Join Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh for an intimate whisky tasting experience that reveals Scotland’s rich whisky heritage and the craft behind every dram. Discover rare flavors, local lore, and artisanal hand-bottling in an inviting tavern setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Scotland's whisky tradition includes over 150 years of illicit distilling, adding a rebellious edge to local lore.
Conservation
Summerhall Distillery employs sustainable distilling methods and emphasizes local sourcing to reduce environmental impact.
Summerhall Distillery
Join Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh for an intimate whisky tasting experience that reveals Scotland’s rich whisky heritage and the craft behind every dram. Discover rare flavors, local lore, and artisanal hand-bottling in an inviting tavern setting.
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.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
City-centre distillery access
Tours Offered
7
Guided tastings and masterclasses
Guided Hosts
Expert hosts
Trained guides and mixologists
Small-batch Spirits
Small-batch gins & whiskies
Hand-bottling demonstrations featured
Secure a spot for a tasting, masterclass or private tour at Summerhall Distillery — limited capacity on themed nights and hands-on sessions.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 5–10 minutes before your tour to ensure a prompt start without missing key details.
Age Restrictions Apply
Guests must be 12 or older to participate; children under 12 are not permitted on the tasting tour.
Stay Hydrated
Enjoy a soft drink option if you prefer to skip alcohol or need to pace yourself during tasting.
Follow Safety Instructions
The distillery can become hot during production—avoid touching equipment and listen carefully to guide directions.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
For navigating urban terrain around Summerhall and nearby Edinburgh neighborhoods.
Light Jacket or Sweater
To stay warm during cooler months when moving between indoor and outdoor spaces.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Helpful to stay hydrated during tastings and in between sips.
Notebook and Pen
Ideal for jotting down tasting notes and whisky insights shared by your guide.