Scottish Gin experiences for happy mums
Do you have a gin-loving mum? The sheer number of gins available now can make choosing a mother’s day gift a bit overwhelming. So how about treating your mum to a Scottish Gin experience? Plenty of distilleries now offer packages where you and your mum (or anyone else) can have a great day learning about gin and, of course, having a taste.
Take a look at our picks of the many great Scottish Gin experiences below:
NB Connoisseurs tour
A newly-launched Scottish Gin experience from the NB Distillery in North Berwick, this visit has a real touch of luxury and relaxation. They actually provide you with slippers on arrival and encourage you to relax and enjoy every minute. As well as a full distillery tour, you’ll sample all the NB spirit range and then enjoy a drink of your choice and hand-made canapes. Complete with log burners and comfortable sofas – it really is a place you will not want to leave! Find out more and book here.
Badachro Distillery Experience
If you are planning a visit to the scenic village of Badachro, Gordon and Vanessa Quinn, founders of Badachro Gin would love to welcome you on “a visitor experience unlike any you have tasted before”. Their newly-launched gin experience allows visitors to get up close to the still, the distiller and the workings of Badachro Distillery in this genuine and intimate introduction to their artisan work.
This is no ordinary distillery tour. With a maximum of six visitors, the experience is personal and immersive. The intimate tour is led by distiller and owners Gordon and Vanessa, so you can be sure of a true Badachro welcome. Find out more.
Pickering’s Gin Jolly
If you’re looking for a great gin experience in Edinburgh, the lovely pe
ople at Pickering’s Gin are delighted to welcome visitors on a “gin jolly” around Summerhall Distillery.
Situated in the old Dick Vet animal hospital, this unique, friendly and intriguing tour takes you backstage to the production of the iconic Pickering’s gin. You’ll see the whole process, as well as get a comprehensive background to the history of gin.
The tour starts with a P&T poured from the Gin Tap (!) in their neighbouring Royal Dick Bar and is rounded off with some gin tasting just 3 feet from the stills. Tours cost just £10 per head and you can book online here. They were just awarded Visit Scotland Thistle Award’s Best Visitor Attraction in Edinburgh and the Lothians, so it’s best to book early.
The Crossbill Hatchery Gin School
And over at the Hatchery Gin School in Barras Art and Design Centre, Glasgow, you have the unique opportunity to meet and hear an introduction from founder of Crossbill Gin, Jonathan Engels who will guide 
you through an exceptional gin-making experience.
On the day, Jonathan will share his expertise on the gin-making process, help you test and select your own botanicals, create a botanical basket, then distil your very own gin in a miniature copper pot still. Finally, your bottle will be labelled with your bespoke design to take home and show off.
Included in the 3-hour masterclass is a tutored gin tasting, so you can taste your gin like an expert! You can book from just £90 per head, find out how here.
Badachro visitor experience
Brand new and worth a visit is the Badachro visitor experience – an up-close and personal visit to the home of Badachro Gin, led by the founders 
Gordon and Vanessa. The experience begins with an explanation of all things Badachro & Gin (in their gorgeous Wintergarden), followed by a visit to the actual distillery, to meet Delilah (the still) and learn about the full production process. Then it’s back to the Wintergarden for the all-important tasting of the gin and a chance to ask Gordon and Vanessa any burning questions. Book your place here.
Blendworks from Eden Mill
Ideally located in the historically beautiful Rusacks Hotel, St. Andrews, and overlooking the iconic 18th hole of the Old Course, or in the heart of Glasgow’s Princes Square, the people behind Eden Mill Gin have created Blendworks, a gin classroom, dedicated to the pursuit of your perfect gin flavour.
Join the Eden Mill experts for a gin masterclass, where you will be able to sample their gins, then have the opportunity to design, make and bottle your very own gin and take home 3 bottles to share and enjoy. This is a wonderful day out in a beautiful setting – perfect for serious gin-lovers. Costs from £95, find out more here.
Kirkuvagr Orkney Distillery
A bit farther afield, situated on Kirkwall’s harbour-front, the Orkney Distillery is the perfect destination for gi-lovers looking for a truly warm and friendly gin experience in Orkney. They offer guided tours that take you through the entire process, from botanicals to bottling and, best of all, you get to relax and sample their gin selection with a truly stunning view. Stephen, Aly and the team even offer a new gin school, where you can mix and enjoy our very own creation. Find out more and book your place today.
The Secret Herb Garden
If your mum loves the garden, then she will love exploring this hidden gem, The Secret Herb Garden, home of Old Curiosity Gin, is set at Old Pentland, near the Hillend Ski Slope and is a paradise for people who love to grow things.
Besides browsing the nursery for herbs and other fragrant plants, they now offer gin garden tours, as well as providing an array of 
workshops, from candle making to furniture up-cycling. You can also enjoy some yummy food and coffee and take a look in their shop, which includes, of course, the magnificent colour-changing Old Curiosity Gin, made with botanicals grown on site.
It’s a wonderful day out – find out about their upcoming events here.
Isle of Skye Gin School
Way up on the beautiful Isle of Skye, brothers Alastair and Thomas Wilson 
have opened a new gin school experience in their Portree distillery – home to Misty Isle Gin.
On the 3-hour gin experience, you’ll get the opportunity to hear first hand about the history of the distillery and gins and get a chance to taste them all. Then you’ll be guided through your very own gin-making journey, ending up with your unique creation to enjoy at home. The entire experience costs £85 per person and can be booked here.
Daffy’s at Strathmashie Distillery
Another stunning location for a gin experience, you can learn hands-on how to make your very own exceptional gin at Strathmashie Distillery from the team who created Daffy’s Gin at their Highland home.
Paddleboard foraging at Daffy’s
Not only will you design the flavour profile for your perfect gin, but you”’ forage for your botanicals in the beautiful grounds and hills around the distillery. After that, you’ll be guided through a step-by-step process to create and distil your ultimate gin. They even offer adventurous foraging experiences, like paddleboarding – is your mum up for it? Find out more and book here.
Craft 56 Gin Club
Sample some of Scotland’s finest craft gins without having to leave your house! A subscription to Craft 56 Gin club means monthly deliveries of the finest small-batch gins from the most exciting distilleries across Scotland, delivered to your door along with some exciting treats.
The boxes cost £40 per month and you can choose to have them delivered monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. So your mum could look forward to getting a new quality gin, a recommended mixer, gourmet treats, tasting notes and cocktail recipes. Great for creating an enviable gin shelf or sharing with her favourite son or daughter!
However you’re celebrating, we wish you Happy Mother’s Day from the team at The Scottish Gin Society! Whether you’re treating your mum, yourself or another gin-lover in your life, we hope this selection of gin experiences gives you gin-spiration for a brilliant day out!
Please enjoy gin responsibly.
