Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery

If you’re exploring Edinburgh and have a soft spot for gin, this tour of the South Loch Gin Distillery offers an engaging blend of education, tasting, and authentic Scottish craftsmanship. For just over $26, you get a 90-minute experience that’s both informative and flavorful, set in one of Edinburgh’s most charming neighborhoods.

What makes this tour stand out? It’s the chance to see a working distillery in action, learn about the gin-making process from botanical to bottle, and taste a variety of gins paired with premium mixers. Plus, you’ll enjoy a gin cocktail topped with bubbly at the end. The high ratings—a perfect 5 out of 5 from 202 reviews—speak to its popularity, with visitors appreciating the friendly guides and the intimate group setting.

One potential consideration is that the tour is relatively short, so if you’re looking for an extensive spirits experience, you might want to pair it with other activities. Still, for lovers of gin, this tour offers great value and genuine insight into Edinburgh’s craft spirits scene. It’s ideal for those curious about gin production, looking for a fun social activity, or simply wanting to taste some of the best small-batch gins in Scotland.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit a working distillery, not just a taproom or tasting bar.
• Educational Value: Learn the entire gin-making process from botanicals to bottling.
• Tasting Variety: Sample three different gins, plus enjoy a gin cocktail and premium mixers.
• Hassle-Free: Drinks are included, removing any worry about extra costs.
• Small Group: Limited to 18 people, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.
• Highly Rated: Consistently praised for guides’ knowledge, humor, and friendliness.

The Starting Point and Atmosphere

The tour begins at 56 North2 W Crosscauseway, a short walk from iconic Edinburgh landmarks like the Royal Mile and the University of Edinburgh. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere of a genuine Scottish gin bar that boasts over 100 gins by the glass—a paradise for gin fans.

The meeting point itself is an essential part of the experience. Unlike sterile factory visits, this is a cozy environment where you’ll immediately feel the passion behind Scotland’s craft spirits. The fact that the tour is capped at 18 travelers keeps things intimate, allowing for personal interaction with your guide.

The Welcome and Initial Tasting

Once everyone has gathered, your guide—who’s often praised for being funny, knowledgeable, and engaging—begins by welcoming you with a gin and tonic. This initial sip sets the tone, letting you relax and prepare for the detailed journey ahead. Reviewers often mention how the guide Hamish, in particular, adds a layer of humor and expertise, making complex processes enjoyable and easy to understand.

Learning the Gin-Making Process

What sets this tour apart is its focus on education. As you watch the stills—which are described as both stunning and the perfect tools—your guide walks you through how botanicals are transformed into gin. This is not just a tasting; it’s a behind-the-scenes look at small-batch distilling, with explanations that even newcomers can follow.

One reviewer, Christine, highlighted how the guide’s funny and knowledgeable style made the session engaging, and the small group size meant everyone could ask questions. You’ll find yourself appreciating the craftsmanship involved in each bottle, particularly as you learn that the distillery has won titles for its gins, emphasizing the quality of their production.

Tasting the Gins

Next comes the exciting part: sampling three gin varieties made on-site. Each is paired with premium mixers, allowing you to experience a spectrum of flavors. Reviewers have noted that the gin itself is fantastically flavored, with some saying they ended up buying a bottle to take home.

The guide will explain the flavor profiles, what botanicals contribute to each, and how different methods influence the taste. It’s an excellent opportunity for gin enthusiasts and novices alike to expand their palate.

The Final Cocktail and Bubbly Finish

Towards the end of the tour, you’ll be served a gin cocktail topped with bubbly, a perfect way to wind down and enjoy the fruits of the distillery’s labor. Reviewers like Therese describe this as a lovely experience, with the added bonus of being able to sip and chat about what you’ve learned.

Duration, Group Size, and Practical Details

The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes, with most of that time dedicated to tasting, learning, and chatting. The group size is kept small, ensuring attentive guides and personalized attention. The tour costs $26.16 per person, which many reviewers agree offers excellent value given the quality of the experience and the inclusiveness of drinks.

The tour is hosted by the 56 North Distillery team, based just a short walk from public transportation, making it accessible without hassle. You’ll receive confirmation upon booking, and the tour operates with a strict over 18s policy, including Challenge 25 ID checks.

What Past Visitors Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and humor of the guides, with many mentioning how much they learned about gin’s production and story. Christine called the guide “funny and knowledgeable,” while Therese highlighted Hamish’s high standards for both knowledge and service.

Several visitors appreciated the small group environment, which fostered a relaxed atmosphere for questions and discussion. One guest, Gregor_S, called the distillery “a true gem,” emphasizing its proximity to Edinburgh’s main attractions and the impressive 100+ gins available at the bar.

The tasting experience itself is a highlight—many reviewers bought bottles afterward as souvenirs, attesting to the high quality and memorable flavors.

The Review Highlights from Actual Guests

From funny, engaging guides to top-tier gins, the feedback points to a tour that’s both fun and educational. Guests often mention the good value for money, especially since drinks are included in the price. The tour’s short duration makes it perfect for fitting into an Edinburgh itinerary without feeling rushed.

This experience is ideal if you’re a gin lover, a curious traveler wanting to understand spirit production, or someone looking for a unique activity that combines education with tastings. Because of the small group size and personalized approach, it also suits those who prefer a more intimate, less commercial experience.

It’s perfect for adults over 18, especially those interested in Scottish craft spirits or seeking a memorable, relaxed afternoon in Edinburgh. If you enjoy learning about local products and trying something genuinely authentic, this tour ticks all those boxes.

The South Loch Gin Distillery tour offers a well-rounded experience blending education, tasting, and Scottish charm. With guides praised for their knowledge and sense of humor, and a setting close to Edinburgh’s main sights, it’s an accessible, value-packed activity.

The opportunity to see a working distillery, learn about small-batch gin production, and taste multiple gins plus a cocktail makes for a memorable visit. Whether you’re a seasoned gin fan or just exploring spirits, this tour provides valuable insight and delicious drinks in a friendly environment.

For anyone wanting to dive into Edinburgh’s craft gin scene, this tour is a must-do—and with the high ratings and glowing reviews, it’s clear that most travelers find it a highlight of their trip.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
No, this tour is strictly for adults over 18, as it involves alcohol consumption. You’ll need to show ID for Challenge 25 purposes.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy tastings and learn about gin.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes a gin and tonic on arrival, three gin samples, and a gin cocktail with bubbly at the end.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel within this window.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options, making it easy to reach without a car.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

Can I buy a bottle of gin after the tour?
Most guests find the gins so appealing that they decide to purchase a bottle to take home.

Who hosts the tour?
The experience is led by knowledgeable staff from 56 North Distillery, praised for their engaging and friendly approach.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, due to age restrictions, it’s only suitable for adults over 18.

How good is the value for money?
Considering the quality, the inclusive drinks, and the educational content, most reviews agree that it’s a great value activity for any gin enthusiast.

This detailed, honest look at the South Loch Gin Distillery tour should help you decide if it’s the perfect addition to your Edinburgh itinerary. Whether you’re after a fun social experience or a deeper understanding of Scottish gin craftsmanship, this tour hits all the right notes.