Are children allowed on the tour?

Children under 12 are not permitted. Ages 12–17 can join with a non-drinker ticket and must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the distillery tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is fully accessible. Please inform the staff in advance if you require any accommodations.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Photography is allowed, but please respect production areas and avoid flash near equipment.

Are pets allowed on site?

Pets are not permitted inside the distillery for health and safety reasons.

What is included in the tasting?

Your ticket covers one Gin & Tonic, four gin samples during the tutored tasting, and a miniature 5cl bottle to take home.

Can I cancel or reschedule my tour?

No refunds are given for same-day cancellations. Rescheduling once within a week of your tour is free; subsequent changes will incur a fee.

Gin Distillery Tour at Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh

Adventure Brief

Step into Edinburgh’s first exclusive gin distillery in over 150 years with Summerhall Distillery’s Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour—a 75-minute journey blending history, craft, and tasting. Perfect your palate with a curated G&T, uncover unique botanicals, and savor small-batch excellence.

1h15

easy

From £26.25

Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital, is a city where old and new collide—cobblestone streets frame contemporary creativity, making it an ideal setting for Summerhall Distillery’s Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour. Located within the repurposed Old Veterinary College, this unique distillery was the first exclusive gin producer in Edinburgh in over 150 years when it opened in 2014. The tour offers a rare glimpse into handcrafted gin production, connecting visitors with both history and innovation.

The adventure begins at the bustling Royal Dick Pub with a carefully crafted Pickering’s G&T, setting the tone for an immersive experience. Guests then enter the working distillery, where the aroma of exotic botanicals fills the air around copper stills and bespoke equipment known as "ginventions." The story unfolds as you learn about a 1947 Bombay recipe, reimagined with Scottish twists, offering insight into how history shapes this small-batch spirit.

Throughout the 75-minute tour, guides share details about the intricate process—from botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus peels to the distillation techniques that create a balanced, award-winning gin. The intimate group size (maximum 16) encourages questions and a deeper appreciation for the craft. The journey concludes with a tutored tasting, sampling four distinct gin expressions that highlight the distillery’s versatility, paired with the chance to take home a miniature bottle.

Summerhall Distillery stands out in Edinburgh’s outdoor and cultural scene not only for its craft but for its thoughtful integration into the city’s creative hub. The venue’s history and accessibility combine to offer a warm welcome for visitors seeking a flavorful, informative break from traditional outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or curious traveler, the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour delivers a spirited experience grounded in place, process, and palate.

About Summerhall Distillery

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.