Give a Scottish Gin experience for Christmas
Are you one of the smug people who have your cards posted, gifts all bought and wrapped and under the tree with nothing to do but have a mulled gin and sit back and wait for the big day? No? Us neither!
To be honest, there has been a bit of a present panic going on at Scottish Gin HQ, but we’ve hit upon the perfect idea for those last-minute gifts. Up and down Scotland, Scottish Gin distilleries are opening their doors and offering the public a range of wonderful gin experiences. What better gift for the gin-lover in your life?
There are plenty to choose from, but to give you a taste, here are a selection of 10 Scottish Gin experiences you can book today:
Eden Mill St Andrews
At their Blendworks Gin School in St. Andrews, Eden Mill run a variety of gin tastings, talks, tours and the chance to spend the day creating and sampling your very own bespoke Gin. Experiences are also available in Glasgow and Aberdeen. Check out their website for more details.
Old Curiosity Distillery, Edinburgh
In the stunning surroundings of The Secret Herb Garden, just outside Edinburgh, you can enjoy a wonderfully sensory tour of their Gin Garden and distillery, where they grow the botanicals that create the range of Secret Garden Gins. Led by a passionate team member, you’ll learn the background to the botanicals and the process involved. Book here.
Crossbill Gin, Glasgow
Based in the legendary Barras in the heart of Glasgow’s East end, the recently refurbished and renovated Crossbill Gin distillery is open to visitors. You can view the distilling process, chat to staff and enjoy a drink in their on-site bar. Also on the premises is the Crossbill Gin School, where you get the opportunity to spend the day creating your own gin while learning the history and industry secrets of gin distilling. Find out what’s on offer and book your place on the Crossbill website.
Crafty Distillery, Galloway
If you’re looking for a gin experience in the picturesque setting of Dumfries and Galloway, the award-winning Crafty Distillery experience is not to be missed! Take a tour of the distillery, with its panoramic views over the Galloway Hills, sample the gin or a cocktail and enjoy local artisan food. Learn more.
The Orkney Distillery
Situated right on the harbour at Kirkwall, you can be sure of a warm welcome at The Orkney Distillery, home to the range of Kirkjuvagr Gins. Tours, meals, tastings and gin making experiences are all on offer by the lovely team in this amazing building. Find out more and book here.
Dunnet Bay Distillery, Caithness
Awarded 5 stars by The Scottish Tourist Board, Dunnet Bay Distillery (home to Rock Rose Gin) offers tours, tastings and a great wee shop! Perfectly located at the top of the North West 500 route, it’s worth a little detour. Learn more.
NB Distillery, North Berwick
If you like a touch of luxury, check out the NB Distillery Connoisseur’s Tour, where visitors are treated to drinks, canapes and even slippers before taking a tour of the distillery and learning the process. Awarded 5 stars by Visit Scotland, it’s the perfect day out for any gin lover. Book your place here.
Still River Gin School, Glasgow
While Still River Gin is distilled in Deeside, they run regular Gin School events in The Arches, Glasgow, where visitors can enjoy a G&T, learn all about the distilling process, then get to work on their own mini copper still, creating a gin of their own by selecting the botanicals, blending and distilling. You can sample the range of Still River Gins too and at the end, you proudly take your creation home. Book here.
1881 Distillery and Gin School, Peebles
Within the beautiful and opulent location of Peebles Hydro, you’ll find their own distillery, where they create the range of 1881 Gins. The visitor experience and gin school that they offer are second to none, a real treat for anyone with a love of gin. Their gin school is the largest residential gin school in the UK, where visitors can explore the gardens of Peebles Hydro, tour the distillery and get guided through the process of making their very own gin. Find out more and book a place on their website.
Port of Leith Distillery, Edinburgh
While work is underway on an exciting new gin and whisky distillery in the docks of Leith, the friendly team behind Lind & Lime Gin are welcoming visitors to their little stillhouse. A cosy and fun affair, you’ll learn all about their story, the process behind the gin and sherry they produce and, of course, get the chance to sample them. Really worth a visit! Book a place here.
While we could go on and on for many pages on all the amazing gin experiences that Scotland has to offer, we hope this wee taster has whet your appetite and given you some inspiration for a last-minute gift that will surprise and delight!
Please enjoy gin responsibly.
