Aberdeens Distillery Discovery Tour

Aberdeens Distillery Discovery Tour: A Closer Look at Scotland’s Gin Heritage

If you’re exploring Aberdeen and have a taste for spirits, the Aberdeens Distillery Discovery Tour offers a charming, informative peek into Scotland’s gin-making scene. This 1-hour experience combines a guided walk through a working distillery, tastings of small-batch Scottish gins, and insights from knowledgeable guides — all in a small-group setting that feels intimate and personal.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local gin culture, including a walk through the botanicals garden and a chance to meet the head distiller. Plus, it kicks off with a refreshing double gin and tonic — a welcome treat before diving into the details. For those who enjoy learning about the craft behind their favorite drinks and want authentic Scottish flavors, this tour hits the right notes.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour lasts only about an hour; avid spirits fans might wish for a longer, more immersive experience. Still, it offers great value for the price of just over $37 per person, especially given the personalized attention and tastings included. This tour suits those who appreciate craftsmanship, history, and a good tipple, and is perfect for first-time visitors or gin enthusiasts looking for a quick yet comprehensive taste of Aberdeen’s distilling scene.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn directly from the head distiller about how Aberdeen Gin is made, in a small and friendly group.
• Tastings & Botanicals: Enjoy samples of London Dry and Fruit Gins, plus explore the distillery’s garden of botanicals.
• Inclusive & Engaging: With a maximum of 20 travelers, expect personalized attention, answers to your questions, and an engaging atmosphere.
• Value for Money: For just over $37, you get a guided tour, tastings, and a chance to browse the distillery shop.
• Convenient Location & Access: Easily reachable from public transportation in Aberdeen, starting at the distinctive Palmerston Rd location.
• High Satisfaction: Rated 5.0/5 with glowing reviews praising the guides, tastings, and local insights.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point: City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School

The tour begins at the Arch 10 Palmerston Rd, where you’ll be greeted with a complimentary double gin and tonic. This initial sip sets the tone for what’s to come — a relaxed, friendly environment filled with enthusiasm for all things gin. From the start, it’s clear the guides are passionate and eager to share their knowledge, which immediately makes the experience feel genuine and personal.

Walking Tour & Inside Access

As you walk through the distillery, you’ll get a glimpse of the restricted areas — where the magic happens. The Head Distiller will take you through the entire process of making Aberdeen Gin, explaining each step and sharing stories about the distillery’s origins and its significance within Aberdeen’s spirit-making history.

One of the highlights here is the Q&A session, where you can ask anything about gin, botanicals, or the distillery’s history. The guides, often praised for their knowledgeable and warm approach, make complex processes easy to understand with engaging anecdotes.

Sampling Small Batch Gins

By this point, you’ll have the opportunity to sample London Dry and Fruit Gins straight from French glass demi-johns. These are small-batch Scottish gins, which means you’re tasting something crafted with care, rather than mass-produced. Reviewers have noted that the gins are poured generously, leaving some visitors pleasantly tipsy, which is hardly surprising considering the quality and quantity of tastings.

Exploring the Botanical Garden

No gin tour would be complete without exploring the distillery’s garden of botanicals. Here, you get a close look at the ingredients that give Aberdeen Gin its distinctive aroma and flavor. This part of the experience is not only educational but also visually pleasing, with fresh herbs and botanicals adding a splash of color and scent.

Browsing the Shop & Final Tasting

Before wrapping up, travelers have a chance to browse the distillery shop. If the sampled gins resonate with you, why not pick up a bottle? Many guests appreciate this opportunity to bring a piece of the experience home — often commented on as a nice finishing touch to the tour.

The Value of the Aberdeen Gin Experience

At just over $37 per person, this tour offers significant value considering the range of features included: a guided walk, tastings from multiple gins, access to botanicals, and the chance to speak with an expert. The small group size (up to 20) ensures that each guest receives personal attention, and the engaging guides, often specifically praised for their enthusiasm and expertise, make the experience both educational and fun.

Given the glowing reviews, it’s clear that visitors leave feeling satisfied, having learned new things about gin production and enjoying a memorable tasting experience. The fact that it’s booked on average 21 days in advance hints at its popularity — plan ahead to secure your spot.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, especially those curious about the craft of gin-making. It also suits history buffs interested in Aberdeen’s local traditions, or anyone seeking a fun, educational activity in the city. Perfect for small groups or couples, the tour’s relaxed pace and friendly guides make it accessible for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations since it’s a walking tour within the distillery.

The Sum Up: Is the Aberdeen Distillery Discovery Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of education, tasting, and local flavor — all delivered with warmth and professionalism. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to learn about Scottish gin, taste some high-quality products, and enjoy a personable guide’s insights.

The value for money is clear, especially given the thoughtful inclusion of tastings, botanicals, and the chance to shop for bottles. The small group size ensures a friendly, unrushed experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a less commercialized, more authentic tasting adventure.

If you’re in Aberdeen and have even a passing interest in gin, this tour is a highly recommended way to add a memorable layer to your trip.

FAQ

Is there an age restriction for this tour?
This tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed. Since it involves alcohol tastings, minors would likely be restricted, but specific age policies aren’t detailed here.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 1 hour, which makes it a perfect short activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

Is transportation included?
No, but the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation in Aberdeen. It’s easy to walk or take a short bus ride there.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are available if canceled within this window.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Since it involves walking through the distillery and botanicals garden, sensible shoes are advised.

Are drinks available after the tasting?
Soft drinks are available free of charge throughout the tour, but additional alcohol beyond the tastings isn’t included.

Is there a shop at the distillery?
Yes, guests can browse and purchase bottles of the gin they sampled — a great way to take a souvenir home.

Do I need to book in advance?
Given its popularity and average booking 21 days ahead, booking early is advisable to secure your spot.

Whether you’re a seasoned gin lover or just curious about Scotland’s distilling heritage, this Aberdeens Distillery Discovery Tour offers a fun, authentic, and taste-filled experience that you won’t forget.