Edinburgh: Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery

Gin fans, this one’s for you. At Edinburgh’s 56 North Distillery, you start in Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar, then taste South Loch gins while a guide points out the copper stills and the thinking behind each recipe.

I especially like the mix of a bottle-lined gin bar atmosphere (300+ gins on the shelf) and a tasting that’s built around real process, not just sipping. You get a welcome South Loch gin and Fever-Tree tonic, plus three South Loch gin samples with tasting notes, and you finish with a cocktail made by the bar team.

One consideration: this experience isn’t suitable for children under 18, and it’s also not set up for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Quick hits

• Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar with 300+ gins for inspiration
• South Loch welcome G&T to start you in the right headspace
• Three gin tastings with notes and production insights, not just a quick pour
• Copper stills on display while the guide explains how gin is made
• A final South Loch cocktail at the end, made by the on-site team
• Hosts with humor and depth (you may meet guides like James, Gary, George, or Marcus)

Entering 56 North’s gin bar: where the tasting begins

Step inside 56 North Distillery and you’re not met with a bland briefing room. You’re dropped into a proper gin bar setting, Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar, with over 300 gins on the shelves. That matters because it sets a mindset: gin here isn’t treated like a single product. It’s treated like a whole world of styles, botanicals, and choices.

You’ll start the experience right where you can look, ask questions, and get your bearings. The team welcomes you with your first drink, then you’re introduced to the distillery side of things: the copper stills that make the South Loch gins. Even if gin is new to you, you’ll quickly see how the brand fits into the broader gin scene—while still keeping the focus on what South Loch is doing.

The welcome South Loch G&T: your taste reset

The first included drink is a South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic. This is a smart move. You get a baseline flavor before the tasting becomes a test of subtle differences. Fever-Tree tonic is classic enough to keep things consistent while your guide talks through botanicals, production, and what to pay attention to as you taste.

You’ll be sipping while the guide sets the tone and explains how gin production works in practical terms—how a local craft distillery goes from concept to production. In other words, it’s not just a lesson about the final bottle. You’re being taught what happens before that bottle exists.

If you want to get the most from the three later tastings, this first G&T is where you learn what you personally like: more citrus? more spice? a cleaner finish? That early feedback helps you make better sense of the tasting notes you’ll get next.

Presentation time: how your guide explains gin

At 56 North, there’s a presentation that covers what you may have wondered about gin. The vibe from the guides is a big part of the value here. Based on past sessions led by hosts like James, Gary, George, and Marcus, the style tends to be light on the feet with enough depth to keep it interesting even if you’re not a gin superfan.

You’ll get explanations that connect the dots between:

• botanicals (what goes into the flavor)
• production (how the gin is made)
• bottling (how the spirit becomes a finished product)
• and the way recipes get refined in research and development

Some tours are “facts only.” This one is more like: here’s the idea, here’s why it works, and here’s how you can taste it. That makes it easier to enjoy even if you’re not trying to memorize terminology.

Copper stills and the distillery workflow you can actually see

One of the most appealing parts is that you don’t just hear about distilling—you get to see the inner workings at a gin distillery as part of the visit. The copper stills are shown early, and the guide walks you through how the process turns botanical choices into the final spirit.

Why that’s helpful: gin flavor isn’t random. It’s shaped by decisions made along the way, and watching the process makes those decisions feel real. You’ll also get the distillery story framed as a craft business—how it forms, how it grows, and how it turns a concept into production.

Also worth noting: gin has a business side, not only a hobby side. In past tours, guides have shared how the operation handled Covid lockdown. You might hear that kind of behind-the-scenes story as well, depending on the session.

Tasting three South Loch gins: learn the differences in a short window

After you’ve had your welcome drink and listened to the presentation, you’ll move into the tasting portion: three South Loch gin samples, served with tasting notes and insights into the R&D behind them. This is one of the best reasons to book this tour instead of doing a self-guided bar crawl.

