A small, focused gin tour with real still action

Gin isn’t just a drink here; it’s a hands-on story told in the middle of the distillery. I like that the experience starts with a properly poured gin and tonic at Summerhall and then moves into what Pickering’s is doing today—plus the way classic gin ideas were born here.

I also love the tasting setup: you sample four award-winning gins and can talk through what you taste with the group right there in a dedicated tasting space. One drawback to plan for: the tour requires standing, so if you prefer a seated experience, this might feel a bit long at 1 hour.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• A gin and tonic served first, so you start smelling and tasting right away
• The working stills named Gertrude and Emily (yes, you may actually see them steaming)
• A clear tasting sequence with four different gins, not just one quick sip
• A distillery story tied to inventions and momentum, not only brand marketing
• A 5cl miniature London-Dry gin to take home as a real souvenir
• Small-group feel, which helps you ask questions without shouting over everyone

Gin tour at Summerhall: why this format works

Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour is built like a good evening plan: short, structured, and centered on what you came for—how gin gets made and what it tastes like. At Summerhall, you’re not wandering a giant visitor center. You’re moving through spaces with purpose: a warm welcome drink, then the production area, then tasting.

It also helps that this is very Edinburgh-specific. The tour highlights the idea of Pickering’s as the first gin-exclusive distillery in the city in 150 years, which gives the visit a sense of local “now” rather than just old-world nostalgia. If you like modern craft that still feels rooted in place, this fits.

And because the tour runs under any weather (mostly indoors), you don’t have to time your day around rain. That matters in Edinburgh, where plans can get pushed around fast.

Where to meet: Royal Dick Bar inside Summerhall

Your start point is simple once you know it: meet at the Royal Dick Bar, which sits within Summerhall. The directions say it’s immediately to the left after Reception, so you don’t need to hunt across the whole complex.

This is a practical setup for two reasons. First, it gets you into the Summerhall flow quickly, without a long pre-wait. Second, it puts you in the right mindset: you’re essentially beginning your gin experience before you even enter the distillery portion.

If you’re arriving early, use the time to get oriented at Summerhall. The tour is only 1 hour, and it’s better when you can relax rather than sprint the moment the group is called.

The first stop: your gin and tonic welcome at the Old Workshop

The tour’s opening move is smart: you head to the Old Workshop area for a perfectly poured gin and tonic. This isn’t just a free drink handed to you. It’s an intro to the sensory side of gin—aroma, balance, and how the botanicals show up once the liquid is in a glass.

This is also where the distillery story begins. You’ll hear about the inventions that were born here and the success story behind Pickering’s. That’s one of the things I’d call out as a real value: you don’t just walk through equipment while people talk at you. You get context first, so when you later see the stills, you understand what matters and why.

A small practical note: the tour requires standing, so if you’re ordering a drink early in the process, keep your posture comfortable. You’ll likely be on your feet more than you think.

Seeing the distillery process: meeting the distillers and the stills

After the welcome, you move to the distillery itself. This is where the tour shifts from story to action.

You’ll meet the distillers at work, and the description specifically mentions a chance to see Gertrude and Emily—Pickering’s two stills—running in steaming action. Even if you don’t catch every moment, the point is that you’re watching a working process, not touring props.

What I like about this segment is how it connects gin-making steps to the final flavor. The tour sets you up to understand the unique distillation process used for Pickering’s gin, so the tasting that follows doesn’t feel random. When you later pick which sample you love, you’ll usually be able to explain why, even if your “why” is just you noticing how the botanicals behave.

The tour also earns goodwill here because it’s clearly tied to a working business. One recurring theme in guide performance is enthusiasm plus clear answering of questions. Names that have led tours include Max, Jamie, Emma, Alyssa, and Sofie, and the vibe that comes through is that guides want you involved, not just passively listening.

The tasting room: four award-winning gins, one guided conversation

Once you step into the next room for tasting, the tone becomes more personal. You’re walked through a tasting of four award-winning gin samples, and you can share your thoughts and feelings about your favorite.

This is the part that often becomes the highlight for gin lovers, and it’s easy to see why. Gin has a wide flavor range depending on botanical blend and how it’s distilled. Four samples let you compare without having to buy a full bottle of everything at once.

You’ll also get mixers as part of the tasting experience. One review specifically noted that you can try gin with different mixers during the tasting, which is useful if you’re the type who doesn’t always drink gin straight. It’s also a good reality check: a gin might taste one way neat and another way in your preferred style.

