City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience

Discover the Aberdeen Distillery Gin School Experience for £121

The City of Aberdeen Distillery offers a 2-hour Gin School Experience where you become a Scottish distiller. For $121 per person, you get to craft your own 70cl bottle of gin with help from expert guides. The tour takes place inside a modern, accessible distillery located in the UK, with flexible start times depending on availability.

This hands-on activity is perfect for those curious about gin-making, especially if you enjoy tasting and customizing spirits. It’s a lively, interactive session that combines education, creativity, and plenty of drinks. A notable highlight is the inclusion of a welcome double G&T and the chance to sample a variety of locally distilled Scottish gins throughout the experience.

While the experience is engaging and suitable for most, it lasts just 2 hours, making it an efficient yet memorable activity. Keep in mind that participants need to bring passport or ID and that the distillery is wheelchair accessible with some accommodations for mobility requirements.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $121 per person for a 2-hour interactive gin-making session
• Includes: Double G&T on arrival, samples of Aberdeen Gin, and your own personalized 70cl bottle to take home
• Learn from: Skilled guides within an accessible, modern distillery in Aberdeen
• Taste & customize: Over 100 botanicals available, including Macedonian Juniper and fresh citrus, for creating a unique gin recipe
• Enjoy: Multiple drinks during the session, including Prosecco and berry cocktails
• Suitable for: Adults with ID, and options are available for those with mobility requirements

Inside the Aberdeen Gin School: A Hands-On Journey

The experience begins with a warm welcome and a double G&T for each guest. From the start, the guides—Alan and Dan—make everyone feel at ease, sharing their knowledge and passion for gin. The setting is within a distillery on a single level, with wheelchair accessibility and seats available throughout.

Participants are guided through the process of distilling their own gin using premium organic alcohol and a broad selection of botanicals. The Macedonian Juniper forms the core of the traditional gin recipe, but with over 100 botanicals, including fresh citrus and Asian spices, the options for flavor customization are extensive. Guests receive guidance on balancing flavors and creating a recipe that reflects their personal taste.

Building Your Custom Gin Recipe

Crafting a gin during this tour is both fun and educational. The guides walk you through each step of the recipe development, offering advice and tips along the way. Sampling various artisan gins, including London Dry and Fruit Gins, helps refine preferences before finalizing your recipe.

The building process is lively, with guides sharing insights into botanicals and flavor pairings. This part of the experience makes it clear how small adjustments can change a gin’s profile dramatically. Participants often find this part especially rewarding, as they see their vision come to life in a bottle.

Tasting and Sampling the Aberdeen Gin Range

Throughout the session, you enjoy alcoholic drinks—not just your own creation but also samples of Aberdeen Gin to compare and appreciate different styles. The guides curate a selection that showcases the diversity of small-batch Scottish gins.

Along With gin tastings, the experience includes Prosecco and berry cocktails, adding a celebratory touch. The emphasis on locally distilled products ensures that you experience authentic flavors unique to the region. This sensory aspect is a highlight, especially for those keen to expand their knowledge of gin varieties.

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Bottling and Naming Your Signature Creation

As the session nears its end, you’ll bottle your personalized gin—a satisfying moment that marks the culmination of your efforts. The guides assist with labeling and encourage you to name your gin, offering a chance to be creative and give your craft a memorable title.

The 70cl bottle is yours to take home, making this experience not just educational but also a tangible souvenir. This personalized bottle is an ideal gift or keepsake, carrying the flavor profile you designed.

The Final Toast with a Surprise Cocktail

To celebrate your newly crafted gin, the experience concludes with a surprise cocktail—a special toast to your efforts as a self-made Scottish distiller. This moment captures the fun, friendly atmosphere of the tour, leaving you with a sense of achievement and enjoyment.

The entire experience is designed to be engaging, informative, and lighthearted, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and flavor exploration. It’s a perfect activity for spirits enthusiasts, couples, or groups looking for a unique hands-on experience in Aberdeen.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Flexibility

The tour begins at Arch #10 of the railway arch, clearly marked for easy access. The distillery is wheelchair accessible, with a dropped curb and a single-level layout. There’s also a wheelchair WC available, and the gin-making bench is designed for those with mobility needs, although spaces are limited—it’s recommended to contact the provider in advance.

Participants should bring ID or passport for age verification. The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, offering flexibility in planning. In addition, soft drinks and water are available as non-alcoholic options.

The Experience Provider: City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School

This activity is run by City of Aberdeen Distillery, known for its authentic approach to Scottish gin production. The guides speak English and deliver a clear, friendly explanation of the process. The tour is designed to suit a variety of needs, with some seating available if standing becomes uncomfortable.

The duration of 2 hours makes it a compact but comprehensive introduction to gin crafting. The experience also offers the opportunity to purchase additional gin products after the session, including the gins sampled during the tour.

Overall Value and Suitability for Visitors

At $121, this Gin School Experience offers good value for those interested in spirits, hands-on creation, and tasting. The personalized bottle and the expert guidance make it a memorable activity worth considering, especially for fans of gin or those seeking a unique gift.

While the session is relatively short, it covers a broad range of topics—from the history of distilling in Aberdeen to flavor science—and leaves participants with a tangible souvenir of their efforts. The relaxed atmosphere, knowledgeable guides, and inclusion of drinks throughout ensure a pleasant, engaging experience.

The Sum Up: A Creative and Tasty Dive into Scottish Gin

The City of Aberdeen Distillery Gin School provides a well-organized, enjoyable introduction to gin making. The guides’ expertise and friendly approach stand out, making the process accessible for newcomers and enthusiasts alike. The opportunity to design, bottle, and name your own gin creates a personalized touch that resonates beyond the tour.

This experience is especially suitable for adults who enjoy tasting spirits and want to learn about botanical flavoring. It’s a great choice for couples or small groups seeking a fun, interactive activity in Aberdeen. The inclusion of a wide botanical selection and the opportunity to sample multiple gins make it stand apart from more passive tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gin School Experience?
The tour lasts 2 hours in total.

What is included in the price of $121?
You receive a double G&T on arrival, samples of Aberdeen Gin, your own 70cl bottle of personalized gin, and drinks throughout.

Can I customize my gin recipe?
Yes, with access to over 100 botanicals, including citrus and spices, you can craft a gin that reflects your taste.

Is the distillery accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the distillery is wheelchair accessible, with single-level layout and accommodations for mobility needs.

Do I need to bring any identification?
Yes, passport or ID card is required for age verification.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Is alcohol provided throughout?
Yes, participants enjoy alcoholic drinks throughout the session, including Prosecco and berry cocktails.

Can I take my bottle home?
Absolutely, your 70cl custom gin is yours to keep and take home after the session.

Is there an option for non-drinkers?
Non-alcoholic options like water and soft drinks are available.

What makes this Gin School unique?
The focus on personalized gin creation, expert guides, and the chance to name your own gin create a memorable, hands-on experience in Aberdeen.

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