2 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen

If you’re curious about how gin is crafted and want to try your hand at blending your own bottle, this 2-hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen might just be the perfect outing. Hosted at the City of Aberdeen Distillery, this experience combines education, hands-on fun, and tastings in a way that appeals to both spirit enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. From understanding botanicals to designing your own label, it’s an immersive experience that offers more than just a typical distillery tour.

What we love most about this experience is how genuinely interactive it is. Instead of just observing, you’re encouraged to become a distiller for the afternoon, choosing your botanicals and learning the intricacies of Scottish gin production. However, one thing to consider is that this experience is quite popular—booking around 35 days in advance is typical—so planning ahead is essential if you want a spot. This tour suits those who appreciate craft spirits, enjoy hands-on activities, and want a memorable gift or celebration for a birthday or special occasion.

Key Points

• Interactive and educational, led by a knowledgeable head distiller
• Create a personalized 70cl bottle of gin with your own botanical blend
• Enjoy tastings of Aberdeen’s local gin range, plus cocktails and G&Ts
• Includes a surprise cocktail to toast your new distilling skills
• Ideal for special occasions or gin lovers wanting an authentic Scottish experience
• Pre-book early, as this experience is popular and booked on average 35 days in advance

What Makes This Aberdeen Gin Experience Special?

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a chance to step behind the scenes of Scotland’s thriving gin scene. Unlike the usual distillery visits, which tend to be more passive, this experience puts you in the distiller’s seat. Led by the head distiller, you’ll learn about the base botanicals, organic alcohol, and the art of balancing flavors. The real highlight is selecting from more than 100 botanicals to craft a recipe that’s uniquely yours.

This level of customization isn’t common at many distillery tours, making it a value-packed experience for those wanting a tangible connection to their drink. Plus, the fact that you get to take home a full-sized 70cl bottle with your personalized label is a fantastic souvenir, especially for gin enthusiasts.

A Personal Touch with Expert Guidance

Guests consistently mention how helpful and approachable the host, or head distiller, is during the process. We loved the way he guided the group through the complexities of botanical selection, explaining the role each ingredient plays in flavor and aroma. One reviewer, Susan, highlighted the “generous tasting” and called it “a true education about gin”, emphasizing the opportunity to develop her nose and learn what makes different gins unique.

Tasting and Extra Delights

Sampling is an integral part of the experience. You’ll get to try a variety of Aberdeen gins, each with its own story and ingredients, along with a G&T tailored to your preferences. This helps you understand what flavors you enjoy most and how they might influence your own recipe.

A surprise cocktail caps off the session, giving you a celebratory moment to toast your newfound distilling skills. The inclusion of multiple tastings—from the base gin to the final product—makes this experience both enjoyable and educational.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The experience begins promptly at 2:00 pm at the City of Aberdeen Distillery. As you arrive, you’re greeted with a double G&T welcome drink, setting the tone for a relaxed, yet engaging session. The distillery’s location is easily accessible near public transportation, which is a bonus for visitors using local transit.

The session kicks off with a short introduction about Aberdeen’s distilling heritage and the origins of gin, providing context before diving into the fun part. You’ll learn about the key botanicals and base ingredients that make Scottish gin special. The real action starts once you’re handed a beautiful copper alembic mini-still—the perfect tool to craft your own blend.

Guided step-by-step, you select botanicals and set the quantities, with the head distiller offering tips to balance flavors. While the gin is distilling, you can sample from the range of Aberdeen Gins, each with distinctive ingredients and stories. This part of the experience is both educational and sensory-rich, allowing you to appreciate the local craftsmanship.

Crafting Your Bottle

Once your gin has distilled, it’s time for the final touches: choosing your bottle, cap, label, and even naming your creation. The process is fun and creative, and you’ll leave with a full-sized 70cl bottle of your own personalized gin. It’s a tangible souvenir that embodies your effort and taste.

Summary of Highlights

• Distilling session with expert guidance
• Botanical selection from over 100 ingredients
• Sampling Aberdeen gin range and making your own G&T
• Create and personalize your own full-sized bottle
• Surprise cocktail to celebrate your new skills

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This gin masterclass is perfect for adventurous spirits lovers, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special milestone, or simply want a fun, hands-on activity. It’s ideal for those who appreciate craft spirits and enjoy learning about the processes behind their favorite drinks.

Given the popularity and the need for advance booking, it’s best suited for travelers who plan ahead. The experience is designed for groups of up to 20 people, offering an intimate setting without feeling crowded.

For those looking for something more than just a sightseeing tour—a chance to create a unique souvenir and gain new knowledge about gin—this experience hits the mark. Anyone interested in Scottish gin culture or wanting a memorable activity that combines education, socializing, and creativity will find plenty to love here.

Practical Considerations & Tips

• Booking in advance is highly recommended, with an average of 35 days lead time, to secure your preferred date.
• The experience lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, so plan your day accordingly.
• The price of $191.93 per person may seem steep, but considering the personalized bottle, tastings, and expert guidance**, it offers great value for a unique, memorable experience.
• The activity ends back at the start point, so transportation logistics are straightforward.
• Since the experience involves distillation, good weather is helpful, though the distillery is indoors, so you won’t be affected by rain.
• Service animals are allowed, which is considerate for travelers with assistance pets.

Final Thoughts

This Aberdeen gin experience offers a perfect blend of education, creativity, and fun—especially for those who truly appreciate craft spirits. The chance to blend your own gin, learn from a pro, and take home a full bottle makes it a compelling activity for a variety of travelers. The small group size and the personal attention from the head distiller contribute to a relaxed, engaging atmosphere that feels more like a private workshop than a typical tour.

If you’re after an authentic Scottish experience that combines hands-on activity with cultural insight, this is a worthwhile choice. It’s especially suited for special occasions or gift-giving, owing to the custom label and memorable moment of crafting your own gin.

While slightly more expensive than a simple tour, the value lies in the personalization, tastings, and the lasting souvenir. Whether you’re a gin novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience guarantees a fun, educational day with a distinctly Scottish flavor.

FAQ

Is prior booking necessary?
Yes, most guests book around 35 days in advance, as the experience is popular and fills up quickly.

How long does the experience last?
Expect around 2 hours 30 minutes, including tastings, distilling, and creating your bottle.

What’s included in the price?
You get a personalized 70cl bottle of gin, tastings of Aberdeen gins, cocktails, and a surprise drink to toast your new distilling skills.

Can I take my own bottle home?
Absolutely, your full-sized bottle with your custom label is yours to keep and enjoy later.

Is this experience suitable for children or non-drinkers?
It’s designed for adults, given the alcohol involved, but non-drinkers might still enjoy the educational aspect.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, with full refund options.

Are there any group size restrictions?
Groups are limited to 20 travelers, fostering an intimate and interactive environment.

Do they accommodate service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making it accessible for all.

In short, this Gin School Experience in Aberdeen combines fun, education, and a touch of Scottish craft magic—perfect for anyone looking to add a hands-on twist to their whisky or gin adventures in Scotland.