Edinburgh’s 56 North Distillery offers an immersive gin tasting experience that takes visitors on a delightful journey through Scotland’s rich gin heritage. Led by knowledgeable hosts, the 1.5-hour guided tour allows guests to sample award-winning South Loch Gins, including a refreshing cocktail, and gain insights into the intricate gin-making process. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or a newcomer, this experience promises to enhance your appreciation for the complex flavors and nuances of this beloved spirit. With its cozy atmosphere and insider’s look at the distillery’s equipment and techniques, the 56 North Gin Tasting Tour is sure to leave you intrigued and eager to uncover more about Scotland’s vibrant gin scene.
- Key Points
- Gin Tasting Experience Overview
- Award-winning South Loch Gins
- Gin Production Presentation
- Distillery Exploration
- Scotland’s Oldest Gin Bar
- Included in the Experience
- Participant Requirements
- Customer Feedback
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Bring My Own Gin to the Tasting?
- Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
- Can I Purchase Additional Gin Samples During the Tasting?
- Is There a Dress Code for the Gin Tasting?
- Can I Request a Specific Gin Type During the Tasting?
- Recap
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Key Points

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This 1.5-hour guided tour at 56 North Distillery in Edinburgh focuses on sampling award-winning South Loch Gins and exploring Scotland’s oldest gin bar.
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The tasting experience includes sampling three distinct South Loch Gins with tasting notes, as well as one South Loch Gin with Fever-Tree tonic.
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The tour provides an educational presentation on the gin-making process, covering the selection of botanicals, distillation, and blending techniques used by the 56 North Distillery.
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Participants will have the opportunity to witness the distillation process firsthand and explore the distillery’s facilities, gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of artisanal gin production.
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The experience concludes with a visit to Scotland’s oldest gin bar, featuring over 300 gins, where participants can further explore the diversity of gin and enjoy a specially prepared South Loch Gin cocktail.
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Gin Tasting Experience Overview

At the 56 North Distillery in Edinburgh, visitors can embark on a guided gin tasting experience that spans 1.5 hours.
Conducted in English by a live tour guide, the activity provides an in-depth exploration of South Loch Gins. Participants will sample award-winning gins, learn about the gin production process, and enjoy a presentation covering all aspects of gin.
The experience also includes a visit to Scotland’s oldest gin bar, where over 300 gins are available. Guests will receive one South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic, three gin samples with tasting notes, and one South Loch Gin cocktail prepared by the bar team.
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Award-winning South Loch Gins

The South Loch Gins, crafted by the 56 North Distillery, are the centerpiece of the guided gin tasting experience.
These award-winning gins showcase the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to sample three distinct South Loch Gins, each with its own unique flavor profile and botanical infusion.
The tasting notes provided by the knowledgeable guide will enhance the experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the nuances of each gin.
Whether you’re a gin connoisseur or new to the spirit, the South Loch Gins are sure to delight and inform your palate, setting the stage for an engaging and memorable gin exploration.
Gin Production Presentation

As part of the guided gin tasting, participants explore the intricacies of gin production, from concept to bottling.
The presentation covers all aspects of gin-making, including the carefully selected botanicals, the distillation process, and the final stages of blending and bottling. Guests learn about the science behind the transformation of basic ingredients into the complex, aromatic spirit.
The knowledgeable hosts explain how the team at 56 North Distillery meticulously crafts their award-winning South Loch Gins, ensuring consistent quality and flavor.
This educational component provides valuable insights into the art and science of gin production, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Distillery Exploration
After the informative gin production presentation, participants delve deeper into the inner workings of the 56 North Distillery.
Guided by the knowledgeable staff, they explore the various equipment and facilities used to craft the award-winning South Loch Gins.
Visitors witness the distillation process firsthand, gaining an appreciation for the intricate techniques and attention to detail that go into each bottle.
The exploration culminates in a visit to Scotland’s oldest gin bar, where over 300 gins are available for sampling.
This behind-the-scenes look provides a unique and engaging experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the world of artisanal gin-making.
More Great Tours NearbyScotland’s Oldest Gin Bar

