Edinburgh: Gin Distillation Workshop with Gin Tasting

If you’re looking for a unique activity in Edinburgh that combines learning, creativity, and a bit of tasting fun, the Edinburgh: Gin Distillation Workshop with Gin Tasting offers an excellent choice. This 3-hour experience, hosted by Sip Antics Micro Distillery, takes you behind the scenes of gin production. For a hands-on journey, you’ll make and distill your own 500ml bespoke gin bottle, sample a variety of flavoured gins, and enjoy a refreshing gin cocktail during the process. The small group size—limited to just 2 participants—ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for couples or small groups.

The tour starts at the Cumberland Bar on Cumberland Street, where you receive a G+T on arrival. The engaging guide leads you downstairs to the distillation area, which is not wheelchair accessible. This experience is suitable for adults over 18 who appreciate gin, hands-on activities, and learning about spirits. While the duration is 3 hours, it offers a well-paced mix of tasting, creating, and socializing, with clear instructions from an enthusiastic English-speaking instructor.

Key Points

• Learn the process of gin distillation in a small, hands-on workshop.
• Make and bottle your own 500ml bespoke gin to take home.
• Sample three different flavoured gins during the tasting session.
• Enjoy a gin cocktail while the distillation is performed.
• The experience is limited to 2 participants for a personalized touch.
• Located in Edinburgh’s Cumberland Bar, easily reachable downtown.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Location: Cumberland Bar in Edinburgh’s City Centre

This gin workshop starts downstairs at the Cumberland Bar on Cumberland Street. The venue’s central location makes it easy to access from most parts of Edinburgh. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early at the main entrance, where the guide will meet and lead the group downstairs.

The distillation area is not wheelchair accessible, so this activity is best suited for those with good mobility. The coordinates for the venue are 55.95900344848633, -3.1971120834350586, making it straightforward to find with a map or GPS.

The Experience: Making Your Own Gin

The core of this 3-hour workshop is distilling your own gin. Each participant receives a 500ml bottle to personalize, label, and wax seal. The process involves distillation while you wait by enjoying a gin cocktail, which adds a social and relaxed element to the activity.

Neil, the guide, is praised for being enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and entertaining. He helps you experiment with different aromas to craft a gin that suits your taste. The guide’s passion for gin shines through, making the experience both educational and fun regardless of your familiarity with spirits.

Tasting and Sampling: Gins and Cocktails

The workshop kicks off with a G+T on arrival, setting the tone for a day focused on gin appreciation. Guests then taste three different flavoured gins, exploring the variety and complexity of different botanicals. While your gin distills, you enjoy a refreshing gin cocktail that complements the tasting.

The final step involves tasting your own crafted gin before it’s bottled, labeled, and wax-sealed. This personal touch makes the experience memorable, as you leave with a handmade bottle that reflects your flavor preferences.

The Guide: Neil’s Passion and Expertise

Reviewers consistently highlight Neil’s engaging style. He is described as funny, passionate, and very knowledgeable about gin. Neil’s approach makes the process accessible and enjoyable, whether you are a gin novice or enthusiast.

His ability to explain the complexities of gin while helping you select ingredients for your own recipe is a major strength. His enthusiasm encourages experimentation, resulting in a unique, tailor-made gin that you’ll be proud to take home.

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Group Size and Atmosphere

With a limit of just 2 participants, this experience offers intimate attention from the instructor. It creates a relaxed environment where questions can be freely asked, and personalized guidance is plentiful. The small group setting helps foster a friendly, convivial atmosphere.

This tour is particularly well-suited for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a private, immersive activity. The setting in a cozy Edinburgh bar adds to the casual, friendly vibe, making it more than just a workshop—it’s a social experience.

Accessibility and Practical Information

The distillation room is located downstairs, which is not wheelchair accessible. The activity is not suitable for children under 18 or for those with mobility impairments. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to start on time, and the full cancellation policy allows for refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

The experience is held entirely in English, so language is no barrier if you’re an English speaker.

Pricing and Flexibility

The price for this 3-hour gin workshop includes all necessary materials, tastings, and your personalized gin bottle. You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travel plans. This makes it straightforward to secure your spot without immediate commitment.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Edinburgh

While this specific workshop offers a very personalized, hands-on approach, there are other options in Edinburgh for spirit enthusiasts. For instance, there are distillery tours, whisky tastings, and guided castle visits. However, none combine the interactive creation process with tasting and the chance to bottle your own gin in such an intimate setting.

This experience stands out for its focus on making your own gin, supported by a passionate guide and a friendly environment.

The Sum Up: An Authentic and Entertaining Gin-Making Experience

The Edinburgh: Gin Distillation Workshop with Gin Tasting offers a practical, engaging introduction to the art of gin making. With personalized guidance, tasting opportunities, and the chance to bottle your own creation, it appeals to anyone interested in spirits, hands-on activities, or Edinburgh’s vibrant alcohol scene.

While the venue is not wheelchair accessible, the experience’s small group size and enthusiastic guide make it a memorable highlight for those who can participate. The cost includes all materials and tastings, providing good value for a creative, interactive activity in the heart of Edinburgh.

This workshop suits adults over 18 seeking a fun, educational, and social experience with a tangible takeaway—your own custom gin that you helped create.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the distillation room accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, the room where the gin is distilled is downstairs and not wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the price of this experience?
The price covers tastings of three flavoured gins, distillation and bottling of your own gin, a gin cocktail, and all materials needed.

Is this experience suitable for children or under 18s?
No, it is not suitable for children under 18.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
The experience begins downstairs in the Cumberland Bar on Cumberland Street, with the guide waiting upstairs 15 minutes before the start.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby