THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Descend beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a one-hour guided tasting that traces gin from early distillates to modern Scottish craft spirits. Held in The Lost Close—an underground space recovered from the city’s Old Town—you’ll sample four gins and mix to taste while learning local history.
Descend beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a one-hour guided tasting that traces gin from early distillates to modern Scottish craft spirits. Held in The Lost Close—an underground space recovered from the city’s Old Town—you’ll sample four gins and mix to taste while learning local history.
You step off the Royal Mile and descend: stone cool underfoot, the city’s chatter muffled above as a guide opens a door to a space lost for decades. Lantern light slips across carved vaults and the sharp pine-scent of juniper arrives before the first pour. The Lost Close feels like a place that kept its stories to itself—walls that once handled ledgers and prisoners now hold glass and conversation.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Lost Close - Events & Experiences · Edinburgh, Scotland
You step off the Royal Mile and descend: stone cool underfoot, the city’s chatter muffled above as a guide opens a door to a space lost for decades. Lantern light slips across carved vaults and the sharp pine-scent of juniper arrives before the first pour. The Lost Close feels like a place that kept its stories to itself—walls that once handled ledgers and prisoners now hold glass and conversation.
The tasting traces gin’s arc from early distillates and Dutch genever to the botanical-driven Scottish craft gins of today. Your guide folds local history into each measure: this block was once Edinburgh’s first purpose-built bank, later a prison, and only recently uncovered during refurbishment, a physical reminder of the Old Town’s layered past. Geology plays a quiet role—Edinburgh’s sandstone streets and volcanic plug created the alleys and closes that hide these subterranean rooms.
Expect a focused, one-hour experience: four distinct gins, three mixers provided, hands-on mixing and guided tasting notes. The room’s intimacy makes history and spirit feel immediate; small groups keep the pace conversational rather than rushed.
Practical: bring government ID (18+ only), wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and steps, and hydrate between tastings. The venue sits a short walk from Waverley and frequent buses; book in advance for evening slots. Note that the close has uneven steps and limited wheelchair access—contact the operator if accessibility is a concern. Leave with a clearer sense of how trade, botanicals, and Scottish creativity reshaped a spirit—and an appetite for the next pour.
easy.
1 hour.
Light: mostly standing and short stair descents; suitable for most adults
No—this tour is strictly for adults; children and infants are not permitted.
Yes—three mixers are supplied and you decide how to mix each of the four gins to your taste.
The venue has uneven stone steps and limited access; contact the operator ahead of booking to discuss accessibility accommodations.
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start; later cancellations are not refundable.
The Lost Close occupies a space that was Edinburgh’s first purpose-built bank, later used as a prison and only rediscovered during recent renovation work; its reuse for tastings links commerce, punishment, and preservation.
Operators often emphasize responsible consumption and heritage conservation; minimize waste by using provided mixers and follow staff guidance to protect the historic fabric.
The Lost Close - Events & Experiences operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the Royal Mile and descend: stone cool underfoot, the city’s chatter muffled above as a guide opens a door to a space lost for decades. Lantern light slips across carved vaults and the sharp pine-scent of juniper arrives before the first pour. The Lost Close feels like a place that kept its stories to itself—walls that once handled ledgers and prisoners now hold glass and conversation.
You step off the Royal Mile and descend: stone cool underfoot, the city’s chatter muffled above as a guide opens a door to a space lost for decades. Lantern light slips across carved vaults and the sharp pine-scent of juniper arrives before the first pour. The Lost Close feels like a place that kept its stories to itself—walls that once handled ledgers and prisoners now hold glass and conversation.
The tasting traces gin’s arc from early distillates and Dutch genever to the botanical-driven Scottish craft gins of today. Your guide folds local history into each measure: this block was once Edinburgh’s first purpose-built bank, later a prison, and only recently uncovered during refurbishment, a physical reminder of the Old Town’s layered past. Geology plays a quiet role—Edinburgh’s sandstone streets and volcanic plug created the alleys and closes that hide these subterranean rooms.
Expect a focused, one-hour experience: four distinct gins, three mixers provided, hands-on mixing and guided tasting notes. The room’s intimacy makes history and spirit feel immediate; small groups keep the pace conversational rather than rushed.
Practical: bring government ID (18+ only), wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and steps, and hydrate between tastings. The venue sits a short walk from Waverley and frequent buses; book in advance for evening slots. Note that the close has uneven steps and limited wheelchair access—contact the operator if accessibility is a concern. Leave with a clearer sense of how trade, botanicals, and Scottish creativity reshaped a spirit—and an appetite for the next pour.