THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Edinburgh’s hidden distilling gem with the exclusive Member’s Welcome Tour. Experience intimate tastings and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic Scottish spirits.
Discover Edinburgh’s hidden distilling gem with the exclusive Member’s Welcome Tour. Experience intimate tastings and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic Scottish spirits.
Book with Summerhall Distillery
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Summerhall Distillery · Edinburgh, Scotland
In the historic heart of Edinburgh, where cobblestone streets weave through centuries-old architecture, lies an experience for those passionate about the art of distilling: the Member's Welcome Distillery Tour at Summerhall. This exclusive tour, available only to members, invites you to step inside a working distillery that embodies Scotland's rich heritage and modern innovation in spirit-making. Situated in a city renowned for its whisky tradition, this intimate journey reveals the detailed craftsmanship that transforms raw ingredients into exceptional whisky and gin.
Your adventure begins in the Summerhall Reception Hall, where a small group of no more than eight guests meets their knowledgeable guide. Over the course of an hour, you’ll explore the distillery’s production process, from malt selection to fermentation and distillation. The tour spotlights the passion and precision required to create each batch, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look that connects visitors to the artisans and history behind every bottle.
Highlighting the tour are the tastings — not just whisky, but also the distillery’s unique gin collection. Savor the nuanced flavors that set these spirits apart, from the peaty depth of Scotch whisky to the bright, botanical finishes of their handcrafted gin. These tastings serve as a sensory extension of the distillery’s story, giving you a deeper appreciation of the ingredients, techniques, and time-honored traditions involved.
What makes this distillery—and tour—stand out in Edinburgh’s vibrant outdoor and cultural scene is its combination of historical roots and thoughtful innovation. Located in a repurposed former veterinary school, Summerhall seamlessly blends industrial architecture with warm, modern touches, reflecting the city's innovative spirit. The distillery's commitment to quality and sustainability echoes across the local community, making it not just a place to learn, but a destination to connect.
Visitors staying in Edinburgh have countless other exploration opportunities, but few offer such an immersive introduction to Scotland’s iconic spirits. The Member's Welcome Distillery Tour strikes a perfect balance between education and enjoyment, making it an essential stop for spirit enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Whether you're a seasoned whisky lover or simply curious about artisan craft spirits, this carefully curated tour offers a memorable glimpse into Edinburgh’s distilling tradition. Prepare for a personal, engaging experience that deepens your understanding of the rich stories distilled into every glass here.
easy.
1 hour.
No physical fitness required; suitable for all levels.
No, the Member's Welcome Distillery Tour is exclusively available to members only.
The tour has a duration of approximately one hour.
Yes, both whisky and gin tastings are included as part of the experience.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to take part due to alcohol tastings.
Guests meet the tour guide at the Summerhall Reception Hall 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Accessibility information is not provided; it is recommended to contact the distillery directly for specific accommodations.
Summerhall was originally a veterinary school built in the early 20th century before being transformed into a creative hub housing the distillery.
The distillery emphasizes sustainable practices, including local sourcing of ingredients and energy-efficient equipment to minimize environmental impact.
Summerhall Distillery is an independent distillery and visitor experience based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The distillery offers a range of guided tours, tastings and masterclasses that showcase small-batch gins, whiskies and cocktail craft. Visitors can join intimate whisky tastings that highlight Scotland’s flavours and folklore, explore the history and production of Pickering’s Gin, or attend hands-on cocktail masterclasses held in a historic distillery setting. Experiences include themed events such as a Roaring 20s speakeasy evening, a Scottish tapas-style food and whisky pairing, a guided distillery tour with a complimentary G&T, and educational sessions on hand-bottling and spirit-making. The venue partners with local producers for curated food pairings—smoked salmon, cured meats and farmhouse cheeses feature in specific tasting menus—while expert hosts explain flavour profiles, production methods and cultural context. Summerhall Distillery emphasizes small-batch production and craft techniques. Guests often taste multiple expressions, take home miniature bottles from guided tastings, and leave with practical mixology skills after masterclasses. Tours and events are led by trained guides and mixologists who combine storytelling with technical demonstrations, creating an engaging experience for both visitors and members. The distillery’s programme includes private member welcome tours that offer a personalised look at spirit craftsmanship. Summerhall Distillery provides accessible booking for each listed experience, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking authentic Scottish spirits and expert-led tasting events. Many experiences include storytelling, practical distillation demonstrations during tours, tasting notes and sometimes a miniature bottle to take home, helping guests remember production details and tasting impressions after the visit.
Book with Summerhall Distillery