5 Edinburgh Gin Tours Worth Booking

1.Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Tour & Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 533 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37Our pick

At Holyrood Distillery, join an English-language, one-hour guided tour of a young Edinburgh whisky and gin maker, then sample its products. Expect an explanation of the distillery’s methods and what sets them apart from older producers. Guides have included Brice, Diego, Matthew and Neil. The group is capped at 22, and the tour returns to its starting point.

“This was a great tour! They really make it an enjoyable and informative experience! I highly recommend.”

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2.Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $26Best value

At 56 North in Edinburgh, a gin team host leads you from the bar into the working South Loch Gin distillery. Learn how botanicals become gin, then enjoy a welcome G&T, three gin tastings with premium mixers, and a final cocktail. Sessions are in English, last about 60 to 75 minutes, and are for adults over 18.

“Lovely experience. The gin was great (bought a bottle) and the service was awesome. Would definitely recommend it! Hamish was 10/10 in both knowledge and service!”

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3.Distill a bottle of Gin on mini copper stills

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 185 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

At Sip Antics in Edinburgh, you’ll taste three gins, build a recipe from botanicals, and distill your own 500ml bottle on an individual mini copper still. A gin and tonic and a cocktail are included. The session lasts about three hours, starts at noon at the Cumberland Bar, and is limited to two participants.

“Awesome blend of entertaining, educational, and wicked good fun. Amazing teacher (Neil) and fun classmates. Small class size ensures loads of attention. Given depth and length of class plus walking out with a bottle if gin...great value.”

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4.Eden Mill Edinburgh Love Gin Cocktail Masterclass

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $41

At Eden Mill’s Edinburgh Love Gin masterclass, you’ll hear how the gin is made and learn about its botanicals, then enjoy three cocktails: two mixed by the team and one you make yourself. Local macarons and marshmallows accompany the drinks. The class lasts about an hour and takes place in an underground vault at 1a Rutland Street.

“Would definitely recommend this tour. Andre (from Sau Paulo) was really friendly and knowledgeable – we were there about 1 hour, 20 mins so it flew by. We had three cocktails which were amazing - we even got to make The Bramble oursRead more”

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5.Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37

Meet your guide at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, then head underground to The Lost Close for a one-hour tasting of four gins. Guides such as Sara and Dan connect each pour to gin’s past, from early distilled spirits and Dutch genever to modern Scottish gin. The vaulted venue once served as a bank and a prison.

“Our guide Sara was so knowledgeable about both the history of Old Town Edinburgh and especially about gin. The setting was in an underground tunnel that was discovered when the building was renovated so the location was interesting. We learned about methods of distillation and the infusion of botanicals. We discussed and tasted the history of distilled spirits beginning with Aqua Vitae progressing through Dutch genever, and then on to 'modern' gins.”

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