The Edinburgh Address & Adore ScotlandGin in Edinburgh Before Gin became a beloved beverage distilled in Edinburgh, Scots used to import its precursor 'genever' from the Netherlands, in the 16th, 17th and 18th century. As more genever was imported and even more smuggled in, this fashionable liquor became Edinburgh distillers favourite spirit and the started producing it close to hand. Unfortunately, Edinburgh Gin industry slowly declined, giving more space to whisky, making the latter a popular 20th century drink. Edinburgh’s last gin distillery, Melrose Drover, closed in 1974, an the city’s relationship with the gin trade was over. But do not despair, because a new generation of gin distillers brought back this old tradition to the capital. So, let's have a look at favourite bars, pubs and tours in Edinburgh, great for all gin lovers. (Remember to check directly the companies' websites for more details and when they will be open) Pickering’s Gin - Tour We really enjoyed this original and fascinating tour of Pickering’s Gin Distillery. This lovely working distillery is the first exclusive gin distillery to have been established in Edinburgh. The tour: Start with a refreshing Gin & Tonic and walk around this quirky place, learning about the history of gin and the story behind Pickering's unique recipe. Find out how a small team came to distill gin in the former kennels of Edinburgh’s old veterinary school and how is made! Of course, for the thirsty, you’ll enjoy a tasting of different Pickering’s gins. What’s more, you can buy your favourite gin for you to share with friends! Where? 1 Summerhall Distillery Edinburgh EH9 1PL More info: https://www.pickeringsgin.com/distillery-tours/ Edinburgh Gin Distillery This working distillery, located in Edinburgh City Centre, is a fun and informative experience. Learn about the history of gin and its connection to Edinburgh, taste different gins and get lost in their fully stocked Edinburgh Gin Shop. Where? 1a Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD More info: https://www.edinburghgin.com/ Royal Dick Bar at Summerhall This quirky place, with friendly staff, offers local beers and good food. If you love gin, then ask for Pickering's gin, coming from the distillery next door, directly from the tap! Where? 1 Summerhall Edinburgh EH9 1PL More info: https://www.summerhall.co.uk/the-royal-dick/ Heads & Tales Gin Bar This atmospheric bar is where Edinburgh Gin is produced. Enjoy the wide range of gins and great cocktails, each served with its own distinctive garnish. While you enjoy your cocktail you can enjoy the decor of the bar and see the stills from the Edinburgh Gin distillery. Where? 1a Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD More info:http://www.headsandtalesbar.com/ One Square - Restaurant Enjoy a fun and informative gin tasting, take home your own mini bottle of gin, after waxing, sealing and stamping it yourself! Of course, you can eat too. Enjoy some delicious Scottish food in this beautiful modern Scottish restaurant. Where? 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR More info: http://www.onesquareedinburgh.co.uk/en/gin-tasting Jupiter Gin Cruises Sail on board of the Lochrin Belle canal boat and start a lovely two hour tasting through Edinburgh's canal. Sample gins from around Scotland and learn about the fascinating history of gin and juniper. Eat tasty bites and enjoy this beautiful canal boat ride. Where? Edinburgh Canal More info: https://www.summerhalldrinkslab.co.uk/cruises.html *This is not a promotional article. The Edinburgh Address is not associated, affiliated or endorsed by any of the companies featured. All images shown above in our blog post are the property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with us in any way*
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The Edinburgh Distillery Experience - Gin

Written by Davide Tedesco|

Let's have a look at favourite bars, pubs and tours in Edinburgh, great for all gin lovers. Updated: 17/09/2020

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Gin in Edinburgh

Before Gin became a beloved beverage distilled in Edinburgh, Scots used to import its precursor 'genever' from the Netherlands, in the 16th, 17th and 18th century. As more genever was imported and even more smuggled in, this fashionable liquor became Edinburgh distillers favourite spirit and the started producing it close to hand. Unfortunately, Edinburgh Gin industry slowly declined, giving more space to whisky, making the latter a popular 20th century drink. Edinburgh’s last gin distillery, Melrose Drover, closed in 1974, an the city’s relationship with the gin trade was over.

But do not despair, because a new generation of gin distillers brought back this old tradition to the capital.

So, let's have a look at favourite bars, pubs and tours in Edinburgh, great for all gin lovers. (Remember to check directly the companies' websites for more details and when they will be open)


Pickering’s Gin - Tour

We really enjoyed this original and fascinating tour of Pickering’s Gin Distillery. This lovely working distillery is the first exclusive gin distillery to have been established in Edinburgh.
The tour: Start with a refreshing Gin & Tonic and walk around this quirky place, learning about the history of gin and  the story behind Pickering's unique recipe. Find out how a small team came to distill gin in the former kennels of Edinburgh’s old veterinary school and how is made! Of course, for the thirsty, you’ll enjoy a tasting of different Pickering’s gins. What’s more, you can buy your favourite gin for you to share with friends!

Where? 1 Summerhall Distillery Edinburgh EH9 1PL

More info: https://www.pickeringsgin.com/distillery-tours/


Edinburgh Gin Distillery

This working distillery, located in Edinburgh City Centre, is a fun and informative experience. Learn about the history of gin and its connection to Edinburgh, taste different gins and get lost in their fully stocked Edinburgh Gin Shop. 

Where? 1a Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD

More info: https://www.edinburghgin.com/


Royal Dick Bar at Summerhall

This quirky place, with friendly staff, offers local beers and good food. If you love gin, then ask for Pickering's gin, coming from the distillery next door, directly from the tap!

Where? 1 Summerhall Edinburgh EH9 1PL

More info: https://www.summerhall.co.uk/the-royal-dick/


Heads & Tales Gin Bar

This atmospheric bar is where Edinburgh Gin is produced. Enjoy the wide range of gins and great cocktails, each served with its own distinctive garnish. While you enjoy your cocktail you can enjoy the decor of the bar and see the stills from the Edinburgh Gin distillery.

Where? 1a Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD

More info:http://www.headsandtalesbar.com/


One Square - Restaurant

Enjoy a fun and informative gin tasting, take home your own mini bottle of gin, after waxing, sealing and stamping it yourself! Of course, you can eat too. Enjoy some delicious Scottish food in this beautiful modern Scottish restaurant.

Where? 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR

More info: http://www.onesquareedinburgh.co.uk/en/gin-tasting


Jupiter Gin Cruises

Sail on board of the Lochrin Belle canal boat and start a lovely two hour tasting through Edinburgh's canal. Sample gins from around Scotland and learn about the fascinating history of gin and juniper. Eat tasty bites and enjoy this beautiful canal boat ride.

Where? Edinburgh Canal

More info: https://www.summerhalldrinkslab.co.uk/cruises.html


*This is not a promotional article. The Edinburgh Address is not associated, affiliated or endorsed by any of the companies featured. All images shown above in our blog post are the property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with us in any way*


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