A bar can tempt you into drinking what you already know. This tasting trains you to notice what’s different. You’ll get practical prompts from the guide on how to taste. And because the three samples are from the same distillery, you can focus on differences in style, botanicals, and balance without getting lost in the noise of 300 unrelated bottles.

Here’s how to make this portion work for you:

• Take a slow first sip on each gin, then pause before comparing.
• Use the tasting notes as a “map,” not as a rule.
• Think about what the gin tastes like with tonic versus neat or mixed (since your first drink includes tonic, you’ve already started building that contrast).

This is the part most likely to keep non-gin lovers engaged too. In past sessions, people have said the process and details clicked even when they weren’t sure they’d enjoy a gin tour.

The final South Loch cocktail: a drink with context

You don’t end with a final photo and a goodbye. You finish by enjoying a South Loch Gin cocktail, made by the dedicated bar team. This final stop does two useful things for you.

First, it lets you taste gin in a real-world mixed format, not only as separate samples. Second, it helps you leave with a clear next step. If you like one of the tasting gins you tried, you can connect it to what you liked about the cocktail’s flavor direction.

This cocktail finish also adds value because you’re not paying only for instruction. You’re paying for an experience that keeps feeding you along the way: welcome G&T, three tastings, and a final mixed drink.

Price and timing: what $26 gets you in 1.5 hours

At $26 per person for about 1.5 hours, this tour is designed as a compact, high-value tasting. Here’s what you’re actually getting, based on what’s included:

• 1 South Loch gin and Fever-Tree tonic
• 3 South Loch gin samples
• 1 South Loch Gin mixed drink/cocktail

That’s multiple measures plus guided explanations. If you’re the type who would normally spend money on a drink (or three) while figuring out what to order next, the math often works in favor of booking the guided session—because the drinks come packaged with tasting coaching and context.

Timing is another point in your favor. In Edinburgh, it’s easy to overload your day. A 90-minute experience gives you structure without swallowing your evening.

One more practical note: you start inside 56 North and end back at the meeting point. That’s convenient. You don’t need to coordinate transport or hunt down a second location.

Who this gin tasting suits (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• a fun, guided introduction to how gin is made
• a structured tasting with South Loch as the through-line
• a cozy gin bar atmosphere paired with real production talk
• a session that isn’t only for people who already know their botanicals

It can also work for people who think they’re not “a gin person.” Past sessions have included first-timers who still enjoyed the explanations and the samples. If you like learning through tasting, you’re in the right place.

Skip it if:

• you’re bringing someone under 18 (it isn’t suitable for children under 18)
• you use a wheelchair or need mobility accommodations (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments)
• you expect a purely historical tour with stops and sights beyond the distillery and bar area (this is very much centered on gin and the distillery experience)

Also, bring ID. You’ll be asked for a passport or ID card.

Should you book the guided gin tasting at 56 North?

Yes, if you want an efficient, drink-included tasting that teaches you what to notice. This tour stands out for the way it mixes bar culture with a real look at how gin is produced—complete with three South Loch samples, tasting notes, and a cocktail finish.

Book it especially if you’re going to be in Edinburgh for a short stay and want one experience that’s both social and educational. It’s also a good value bet at $26 because the included drinks are part of the show, not an afterthought.

Don’t book it if mobility access is an issue or if you’re traveling with minors. And if you already know exactly which South Loch gins you want and just want to drink, you might feel like you’re paying for instruction you won’t use.

FAQ

How long is the Edinburgh gin tasting at 56 North Distillery?

The experience lasts about 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for your preferred time.

What is the price per person?

It costs $26 per person.

What drinks are included in the guided tasting?

You’ll receive 1 South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic, 3 South Loch gin samples, and 1 South Loch Gin mixed drink/cocktail.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet your guide inside 56 North, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there a live English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour includes a live guide and is offered in English.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

You should bring a passport or ID card.

Is the experience suitable for children?

No. It isn’t suitable for children under 18.

Is it wheelchair accessible or suitable for mobility impairments?

No. It isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.