Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen

If you’re curious about gin—or even if you’re a seasoned connoisseur—this Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen offers a uniquely immersive experience. Led by a Head Distiller from the City of Aberdeen Distillery, the tour combines tasting, education, and hands-on mixing, all wrapped in a lively, small-group environment. With a rating of 5.0 from 13 reviews and a recommended status of 100%, it’s clear that many find this experience both enjoyable and valuable.

What we love about this tour is how it balances educational content with fun. You’ll get to learn about individual botanicals, understand how gin flavors are crafted, and even create your own blend. Plus, the setting in Aberdeen offers the chance to explore Scotland’s vibrant gin scene from a local perspective. One possible drawback? The experience lasts about two hours, so if you’re after a quick taste or a very relaxed pace, keep that in mind. Otherwise, it’s an excellent fit for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of gin.

Key Points

• Educational and Interactive: Learn to recognize botanicals and create your own gin blend.
• Led by a Expert: Guided by the Head Distiller, ensuring professional insights.
• Small Group Setting: Intimate experience—maximum 20 travelers—for personalized attention.
• High Value: Offers a full, engaging experience for about $108, including tastings and expert Q&A.
• Authentic Insight: Focuses on Aberdeen Gin, small batch expressions, and traditional distillation techniques.
• Ideal for Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who want more than just tasting—an educational journey into Scotland’s craft gin scene.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The tour begins at the City of Aberdeen Distillery—a conveniently located spot in the city, easily accessible by public transport. Starting at 2:00 pm, the experience is timed perfectly for an afternoon activity, giving you ample opportunity to explore Aberdeen’s sights beforehand.

From the outset, the double G&T that kicks off the masterclass sets a relaxed tone. It’s a nice touch that immediately immerses you into the world of gin, making the tasting feel both casual and sophisticated. The guidance from the Head Distiller—a key highlight—adds credibility and insight that elevate the experience well beyond simply sipping from a glass.

One reviewer, Susi_R, mentions that she “had an absolute ball,” praising the small group size which fosters conversation and a friendly atmosphere. The hosts, Dan and Alan, are described as passionate and engaging, creating a welcoming environment that invites questions and curiosity. It’s this personal touch that makes the experience more memorable than a standard tasting.

The Tasting and Education: Recognizing Flavors and Botanicals

A major part of the masterclass involves tasting single distillates of Aberdeen Gin, each with its own distinct botanical profile. The focus on individual botanicals—such as juniper, citrus, or herbal notes—helps you understand what makes each gin unique. The fact that each botanical is distilled separately means you get a true sense of its flavor, which is a rare opportunity outside professional tastings.

As you sample, you’ll learn how these flavors come together to create the final product, a process that can transform your appreciation of gin. The experience is interactive—you’ll get to blend your own gin and see how different botanicals complement each other. This hands-on approach is especially appealing for those who enjoy DIY projects or want to deepen their understanding of mixology.

The Challenge and Final Tasting

One memorable part is the mystery botanical challenge. You’re handed a single distillate with a secret botanical, and your task is to identify it based on flavor. It’s a fun, engaging way to sharpen your palate and test your new knowledge. The last part involves choosing your favorite gin from the range—including both London Dry and Fruit Gins—and sipping a final G&T. This relaxed conclusion offers time to reflect, ask questions, and share thoughts.

The Setting and Atmosphere

Guests enjoy samples served directly from French glass demi-johns—a charming detail that adds a touch of elegance. The venue itself is described as comfortable and near public transportation, making logistics straightforward. The tour is capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a cozy and personalized experience that encourages interaction.

What Reviewers Say

Beyond the glowing overall rating, reviewers like Susi_R highlight the passion and knowledge of the guides, noting how Dan and Alan make the experience fun and engaging. She mentions, “Thoroughly recommend,” emphasizing its value and enjoyment. The small group setting and the quality of tastings stand out as major positive points, giving attendees the chance to really focus on the flavors and ask all their burning gin questions.

Practicalities and Value

At $108.30 per person, the experience offers good value considering the depth of knowledge, quality of tastings, and personalized attention. It’s also booked about 29 days in advance on average, so planning ahead is recommended if you want to secure a spot.

The two-hour duration is just right—long enough to dive into details but not so lengthy that it feels draining. The inclusion of a Q&A session at the end is especially valuable, providing a platform to clarify everything from storage to home infusions.

Since the tour is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it offers flexibility—a big plus for travelers with unpredictable plans. The only consideration might be weather, as the experience depends on good conditions, though the option for a different date or full refund is reassuring.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This masterclass is best suited for spirits enthusiasts, those curious about how gin is made, or travelers wanting to learn about local Scottish craft spirits. It’s perfect for small groups or couples seeking an interactive, memorable experience. If you enjoy hands-on activities, tasting different flavors, or asking questions, this tour will meet your expectations.

It’s also a great choice for those interested in learning about distillation, blending, or mixology, especially since you get to create your own gin. Whether you’re visiting Aberdeen for a few days or a gin lover from afar, this experience offers both education and entertainment.

The Sum Up

The Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen strikes a nearly perfect balance between education, fun, and authenticity. With guided insights from a professional distiller, tastings of small-batch Aberdeen Gins, and the chance to craft your own blend, it’s a must for anyone who appreciates quality spirits or wants to deepen their knowledge.

The intimate setting and friendly guides make the experience accessible and engaging, while the focus on Scottish gin craftsmanship ensures you leave with a new appreciation for this popular spirit. For travelers who love discovering local flavors and enjoy interactive activities, this masterclass offers excellent value and a genuinely enjoyable afternoon.

If you’re in Aberdeen and have a curiosity for gin or a desire to learn its secrets, this tour promises a delightful, informative, and memorable experience that’s worth every penny.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The masterclass starts with the basics and guides you through recognizing flavors, making it accessible whether you’re new to gin or a seasoned drinker.

How long does the experience last?
It runs for approximately two hours, which is enough time for tasting, learning, blending, and asking questions without feeling rushed.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 29 days ahead is typical, and it’s recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak times.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers guided tastings, expert instruction, the opportunity to blend your own gin, and samples served in elegant French glass demi-johns.

Can I buy gin during the tour?
Yes, there’s usually a selection of products for purchase, particularly appealing for those interested in taking a piece of the experience home.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the starting point is near public transportation, making it easy to get there in Aberdeen.

Are dietary restrictions considered?
While not explicitly mentioned, the small-group, personalized nature suggests you should inform the tour provider if you have specific needs.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In summary, this Aberdeen gin masterclass combines quality, education, and fun in a compact two-hour package that’s ideal for curious travelers and spirit lovers alike. It’s an authentic taste of Scotland’s booming craft gin scene, delivered with expert guidance and a friendly atmosphere.