Distil a Bottle of Rum Experience in Edinburgh

If you love rum and want to see how this spirited beverage is made, the Distil a Bottle of Rum Experience in Edinburgh offers a hands-on, intimate class in a micro distillery setting. Priced at $123.64 per person, this 3-hour session is perfect for big rum fans seeking a personalized crafting experience. With small-group sizes limited to just three participants, you receive tailored attention from knowledgeable guides. The tour begins at The Cumberland Bar, centrally located in Edinburgh, and includes a welcome drink to start your journey into rum creation.

This experience is ideal for those who want to combine history, tasting, and DIY into one engaging session. Although it requires booking approximately 40 days in advance and is best suited for adults who enjoy spirited drinks, it’s also accessible for locals and travelers alike. The main highlights include up to 10 botanicals to customize your own flavor profile and the opportunity to distill your own 500ml bottle to take home, sealed and labeled with your name.

Key Points

• Small-group experience limited to 3 participants for personalized attention
• Includes three rum tastings and a welcome drink at the start
• Create your own rum using up to 10 botanicals to craft a custom flavor
• Spend 3 hours exploring the process, history, and tasting of rum in Edinburgh
• Distill and bottle a 500ml bottle of rum, which you can label and seal yourself
• Booking is advised around 40 days in advance due to high demand

Starting Point in the Heart of Edinburgh at The Cumberland Bar

The tour kicks off at The Cumberland Bar, located at 1-3 Cumberland Street, a convenient spot in central Edinburgh. Participants are greeted with a welcome drink, setting a relaxed tone for the next few hours. The small group size means you’ll enjoy personal interaction with your guide and fellow enthusiasts, making this a more intimate and engaging experience.

The activity begins at 12:00pm, and the meeting point is easy to find, with nearby public transportation options. The tour ends back at the same location, making it simple to plan your day afterwards.

The Micro Distillery Setting: A Bespoke Space for Rum Creation

The micro distillery is a bespoke room designed specifically for this class. It offers an up-close look at the mini copper stills used during the distillation process, giving participants a tactile understanding of rum-making. The personalized environment emphasizes learning and creativity, with each guest working on their own 500ml bottle of custom rum.

This specialized setup allows for a hands-on experience—guests actively select botanicals, distill their blend, and bottle their creation. The intimate size of the class enhances the quality of one-on-one guidance from the host, ensuring everyone gets the support needed to craft a unique spirit.

The Guide: Neil and Gary Bring Knowledge and Fun

The guides, Neil and Gary, receive high praise for their enthusiasm, expertise, and friendly approach. Neil, in particular, is noted as a knowledgeable and engaging host who makes the process both educational and entertaining. Guests appreciate the banter, clear explanations, and personalized attention that make the session enjoyable.

Their ability to combine historical insights with practical instruction helps participants appreciate both the story of rum and the crafting process. Guests also value the fun atmosphere, which balances learning with lighthearted moments, making the experience memorable.

Learning About Rum: History, Ingredients, and the Craft

The class includes a rundown of rum history and production methods. Guides explain the ingredients involved, including up to 10 botanicals available for creating a bespoke flavor profile. Participants are encouraged to design a recipe that reflects their taste preferences.

This part of the experience is interactive, with attendees trying three different rum samples and discussing their flavors. The history of rum is delivered in an engaging way, adding context to the craft while keeping the mood relaxed and fun.

Distillation: Using Mini Copper Still to Make Your Own Rum

A key feature of this experience is the distillation process. Each participant uses an individual mini copper still to distill their selected botanicals into a 500ml bottle of rum. The distillation is supervised closely, ensuring safety and quality.

While the rum is distilling, participants enjoy a cocktail, adding to the convivial atmosphere. Once the distillation is complete, guests taste their freshly made rum before bottling, labeling, and wax sealing it for takeaway. This personalized process ensures everyone leaves with a one-of-a-kind bottle.

Personalizing Your Rum: Labeling, Naming, and Sealing

After distillation, guests have the chance to label and name their rum bottles. They also wax seal their bottles, giving a professional finish to their handcrafted spirit. This adds a personal touch and makes the bottle a perfect memento or gift.

The process of bottling and sealing is straightforward but adds an element of craftsmanship. Guests leave with a fully labeled and sealed 500ml bottle of rum—a tangible result of their own creativity.

Additional Tasting and the Final Product

Before ending the session, participants get to taste their home-distilled rum. This final tasting is a rewarding moment, allowing everyone to evaluate their custom blend. The entire process encourages experimentation and learning about flavor combinations.

The bottled rum is uniquely yours, making this experience a fun and satisfying way to create a personalized spirit in a relaxed, friendly environment. The class concludes back at the starting point, with ample time to discuss the process or plan future distillations.

Booking, Availability, and Practical Tips

The experience is often booked around 40 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. It operates with a maximum of 3 travelers per session, ensuring a personalized experience. The full payment can be refundable if canceled at least 24 hours before the start time, providing peace of mind.

Participants are advised to inform the organizers about any allergies, and service animals are allowed. Since the activity is primarily indoors in a dedicated micro distillery space, accessibility is straightforward for most visitors.

Who Should Consider This Rum Experience

This distillation class is perfect for adults who love rum and enjoy learning new skills. It suits both locals and visitors looking for a fun, hands-on activity with an emphasis on personalized creation. It’s especially recommended for those interested in craft spirits, DIY projects, or unique gift ideas.

The experience offers excellent value given the personalized attention, educational content, and the chance to bring home a one-of-a-kind bottle. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to combine learning, tasting, and making into a single memorable afternoon.

A Personalised Rum Making Experience in Edinburgh’s Heart

The Distil a Bottle of Rum Experience in Edinburgh offers a rare opportunity to craft your own spirit in an intimate setting. The guides’ expertise and friendly approach make the session truly enjoyable. The ability to design your own flavor profile and bottle your creation provides a sense of achievement.

While the experience is pricey compared to other activities, the quality of instruction, personalization, and fun atmosphere justify the cost. It is most suitable for rum enthusiasts eager to learn and create in a relaxed environment. Since booking is recommended well in advance, plan accordingly to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the $123.64 price?
The price covers the 3-hour class, three rum tastings, a welcome drink, the distillation process, and your own 500ml bottle of rum, labeled and sealed.

Is this experience suitable for children?
This activity is designed for adults and involves distillation equipment and alcohol; it is not suitable for children.

How many people are in each session?
The class is limited to a maximum of 3 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What is the meeting point?
The activity starts at The Cumberland Bar at 1-3 Cumberland Street, in central Edinburgh.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, free parking is available outside and in surrounding streets at weekends, but public transportation is also nearby.

Will I learn about rum history?
Yes, guides deliver insights into rum’s history and production as part of the experience.

Can I make a different spirit like gin or tequila?
Though this experience is focused on rum, the host Neil has plans for future tequila and gin experiences.

Is the experience accessible?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the venue is within easy reach of public transport.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is typically recommended around 40 days ahead due to high demand.

This Distil a Bottle of Rum class in Edinburgh offers a blend of education, fun, and craftsmanship—a memorable activity for anyone eager to experience the art of rum-making firsthand.