Edinburgh: Gin Tour & Tasting – South Loch Distillery

If you’re a gin enthusiast visiting Edinburgh, the Edinburgh: Gin Tour & Tasting at South Loch Distillery offers an engaging, informative experience in the heart of the city. Priced with no specific cost listed, this 1.5-hour tour is hosted inside 56 North Distillery, a renowned local producer with 14 Scottish Gin Award medals since 2021 and a nomination for Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year 2025. The tour begins with a welcome drink and takes you through the process of making small batch gins, ending with tastings of three unique spirits and a crafted cocktail.

This tour is perfect for those who want to learn about gin from a passionate, knowledgeable guide while enjoying high-quality samples. It’s well-rated, with a 4.8 out of 5 from 374 reviews, emphasizing the expertise of guides and the quality of the gins. Keep in mind that accessibility is limited for people with mobility impairments, and the experience is strictly for guests over 18. The tour combines storytelling, tastings, and behind-the-scenes insights, making it ideal for small groups or anyone curious about craft spirits.

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours of in-depth gin tasting and exploration
• Location: Begins inside 56 North Distillery in Edinburgh
• Highlights: Sample award-winning South Loch Gins, watch distillation process, and enjoy a cocktail at the bar
• Expert Guides: Guides like James, Gary, and Amber are praised for their know-how and engaging style
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for mobility impairments or children under 18
• Top-Rated: Holds a 4.8/5 rating based on 374 reviews

You can check availability for your dates here:

Inside Edinburgh’s Oldest Gin Bar with Over 300 Spirits

The tour kicks off at Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar, located within 56 North Distillery. This historic spot features over 300 spirits on its shelves, setting the perfect scene for a comprehensive gin experience. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic, immediately immersing participants in the spirit’s world.

The bar’s cozy ambiance, combined with its long-standing heritage, provides a fitting backdrop for the tour. The guides introduce you to copper stills used in the distillation process, giving insight into how award-winning South Loch Gins are crafted. This initial introduction helps set the tone for the craftsmanship, botanicals, and techniques covered later during the tasting.

Discovering the South Loch Distillery’s Roots and Philosophy

The tour then takes you to see the inner workings of South Loch Gin distillery. The process from concept to production is explained, revealing how a small Scottish operation develops its spirits. This behind-the-scenes look emphasizes craftsmanship and innovation, especially given that South Loch Distillery has garnered 14 medals since 2021 and was nominated for Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year.

Guides are praised for their passion and knowledge, making these insights easy to follow and engaging. Visitors learn about botanicals, production techniques, and bottling methods, providing context for the unique qualities of the gins tasted later.

Tasting the Award-Winning South Loch Gins

The core of the experience involves a guided tasting of three distinct gins made at South Loch. Each sample is presented with insights into its research and development process. The gins are described as small batch and award-winning, with reviews indicating high praise for their delicious flavor profiles.

Along With the tastings, guests enjoy a South Loch Gin cocktail crafted by the bar team. The tasting room atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, making the entire experience both educational and relaxed. The hosts’ expertise ensures that even those new to gin come away with a deeper understanding of botanicals, distillation, and flavor nuances.

Watching the Copper Still in Action

A highlight is observing the copper stills used in gin production. This eye-catching equipment is central to South Loch Gin’s process and offers a tangible connection to the art of distilling. Guides explain how botanicals are integrated into the process and how the stills influence the final product’s character.

Guests appreciate seeing the inner workings of a small craft distillery, which differs from large-scale operations. This visual insight enhances appreciation for the skill and care involved in creating each bottle of gin.

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Sampling and Cocktails in the Tasting Room

After the distillation overview, the tasting moves to the dedicated tasting room. Here, visitors sample three different gins—each with unique botanicals and flavor profiles. The guided tasting provides insights into research and development, helping attendees understand what makes each gin special.

The tour concludes with a South Loch Gin cocktail, showcasing the versatility of their spirits. Guests are encouraged to stay longer, enjoying additional drinks or food at the bar and lounge. Many reviews highlight the value for money, with the included full drinks and tastings offering an enjoyable and well-rounded experience.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging Hosts

The guides, including James, Gary, Amber, and others, receive consistent praise for their passion, humor, and depth of knowledge. They tailor the experience to the group’s vibe, responding to questions and providing interesting tidbits about gin history, ingredients, and production.

Guests describe guides as personable, making the experience both informative and entertaining. Their enthusiasm helps demystify the distillation process and connect visitors with the craft behind each gin.

Practical Details and Visitor Tips

Meeting point for the tour is inside 56 North, with coordinates 55.94407653808594, -3.185122489929199. The experience is English-guided and cancelable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers.

The tour is not suitable for children under 18, wheelchair users, or those with mobility impairments, so planning accordingly is advised. Guests should bring passport or ID for verification. The 1.5-hour duration makes it a manageable part of a day with plenty of time for other activities.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Edinburgh

The combination of small batch gins, award-winning spirits, and personalized guides makes this tour a top choice for gin lovers. The intimate atmosphere and focus on craft distilling set it apart from larger, more commercial tours. Many reviewers repeatedly praise the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm, enhancing the overall value.

Plus, visiting Scotland’s oldest gin bar gives a taste of Edinburgh’s rich spirits heritage. The opportunity to try a variety of gins, sample cocktails, and learn from experts makes for an enriching experience that’s as fun as it is informative.

Edinburgh’s Best Small-Scale Gin Experience

This South Loch Gin tour offers a well-balanced mix of education, tastings, and behind-the-scenes access. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate craft spirits, local businesses, and engaging guides. The high ratings and positive reviews underline its reputation as a must-do activity for gin aficionados.

While the experience isn’t designed for those with mobility issues or children under 18, it excels in providing deep insights into the distilling process and delicious samples in a cozy setting. It’s a fantastic way to support a small, award-winning distillery while enjoying Edinburgh’s lively spirits scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, making it a perfect short activity to include in a day’s sightseeing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the experience is not suitable for children under 18 and is strictly for adult guests.

What should I bring?
Guests are advised to bring passport or ID card for verification purposes.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking allows for reserve now & pay later options.

What makes this gin tour different from others?
This tour focuses on South Loch Distillery, a highly awarded, small-scale producer, with guides praised for their passion and knowledge. The experience includes distillery insights, tastings, and a visit to Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar.

This Edinburgh Gin Tour & Tasting at South Loch Distillery offers a rich, authentic look into craft gin making, paired with delicious samples and expert storytelling. It’s ideal for anyone eager to deepen their appreciation for Scottish spirits in a warm, welcoming environment.

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