Tastings · GIN TASTINGS IN THE UK
The good ones fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 5 gin tastings in the UK to book early, what each includes and how they differ once you are through the door.
Spend an hour with an English-speaking guide such as Courtney, Dave, Neil, or Thais inside Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery. See the gin lab, washbacks, copper stills, and cask room while learning about experimental yeasts, flavour design, gin, and single malt whisky. A welcome cocktail and tastings are included.
“The tour was excellent and Courtney was a brilliant guide.”
At Laverstoke Mill, explore Bombay Sapphire’s historic distillery with a host, make a G&T at the Turbine Bar, see the glasshouses, test your flavor preferences in the Botanical Room, and learn about vapor infusion. Guides such as Naomi, Helen, Nick, and Luke have led engaging tours, though parts can feel rushed when busy.
“Value for money, and interesting experience. Option of non alcoholic drink was nice. Could've shown Around more stuff.”
Settle into a vintage Routemaster bus for 90 minutes of tea, sandwiches, scones, cakes, and Edinburgh views. You receive prosecco on arrival and unlimited tea or coffee, with an optional Edinburgh Gin cocktail served in a teapot. Staff such as Helen, Jimmy, Mark, and Steven add humor and help with photos, but this is not a fully narrated sightseeing tour.
“We had a great time for my friends hen party, the food and drinks were delicious, the tour guides were very friendly and made the bride to be feel extra special. A nice tour round Edinburgh in a vintage bus and a stop to take some photos too”
Spend about an hour touring Holyrood Distillery near Edinburgh’s Holyrood area. Guides such as Diego, Brice, Neil, and Courtney explain the distillery’s experimental approach to whisky and gin, followed by several tastings. You’ll see a modern working distillery, learn how the spirits are made, and finish near the bar and shop.
“Great tour especially if you don't have a lot of time to explore outside of Edinburgh. I learned a lot about gin and the flavor was great.”
At Edinburgh’s 56 North Distillery, you’ll begin with South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic in Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar. Learn how botanicals and copper stills shape the spirit, taste three small-batch gins, then finish with a South Loch cocktail. Guides including James, Abi, Gary, and George bring plenty of humor and practical insight.
“James was fantastic, full of little nuggets of information and really passionate about his gin. It was definitely an experience we would do again.”
The lists most people start from.