Following the in-depth exploration of the 56 North Distillery, participants step into Scotland’s oldest gin bar, where over 300 gins await their discovery.
The bar’s impressive collection showcases the remarkable diversity of gin, offering a chance to sample both classic and contemporary expressions from across the globe.
Knowledgeable bartenders guide visitors through the selections, sharing insights into the unique botanical profiles and production methods that define each gin.
With comfortable seating and a cozy atmosphere, the gin bar provides the perfect setting to savor and appreciate the nuances of this beloved spirit, cementing the 56 North experience as a true celebration of Scotland’s gin heritage.
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Included in the Experience
What does the guided gin tasting experience at 56 North Distillery include?
Guests will sample one South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic to start.
They’ll then enjoy three additional South Loch Gin samples with tasting notes, allowing them to explore the spirit’s nuanced flavors.
The experience also includes a specially prepared South Loch Gin cocktail mixed by the bar team.
Throughout the 1.5-hour tour, you will learn about gin production from concept to bottling, and get an insider’s look at the distillery’s inner workings.
This comprehensive tasting and educational experience is designed to satisfy both gin aficionados and newcomers alike.
Participant Requirements
The guided gin tasting experience at 56 North Distillery is suitable for adults aged 18 and over.
It’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the tour involves exploring the inner workings of the distillery.
Participants will meet inside the 56 North Distillery, where they’ll embark on a 1.5-hour journey through the world of award-winning South Loch Gins.
The experience includes sampling three different gin varieties, a South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic, as well as a South Loch Gin cocktail prepared by the bar team.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this gin tasting is a perfect activity for both gin enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Customer Feedback
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the guided gin tasting experience at 56 North Distillery.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 255 reviews, the tour has received exceptional feedback. Participants commend the cozy atmosphere, informative hosts, and excellent quality of the gins.
The guides are particularly praised, earning a 4.9/5 rating, while the overall value for money is rated 4.8/5. The experience is recommended for both gin enthusiasts and newcomers, with many highlighting how the presentation covered all aspects of gin production in an engaging manner.
The opportunity to explore the distillery’s inner workings and sample award-winning South Loch Gins has clearly left a lasting impression on visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Gin to the Tasting?
No, bringing your own gin to the tasting is not allowed. The experience is designed to showcase the distillery’s award-winning South Loch Gins, with samples and a cocktail included in the price. Participants must consume the provided gins during the guided tasting.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour at 56 North Distillery is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Customers must be able to navigate the distillery’s indoor spaces on their own during the experience.
Can I Purchase Additional Gin Samples During the Tasting?
Yes, visitors can purchase additional gin samples during the tasting. The experience includes 3 South Loch Gin samples, but participants can buy more if they’d like to further explore the distillery’s award-winning gin selection.
Is There a Dress Code for the Gin Tasting?
There is no strict dress code for the gin tasting experience. Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and in a manner they feel appropriate for an intimate distillery tour and tasting. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
Can I Request a Specific Gin Type During the Tasting?
The guided gin tasting at 56 North Distillery doesn’t allow participants to request specific gin types. The experience includes samples of the distillery’s award-winning South Loch Gins, as well as a gin cocktail prepared by the bar team.
Edinburgh: Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery
“We have been for the gin tour before. it was a different experience again. Very enjoyable and will do again.”
Recap
The 56 North Distillery’s guided gin tasting tour in Edinburgh offers an immersive and educational experience for both gin enthusiasts and newcomers. Visitors can sample award-winning South Loch Gins, learn about the intricate gin-making process, and explore the distillery’s cozy atmosphere. With knowledgeable hosts and a range of inclusions, this tour provides a memorable adventure into Scotland’s rich gin heritage.
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