Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery

At 56 North, a gin bar near Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the tasting takes you down to a working small-batch distillery. I like that you see gin production where it happens, then taste three South Loch gins with premium mixers rather than only hearing how they are made. I also like the generous, included drinks, from the welcome G&T to the closing cocktail.

The main consideration is the strength of the pours: this is a tasting with real gin, not a few decorative sips. The advertised visit lasts about 90 minutes, while the session itself is described as 60 to 75 minutes, so leave a little room in your plans.

At a glance

• The distillery is below 56 North: The tour begins in the basement of a gin bar at 2 W Crosscauseway, within walking distance of the Royal Mile and the University of Edinburgh.
• You taste four servings: The experience includes a welcome gin and tonic, three South Loch Gin samples, and a gin cocktail at the end.
• The tasting is practical: Your host talks through the process from botanical to bottle, with the stills as the setting.
• Groups are capped at 18: Smaller groups may make it easier to ask questions and follow the discussion.
• Adults only: You must be over 18, and the venue operates Challenge 25 for ID checks.
• Book ahead: The experience is booked an average of 42 days in advance, so popular dates may need planning.

A gin bar with a working distillery below

56 North offers a useful two-part setting. You begin at a well-established Edinburgh gin bar, then head down to the distillery where South Loch Gin is made. The bar is known for a selection of more than 100 gins by the glass, so the visit gives you a taste of Edinburgh’s gin scene as well as a look at one producer’s work.

The distillery is described as a small-batch operation, and the stills are central to the visit. That scale gives the tour a more direct feel than a large production facility might: the focus is on the makers, their equipment, and the choices involved in producing gin. You are not just shown a bottle and told a brand story. The host explains the process while you are in the place where it happens.

The South Loch team has included hosts named Neil and Hamish. Names can change with the schedule, but the format puts a member of the gin team in charge, rather than relying on a recorded presentation. The best hosts balance clear explanations with a relaxed tone, and the experience is designed to be social as well as informative.

Starting with a gin and tonic

The tasting begins with a welcome G&T. That is a pleasant way to settle in, but it also gives you a useful reference point: you can taste how gin works with a mixer before the more focused samples arrive. Premium mixers are included with the later tastings, too, helping you compare the gins in a familiar serving style.

As you enjoy the drink, your host talks through the broad steps of gin production, from selecting botanicals to making the finished spirit. The supplied details do not specify a fixed botanical list or a technical production lecture, so expect an introduction rather than a masterclass in every stage. If you are curious about a particular ingredient or method, this is a good moment to ask.

That opening drink also sets the social pace. You are not expected to stand silently around equipment before the session gets going. Instead, the conversation and tasting begin together, which suits a short visit and makes the tour accessible even if you know little about gin.

Seeing the stills and learning the process

The stills are the visual heart of the distillery portion. Their presence gives the guide a concrete way to explain how South Loch Gin is produced, and the small-scale setting can make the process easier to follow than a view across a large factory floor.

The key value here is context. A bottle of gin can seem simple until you start thinking about the choices behind it: the botanicals, the production approach, and the character the maker wants in the glass. This visit connects those ideas to a working distillery and the people who make the spirit.

South Loch is described as a small-batch gin made by a couple, with award-winning gins in its range. That background can add interest to the explanation, especially if you like hearing how a small producer builds a product. Still, keep your expectations in proportion: the session lasts around an hour to an hour and 15 minutes according to the distillery’s description, so it is an introduction, not an exhaustive technical course.

Three South Loch samples, with mixers

After the production talk, you taste three South Loch gins made on the stills. Each is paired with a premium mixer. This is the most useful part for anyone deciding what they actually like: three distinct samples give you more to compare than a single standard pour, while the mixers show how a gin can behave in a drink rather than only neat.

The samples are described as generous, and the gin can pack a punch. If you are not a regular drinker, take your time and treat this as a proper tasting. You do not need to keep pace with anyone else in the group, and there is no prize for finishing first. The alcohol is included in the price, but that does not make it any less potent.

You may find a favorite, and the bar gives you a natural place to continue your gin exploration after the session. One practical tip: if a particular South Loch expression catches your attention, ask about it while you are tasting. The tour does not promise a bottle purchase or a specific follow-up, but the distillery is a good chance to learn what you are drinking before deciding whether to take some home.

Finishing with a gin cocktail

The session closes with a gin cocktail, described as topped with bubbly. It is a celebratory finish, and it gives you one more way to try South Loch Gin in a mixed drink. The exact cocktail is not specified, so do not plan around a particular recipe or flavor.

Taken together, the servings make this more than a quick look at equipment. You get a G&T on arrival, three gin samples with mixers, and a final cocktail. That is a generous amount for a short experience, and it helps explain why the tour can feel like good value at $26.34 per person.

The amount of alcohol is also worth factoring into your day. This is best booked when you can enjoy the drinks at an easy pace, rather than squeezing it between a long list of activities. If you are planning lunch or dinner nearby, the bar is a convenient place to settle in afterward, though food is not listed as part of the tour.

What the price buys you

At $26.34 per person, the price includes both the guided distillery visit and several drinks. You are not paying just for a brief introduction to gin making: the package covers a welcome G&T, three gin tastings with premium mixers, and a closing cocktail. For someone who likes gin, that combination offers a solid tasting experience without needing to order each drink separately.

The value is less obvious if you do not drink alcohol or are mainly interested in industrial machinery. The distillery visit is short, and the tasting is a central part of the experience. Still, the format can work for curious newcomers. Some people who do not usually choose gin have found the session enjoyable because the host keeps the tone light and explains what is happening.

There is a difference between the stated approximate duration of 90 minutes and the description of a 60-to-75-minute session. A practical plan is to allow up to an hour and a half, especially if you do not want to rush to your next booking. The visit starts and ends at the same meeting point.

Location, group size, and booking

The meeting point is 56 North, 2 W Crosscauseway, Edinburgh EH8 9JP. It is near public transportation and within walking distance of the Royal Mile and the University of Edinburgh, making it easy to fit into a central Edinburgh day. The tour ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup.

The group maximum is 18. That is small enough to keep the session focused, though the actual group size can vary. If you are travelling with friends, the experience suits a group outing as well as a couple’s afternoon, but the tasting is not limited to private groups.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. It is strictly for people over 18. The venue operates Challenge 25, so bring ID if you may be asked to show proof of age.

The experience is booked an average of 42 days ahead. That does not guarantee every date sells out, but it is a sensible signal to reserve early if your Edinburgh schedule is fixed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this Edinburgh gin tour

I would put this on the list for gin drinkers who want more than a bar crawl. The combination of a working distillery, a guide-led explanation, and several tastings gives you a clearer sense of how a local producer makes its spirit. It is also a good fit for a relaxed afternoon with friends, especially if your group enjoys talking over drinks.

You do not need to be a gin expert to take part. The guide explains the process, and the tastings give you something concrete to compare. The light, humorous style of the hosts can make the session enjoyable for newcomers, too. Just be ready for strong pours and a tasting built around alcohol.

I would skip it if you want a long, technical production tour, need an alcohol-free activity, or have only a narrow window between other plans. For a short, social introduction to a local gin maker, it offers a pleasant change of pace from Edinburgh’s better-known whisky experiences.

Should you book?

Book this if you enjoy gin, want to see a small working distillery, or would like an easygoing tasting near the Royal Mile. The strongest reasons are the direct look at South Loch Gin production and the number of included drinks for the price.

Think twice if alcohol is not part of your plans, or if you expect a detailed, extended factory tour. Otherwise, this is a well-priced way to spend part of an Edinburgh afternoon, with a clear local focus and enough tasting to help you find a favorite.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at 56 North, 2 W Crosscauseway, Edinburgh EH8 9JP.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point, 56 North.

How long does the experience last?

The tour is listed as approximately 90 minutes. The session itself is described as about 60 to 75 minutes, so allow up to an hour and a half.

What drinks are included?

You receive a welcome gin and tonic, three South Loch Gin samples paired with premium mixers, and a gin cocktail at the end.

Is the tour suitable for people under 18?

No. It is strictly for people over 18, and the venue operates Challenge 25 for ID.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 18.

Is the meeting point near public transportation?

Yes. The meeting point is described as near public transportation.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $26.34 per person.

Can I cancel and receive a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours beforehand are not accepted for a refund.