For first-timers, this format is especially helpful. You don’t need prior tasting vocabulary. You can just pay attention to what you like—citrus lift, floral notes, spice warmth, or herbal backbone—and then ask your guide what they think you’re noticing.

Your take-home bottle: the 5cl London-Dry mini

You’ll leave with a complimentary miniature bottle of London-Dry gin. The listed size is 5cl, which is small enough to pack but meaningful enough to remember the tour when you get home.

Why this matters: a souvenir bottle isn’t just a receipt. It’s a chance to repeat the experience. Make a quick gin and tonic later and compare it to what you tasted. If you liked a specific sample from the four, you’ll be able to anchor that memory to a bottle you actually own.

One detail you might see mentioned elsewhere is wax sealing. A guest pointed out that the activity details hint at sealing your mini bottle with wax, but the reality was that bottles come prepared and sealed in plastic. If you’re mentally planning for a craft step, don’t count on it. You should still feel confident you’ll get the mini bottle.

Price and value: what $33 buys you in real terms

At $33 per person for a 1-hour experience, the math is fairly straightforward: you’re paying for access plus a guided distillery walk-through and a tasting that includes multiple servings.

Here’s what’s included in the ticket:

• Distillery entry
• The tour itself
• 1 gin and tonic
• 4 gin samples
• A 5cl miniature of London-Dry gin

That bundle is where the value lives. Many gin events charge for tasting alone, and you often don’t get a souvenir tied to what you tasted. Here, the tasting is part of the tour flow, and the mini bottle gives you a real take-home payoff.

It also helps that the tour has a strong track record. The rating is 4.8 with 135 reviews, and the comments repeatedly praise guides for being engaging and informative, plus the tasting experience itself. When you’re spending money on alcohol-focused activities, I’d rather see consistency in quality than hype.

Practical stuff that affects your comfort (standing, no food, +18 only)

A few rules shape the experience more than you might think:

• The tour requires you to stand. Plan comfortable shoes, especially if you’re visiting Edinburgh on foot.
• It’s +18 only, and the distillery won’t serve or allow people under the influence of alcohol. The guide can refuse entry if they believe you’re under the influence, with no refund.
• Food isn’t allowed, and the tour description doesn’t include any food element. If you’re hungry, I’d eat before you arrive.

Also, it’s wheelchair accessible, which is good news if you use mobility aids. Just remember the standing requirement still applies for how the tour is conducted.

Finally, the tour is led by an English-speaking live guide, and the overall format is indoors for most of the visit. That keeps the experience stable even when the weather is doing its Edinburgh thing.

Who should book this gin tour (and who might want to skip it)

This tour is a great match if you:

• Like gin and want to taste multiple styles, not just one
• Enjoy small-group experiences where you can ask questions
• Want a distillery visit that stays focused for about an hour
• Prefer craft details you can connect to actual flavor choices

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need a seated tour or struggle with standing for the duration
• Don’t want alcohol involved at all (you will get gin and tonic and multiple gin samples)
• Are traveling with someone under 18 (the tour is strictly +18)

Should you book the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour

If you’re planning a short stop in Edinburgh and want a focused, pay-for-what-you-get kind of experience, I think this is an easy recommendation. You start with a gin and tonic, you get a real look at distillation at Summerhall (with a chance to see Gertrude and Emily), and you end with four tastings plus a London-Dry mini to bring home. For $33, that’s a lot of tangible experience in one hour.

Book it if you want gin with explanation and comparison. Pass if standing and alcohol-focused tastings don’t fit your style.

FAQ

How long is the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour.

Where do I meet the guide for this tour?

Meet your guide at the Royal Dick Bar within Summerhall. It’s immediately to the left after Reception.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes entry to Pickering’s Distillery, the distillery tour, 1 gin and tonic, 4 gin samples, and a 5cl miniature bottle of London-Dry gin.

Is the tour for adults only?

Yes. This tour is for +18 only.

Is food served or allowed during the tour?

No. Food is not allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What if someone appears under the influence?

The distillery states they are unable to serve or allow people under the influence into the distillery. If the guide believes someone is under the influence, they can refuse entry with no refund.

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If you tell me your travel dates and whether you’re a gin newbie or already have favorites, I can help you decide the best time to fit this into your Edinburgh day.

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