Distill a bottle of gin on mini copper stills

You might not often think of Edinburgh as the place to learn about gin, but this hands-on distillery workshop offers a genuinely memorable way to connect with Scotland’s favorite spirit. We’ve come across plenty of gin tastings, but few allow you to roll up your sleeves and create your own bottled masterpiece.

From the moment you step into the cozy micro distillery, you’ll notice a warm, inviting atmosphere packed with expert guidance. We love how this experience combines educational insights, practical skills, and a dash of creativity — all wrapped up in just a few hours.

A possible consideration? The activity is quite intimate, with a maximum of three travelers per session. That means you’ll want to book early if you’re eager to secure a spot.

This experience is perfect for gin enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone looking for a unique, memorable souvenir from Edinburgh. Whether you’re solo, as a couple, or with a small group of friends, it offers a fun, authentic taste of Scotland’s craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Create your own gin recipe with guidance from experts.
• Hands-On Crafting: Use mini copper stills to distill your custom blend.
• Tastings & Learning: Sample different botanicals and learn about gin production.
• Memorable Souvenir: Take home a 500ml bottle of your handcrafted gin.
• Small Group Setting: Max of three travelers ensures personalized attention.
• Great Value: Combines education, fun, and a unique product for $117.05.

What You Can Expect from the Gin Workshop

This tour offers a well-rounded experience—educational, interactive, and delicious. You start at The Cumberland Bar in Edinburgh, where a friendly guide welcomes you with a gin and tonic, setting the tone for a relaxed, engaging session.

Learning about Gin Production

Your host will run through a clear overview of how gin is made, touching on the different styles, botanicals, and history of the spirit. As several reviewers noted, Neil and Gary stand out as knowledgeable, engaging guides who make the learning approachable and fun. One reviewer mentioned, “Neil was an excellent and entertaining guide for this fabulous experience,” emphasizing how much personality guides bring to the table.

Tasting & Recipe Development

Next, you’ll sample three different gin varieties, each with unique botanical mixes. This step is crucial as it helps you identify which flavors and aromas appeal most to your palate. Many reviewers, including Robert C., praised the personalized guidance in choosing ingredients, making the process feel effortless and enjoyable.

Designing Your Own Gin

Once you’ve decided on your preferred botanicals, it’s time to craft your recipe. You’ll get hands-on help in selecting the ingredients to match your taste. Neil’s approach, as one reviewer shared, makes “it very easy and fun” to develop a custom flavor profile. This part of the workshop allows creativity to flourish, making your gin truly one-of-a-kind.

Distilling Your Creation

Using your mini copper still, you’ll distill your blend into a 500ml bottle. This involves a bit of patience, but you’ll be guided through every step. While your gin is distilling, you’ll enjoy a cocktail, adding to the social and relaxed vibe.

Bottling & Taking Your Gin Home

Once your gin is ready, you’ll taste your finished product—often described as a “brilliant souvenir” by travelers. You’ll then label, name, and wax-seal your bottle, turning it into a personal masterpiece. Many reviewers expressed how proud they felt when leaving with their own bottle, describing it as an authentic memento of their Edinburgh trip.

The Setting and Atmosphere

The overall atmosphere of the micro distillery is cozy and intimate, ideal for small groups. Neil’s storytelling and humor keep the session lively, making the hours fly by. With a maximum of three travelers, you receive lots of individual attention, which enhances the learning experience.

The location, near public transportation, makes it easy to find, and the activity begins promptly at noon. This timing works well, allowing for a leisurely afternoon of gin exploration.

Price and Value

At $117.05 per person, this experience offers impressive value. When you consider that you’re not only learning about gin but also creating and taking home a personal bottle, it feels like a worthwhile investment. Many travelers, including Pamela A., highlighted how Neil’s expert guidance made the experience both enjoyable and educational, adding to the overall value.

The small group size enhances the value further by ensuring personalized attention. You’ll gain insights into gin styles, taste expertly crafted botanical mixes, and walk away with a custom gin you can be proud of.

Why This Tour Works

The combination of hands-on involvement, expert storytelling, and a personalized souvenir makes this experience stand out. It’s ideal for those who love gin, enjoy DIY projects, or want a meaningful activity that’s different from typical sightseeing.

The reviews consistently praise Neil as a “legend,” emphasizing how his knowledge, humor, and hospitality elevate this activity into a memorable highlight of Edinburgh. The small class size ensures you aren’t just a number but genuinely engaged in every step.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This tour suits adventurous spirits eager to learn about spirits in a relaxed environment. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a fun, authentic activity that ends with a tangible, personal memento.

Gin enthusiasts will appreciate the depth of tasting and recipe development, while casual travelers will enjoy the approachable atmosphere and the chance to walk away with their own bottled creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the experience last?
The workshop lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 12:00pm, providing ample time to taste, create, and distill your gin.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the gin tasting, guidance from knowledgeable hosts, hands-on distilling, and your personalized bottle of gin to take home.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides make everything accessible, from understanding botanicals to distilling your gin. No prior experience is necessary.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is fine. Since you’ll be handling ingredients and equipment, wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little botanical dust on.

Are there any group size restrictions?
Yes, the maximum is three travelers per session, which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Is transportation needed?
The activity begins at The Cumberland Bar, which is near public transportation, making it easy to reach without a car.

Final Thoughts

This gin distillation workshop in Edinburgh offers a rare blend of education, creativity, and fun, all wrapped into a small, personalized experience. The chance to craft your own gin with expert guidance, taste a variety of botanicals, and leave with a custom bottle makes it an excellent choice for spirits lovers.

The intimacy of the small group, combined with the engaging guides and the authentic Scottish setting, provides a memorable activity that goes beyond typical sightseeing. It’s especially suited for those wanting a tangible souvenir and a story to tell long after their trip ends.

Whether you’re a seasoned gin fan or just curious about the craft behind this iconic spirit, this tour promises a delightful afternoon full of learning, laughs, and a little bit of Scottish magic.