenty of tastings and engaging stories. It’s a smart pick for those wanting to combine education with a bit of fun, all wrapped up in the charm of one of Scotland’s most iconic spirits.

You can check if your dates are available here: