secret gin tour edinburgh

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Gin Tours in Edinburgh: Distilleries, Make-Your-Own, & Gin Pub Trail

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Let the games be-gin! While whisky is still the tourist tipple of choice, there has been a distillation explosion in Scotland, which visitors can learn about during the following Edinburgh gin tours featuring distilleries, masterclasses, make-your-own, and a City Centre gin bar crawl!

You may also like our guide to whisky tours in the city and beer gardens list .

Gin Distillery Tours in Edinburgh

Holyrood distillery for whisky and gin.

Holyrood Distillery (19 St Leonard’s Ln) founders Rob and Kelly Carpenter and former Macallan master distiller David Robertson opened the doors to the century-old Engine Shed in 2019.

Known as being the first distillery in Edinburgh to produce single malt whisky since 1925, the tasting tour provides a ‘buy one get one free’ experience as visitors get to learn about whisky and gin!

The reason distilleries produce both spirits is because they have to wait three years for whisky to mature, whereas the distillation process of gin is much quicker.

This City Centre gin tasting tour is led by an expert guide who discusses the traditions of craft distilling used at Holyrood and encourages guests to taste and smell their way through the session.

Reserve your spot here .

• Duration: 1 hour
• Drinks included: Yes

56 North Distillery and The Oldest Gin Bar in Edinburgh

Sitting on the city’s Southside, close to The Meadows, 56 North Distillery (2 W Crosscauseway, Newington) reveals how their award-winning South Loch Gins are created during this 1.5-hour gin experience .

The interactive tour includes information on the botanical production and a visit to the oldest dedicated gin bar, which boasts over 300 types of gin.

Guests sample three gins that are made on the premises and use a bit of their new-found knowledge, plus support from tasting notes to identify what’s in the glass, or they can sip while they think!

And, if you time it right, you might just get to try a soon-to-be-released secret potion!

The tour wraps up with a gin cocktail.

• Duration 1.5 hours

Lind & Lime For Production and Cocktails

Heading down to the Shore, Lind & Lime (24 Coburg St) is located in the lively Leith neighbourhood , which can be reached by foot, bus, or tram.

Savour a signature welcome gin and tonic, giving you the courage to join the production team of this working distillery, where you are invited to bottle and label your own mini bottle of Lind & Lime Gin as a souvenir!

Before you go, your guide will teach you how to perfect the Gimlet during a gin cocktail-making session.

• Drinks included: Yes, during class and to take away

Note: Some tours require proof of age, so remember to pack a driver’s license or passport.

Gin Tasting in Edinburgh

The lost close for gin tasting below the old town.

Moving away from the traditional distillery tours, The Lost Close (1A Parliament Square), which is part of CoDE Pod – THE CoURT accommodation just off the Royal Mile, hosts an underground gin-tasting event.

The 1-hour tour allows participants to try out four different gin flavours and various tonics to suit every tastebud!

Reviews give positive comments to the unique location and the brilliant gin guides.

• Duration 1 hour

Cumberland Bar For Make-Your-Own-Gin Experience

The Cumberland Bar (1-3 Cumberland St) is known for its sports on TV and Sunday roast, but it also puts on a cool make-your-own gin class in Edinburgh.

Visitors are transformed into scientists during this 3-hour session creating their own 500 ml gin concoction in a small group setting, a bespoke expedition for big gin fans who have done the above tours already.

Reserve a spot here .

• Duration 3 hours

56 North For Gin and Cheese Pairing

Back to Scotland’s oldest gin bar at 56 North (2 W Crosscauseway) for a 2-hour tasting session , ideal for those who want to drink without touring the copper stills.

The session lines up eight different flavours of gin for tasting, paired with cheese, while a professional tour guide talks the group through the history and process of gin making in Scotland.

• Duration 2 hour
• Drinks included: Yes, and cheese

Cheese fans, there’s a cheese crawl in the city! Read all about it in our food tour guide .

Popular Edinburgh Gin Bars

If you prefer to build your own gin trail in Edinburgh, there are plenty of options to choose from. Starting in the West End and working your way through the New Town to the Old Town , the trail takes 30 minutes to walk in total.

Heads & Tales Gin Bar

The team of mixologists at Heads & Tails (1a Rutland St) use the product of the two in-house Edinburgh Gin stills to dream up a fun menu for connoisseurs.

Located between the entrances of The Huxley and the Ghillie Dhu, it can be a little tricky trying to find the front door.

This is a dog-friendly gin bar in Edinburgh’s West End .

We could not leave out this compact yet lively cocktail bar with a name like Tonic (34A N Castle St) could we?!

The detailed menu has a handy key for food allergens, and the cocktail names are a giggle.

Copper Blossom

Popular with groups of girls, Copper Blossom (107 George St), this photogenic cocktail bar offers an extensive gin-infused menu and a hearty food menu.

The boozy brunch is also popular.

Lucky Liquor Co

An Ev Ed favourite, Lucky Liquor Co (39A Queen St) is a Queen Street basement bar with great music and specialist booze, some of which include gin.

Feeling peckish? There is also a small selection of bar snacks.

Bramble Bar

Bramble Bar (16A Queen St) is another intimate New Town bar.

The cocktail that bears the bar name comprises gin, lemon, and blackberry.

McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium

McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium (49-50 George IV Bridge) is a fun bar located on the touristy George IV Bridge just before Edinburgh’s answer to Diagon Alley, Victoria Street.

It’s not just the pub name that fits with the Harry Potter theme that the area enjoys; its decor is also spell-binding; even the menu that features 100 gins and 120 whisky options looks like potion books!

Final Words

There’s no denying that gin is at the forefront of the Scottish culinary and drinks sector, so why not learn more about its history and the craftsmanship that goes into creating one of the leading tipples?

Which Edinburgh gin tour did you choose? Tell us in the comments!

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The Secret Garden Distillery

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Secret Garden Distillery

The Secret Garden Distillery in Edinburgh invites gin enthusiasts to embark on an extraordinary gin tasting and tour experience. Situated on the borders of in a city rich in gin history, their award-winning distillery stands out in a unique, lush, urban oasis. They’ve recently renovated their Sample Bar Tasting Room, expanded their botanical drying room, and landscaped their Gin Garden, all ready for an unforgettable experience.

Throughout your visit, you’ll explore their remarkable gin adventure, guided by expert gin connoisseurs. Uncover the secrets behind their gin-making process, from locally-sourced ingredients to meticulous distillation techniques. The Garden, with over 600 varieties of hand-harvested botanicals, is the heart of their distillery, reflecting their commitment to nature and sustainability. From traditional London Dry styles to contemporary compounded gins, their range showcases the flavours and colours of nature. The Secret Garden Distillery is a haven of natural beauty where gin-making is an art inspired by the magic of the garden, creating exceptional, all-natural Scottish gins.

Travel Time:

Swanston Village

Edinburgh & Lothian

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Glencorse old kirk, roslin castle, the caiy stane, discover edinburgh's best kept secret at gilmerton cove, original rosslyn inn, machina coffee, travellers journeys nearby, exploring edinburgh in the haar, a stroll around dean village, a day trip to fife's east neuk, the mighty red squirrel, exploring the glasshouses at glasgow botanic gardens, local inspiration, from fields to form: an insightful conversation with basketmaker anna liebmann, cultivating scottish willow and crafting timeless baskets, blooming beauty: seilich skincare’s wild journey from scottish meadows to radiant skin, inside albys: edinburgh’s sandwich shop success story, agnes randolph and the siege of dunbar castle, edinburgh castle and the black dinner, a prince’s murder at falkland palace, meet sara, owner of castaway, best picnic spots in edinburgh, secret gardens in edinburgh’s city centre, the best restaurant in scotland named in national awards, edinburgh’s lesser-known museums, a daring escape from dalkeith palace, a royal warning at linlithgow palace, a slow travel guide to culross, meet stephanie lothian, co-owner of williamstone farm steadings, april in edinburgh, meet illustrator emily hogarth, the scottish seawolf of culross, march in edinburgh, crawford priory’s ghostly menagerie, the defence of dunbar castle, explore the world’s first digital unesco trail, february in edinburgh, january in edinburgh, december in edinburgh, doom & gloom at castle campbel, 5 best beaches in the scottish borders, november in edinburgh, win an overnight stay at dunstane houses in edinburgh, fife’s hidden gems, october in edinburgh, the secrets buried in roslin glen, hills, forests and valleys of southern scotland, touring the southern coast of scotland, the murderous craigmillar bond, old edinburgh’s unlikely criminal, lochend park, newhailes house, the jacobite garrison of the bass rock, the 16 best castles to visit near edinburgh, corstorphine walled garden, tantallon castle and the 1st earl of douglas, jupiter artland, meet laura wilson, owner of the dundonald guesthouse and cottage, melrose abbey and robert the bruce’s heart, thomas randolph and the capture of edinburgh castle, st monans church, edinburgh hotels, the coastal villages of fife, duddingston village, the great hall in the scottish national portrait gallery, dunbar’s close, the stockbridge duck race, the meadows, the national museum of scotland, 5 surprising facts about stockbridge, how edinburgh changed the world: the scottish enlightenment, getting to edinburgh, the stockbridge colonies, dean village: a peaceful oasis on the doorstep of the city, the history of edinburgh’s stockbridge, why is edinburgh called ‘the athens of the north’, the history of the new town, the history of edinburgh’s old town, the creation of victoria street, 5 surprising facts about the grassmarket, the last hanging, the history of the grassmarket.

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• Gin Distilleries

Edinburgh Gin Distilleries

You can’t speak about Edinburgh without mentioning the thriving culture of spirits that persists throughout ‘Auld Reekie’. Centuries of Scots have passed down the secrets of distilling delicious spirits, from the particular botanicals used to spice up their gin to the copper stills used in production. Gin distilleries in Edinburgh have genuinely mastered this intricate art and offer gin tastings and bottles that will delight gin experts and amateurs alike.

If you’re looking for the best gin distilleries you can visit while in Scotland’s capital amongst the other top Edinburgh visitor attractions you have on your to-do list, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, here are the must-see gin distilleries and tours in Edinburgh.

In This Post

Edinburgh Gin Distillery

Starting with likely the most popular gin distillery in the city, Edinburgh Gin offers visitors an exclusive view into the world of gin making and gin tasting that you don’t often get to see. They offer a wide range of gin-related experiences for you to enjoy, from taking a full tour of the distillery and learning about its history to tasting fabulous gins.

Edinburgh Gin is genuinely the most exclusive gin distillery you can find in the city, and it’s best to get an advance booking when possible or risk having your plans ruined. And if you want to purchase a bottle to try or gift without any of the frills, snag the Classic, Seaside, and 1670 for a well-rounded gin-tasting experience.

This Edinburgh Gin Visitor Centre lets guests indulge both the mind and palate of gin. Edinburgh Gin Distillery is a destination that gin lovers can’t miss, so ensure it’s at the top of your list along with the city’s best.

Summerhall Distillery

Summerhall is a distillery built from the ground up and was the first exclusive gin distillery to be established in Edinburgh for over 150 years! From a pipe dream to a global brand, you can visit this historic gin distillery in the heart of Edinburgh and experience it’s core gin – Pickering’s Gin.

Pickering’s Gin is a gin etched in Edinburgh history, and you can enjoy the smooth and bold flavours with the Original Pickering’s Gin, the Pickering’s 1947 Gin, and Pickering’s Gin with Scottish Botanicals. This last gin is incredibly delicious and comes highly recommended.

The Summerhall Distillery also offers unique gin experiences, including Pickering’s Gin Jolly, which includes a gin tasting, cocktail on arrival, and a visit to the Royal Dick Pub. The Cocktail and Cheese, Speakeasy, and Peacocktail experiences combine gin tours with Edinburgh gin tasting to create an unforgettable time.

If you’re taking a tour of Edinburgh’s core gins and the distilleries behind them, Summerhall is a requirement.

Lind and Lime Gin Distillery

Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most idyllic neighbourhoods, with stunning views of the Firth of Forth and spectacular attractions like the Royal Yacht Brittania. The area is filled with some of the city’s finest restaurants, lovely promenade walks, and a collection of distilleries!

Lind and Lime Gin Distillery have set out to redefine the best that London Dry Gin can be and is solely focused on creating gin in Scotland’s capital. If you want to know more about how gin is produced, you’re in luck; Lind and Lime love showing off their fantastic distillery.

This humble distillery in Leith is for fans of all things gin and is a great way to experience this part of Scotland’s capital. If you’re also interested in sampling Leith’s whisky, check out the Leith Distillery.

Secret Garden Distillery

Previously known as the Old Curiosity Distillery, the Secret Garden Distillery continues a 10-year tradition. Starting as a derelict farm plot, this distillery has blossomed into a literal secret garden, with nearly a thousand juniper bushes, botanicals, and herbs the distillery uses in distilling.

This bountiful garden is the secret to their fine Edinburgh gins, as the distillery uses 100% natural ingredients to produce their extensive gin range. Their classic and contemporary gin flavours are both delicious in equal measure, with notable botanicals like lavender, rose, elderflower, and jasmine a must for any gin lover.

And with the Secret Garden Distillery set in the Pentland Hills of Edinburgh, you’ll have stunning views and a fantastic gin tonic and gin garden.

South Loch Distillery

Edinburgh’s Old Town is filled with notable highlights for visitors to the city, like the National Museum of Scotland, Holyrood Park, and the University of Edinburgh. On top of this, gin lovers can also enjoy a guided tasting at the South Loch Distillery (within walking distance of all these attractions).

And while South Loch produces small batches of Edinburgh gin, the quality is undeniable. The distillery now boasts four different medals from the Scottish Gin Awards for its exquisite gin. These distillers are serious; you can see how their gin is made. You can use their booking system to indulge in a self-guided tasting or distillery tour, pair the gin with cheese, and discover a new world of taste.

Regardless of how you enjoy your gin, South Loch is a distillery dedicated to perfecting the distillation process to produce a spirit unlike any other.

Old Poison Distillery

Those visiting Edinburgh’s beating heart in Leith should consider enjoying a dram of gin or two at the Old Poison Distillery. Old Poison Distillery is the smallest speakeasy in the area but stands at the forefront of award-winning gin. Visitors to Old Poison can enjoy gins, rums, and aperitifs when they book one of their gin tastings and tours.

Old Poison’s classic London Dry Gin is their signature gin that gin experts and casual gin lovers love. There’s a lot to look forward to when visiting Old Poison Distillery, one of the most extensive gin hidden gems you can find when visiting Edinburgh.

If you’ve ever wanted to make your gin to create the perfect distilled spirit for yourself or as a gift for a friend, then Sip Antics should be on your to-do list when looking for gin distilleries in and around Edinburgh. Booking a gin class from Sip Antics is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with fellow gin lovers and creates an inspired atmosphere full of experimentation and flavour. Don’t wait too long; Sip Antics regularly gets fully booked, so feel free to pull the trigger.

If you want to avoid committing to a full distillery tour or gin tasting, Sip Antics is the best bang for your buck experience that still excels in providing an Edinburgh gin tour that will surely thrill your senses.

Other Gin Distilleries in Scotland

• Aberdeen Gin Distilleries
• Glasgow Gin Distilleries
• Highland Gin Distilleries
• Isle of Islay Gin Distilleries
• Isle of Orkney Gin Distilleries
• Perthshire Gin Distilleries
• Shetland Gin Distilleries

Graham Grieve

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• Let the tasting be gin - Edinburgh gin experience, Edinburgh

What you’ll do

We know you’re in Scotland, but forget about whisky for a second – there’s another spirit that has been perfected here. By 1777, Edinburgh was already home to eight gin distilleries, and today this proud tradition continues. With a local gin-loving host who knows all about Edinburgh gin’s past as well as its present, you’ll get an interactive lesson in the history and production of gin that you might not remember in the morning.

Walk down the city center’s cobbled lanes between local and independent gin distilleries and bars, and learn about the different styles of gins and the botanicals that flavor them. Sample gins from Edinburgh and beyond while your local host shares stories about the surprising dark side of Scotland’s gin history...

Where you’ll go

In the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland’s perfectly preserved piece of history and the so-called “Gateway to Scotch whisky”, you’ll sample a liquor that’s a little less obvious.

We’re still deep in the recent craft gin revolution, but Edinburgh has been a gin aficionado for over three centuries! You’ll follow your local host, a self-proclaimed gin savant, down central Edinburgh’s razor-thin cobblestone alleys through the fairytale-esque Old Town, seeing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the way.

Explore the length of the Royal Mile, a historic hub of drinking, dining, and entertainment. From here, within a one-mile radius, you’ll find Edinburgh’s “gin triangle” – the area where some of the city’s most popular gin distilleries congregate.

Private experience, tailored to you

Matched to your ideal host

Walking tour (may use public transport)

Hosted in English (On request: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

• Learn about (and, more importantly, taste!) a selection of Scottish gins in the heart of Edinburgh
• Stroll through the historic Old Town and hear stories from your host about the centuries of gin history in the city
• Visit a local and independent gin distillery and bar to see the gin distilling process in action
• Get a masterclass in the unique local botanicals that make Scottish gin so famous
• Have your local host on hand to answer all of your questions and recommend activities for the rest of your trip

Things to know

What’s included.

• Private and personalized experience
• 3 hours with a host
• Walking experience
• 4 gin tastings per person
• Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

• Food and drinks in addition to those included above
• Tickets to any attractions
• Transportation costs
• Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

• Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
• Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

Travelers having fun right now!

He took us to some hidden spots in the city. I felt super comfortable with us. Truly a wonderful host

February 2024

Loved this experience. It was personally tailored for us and flexible. Doug was great and gave us suggestions on other sites we might be interested in seeing while in Edinburgh. So informative and fun.

The tour with Doug was great. A very likeable and approachable guide with a lot of knowledge and pleasure in his work. He showed us various pups and explained a lot about different sights along the way. He customised the whisky tasting to our needs and we learnt a lot. Thank you Doug, it was a great pleasure to wander through Edinburgh's Pup with you.

The Whiskey Tour with Doug was great. A very likeable and approachable guide with a lot of knowledge and pleasure in his work. He showed us various pups and explained a lot about different sights along the way. He customised the whisky tasting to our needs and we learnt a lot. Thank you Doug, it was a great pleasure to wander through Edinburgh's Pup with you.

Meet our local hosts in Edinburgh. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

Other experiences you may be interested in

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Ultimate Edinburgh food experience Edinburgh

Eat and drink your way through Edinburgh sampling six to eight Scottish specialties with a foodie host who'll tailor the experience to your taste buds

€140.14 per person

Edinburgh whisky experience Edinburgh

Stroll through the historic Old Town with a fellow whisky-lover, stopping to try four whiskies from Scotland’s major whisky-producing regions.

€115.74 per person

Half day in Edinburgh with a local Edinburgh

4 hours tailored to what you want to see and do. So whether it's ticking off main sites or discovering hidden gems, it's up to you and your host!

€100.80 per person

• Our Sustainability Statement
• How We Make Our Gin
• Valentines Collection
• Gin and Tonic Gift Hampers and Boxes
• Gin Miniatures
• Ready to drink cocktails
• Special Offers
• e-Gift Card
• End-of-stock Sale
• Book A Gin Tour
• Tour Experience Gift Vouchers
• Cocktail Recipes
• What's new at the Distillery
• The Distillery Garden Blog
• Our Journey to Net Zero
• Press Releases
• Learn, Grow & Discover Blog

Gin Tour Experience Certificates

Get the perfect gift for any gin enthusiast, with Secret Garden Distillery’s exclusive Gin Tour Gift Vouchers. Located in the historic city of Edinburgh, our Secret Garden Distillery invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey through the art of gin making. Whether you’re searching for a unique present for the gin lover in your life, or an unforgettable experience, our gin tour gift vouchers are the ideal choice.

Immerse Yourself in Gin Craftsmanship

With your Gin Tour Gift Voucher, delve into the captivating world of gin production as our expert distillers share their knowledge and passion. Uncover the secrets behind our signature botanical blends within our Secret Garden, and learn about the meticulous processes that go into creating our award-winning gins.

Explore Our Enchanting Distillery

Discover the hidden gem that is our secret garden distillery – nestled within the heart of Edinburgh. Secret Garden Distillery’s enchanting premises are a feast for the senses, and the ideal gift for any Gin lover. From the aromatic botanicals, to the gleaming copper stills, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create a truly magical atmosphere.

Engaging and Informative Tour

Our gin tours offer an immersive and interactive experience, designed to captivate gin enthusiasts of all levels. Engage with our expert distillers, as they guide you through the fascinating journey of gin production, from the sourcing of the finest ingredients to the delicate blending and bottling processes.

Unforgettable Gin Tastings

Sample a selection of our handcrafted gins during the tour and savour the unique flavours that make Secret Garden Distillery gins truly exceptional. From vibrant citrus notes to delicate floral aromas, each sip tells a story and leaves a lasting impression.

The Gin Gift of Choice

Our gin tour gift vouchers provide the freedom to choose a date that suits the recipient's schedule. It's the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience they will treasure for years to come.

Discover how we work hand in hand with nature.

Discover our recipes for delicious Gin cocktails

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Scotland with Sam

A Scotland travel blog showcasing the best of Scotland

A gin tour at The Old Curiosity Distillery & Secret Herb Garden, Edinburgh

Nestled in the shadow of the Pentland Hills on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is a secret herb garden. The garden is home to The Old Curiosity Distillery – one of Scotland’s finest and most creative gin producers.

Back in January, Mr G and I attended the launch of The Balmoral Hotel’s own-label premium Scottish gin Baile Mhoireil’. The gin was made in partnership with local herbologist Hamish Martin from The Old Curiosity Distillery. Baile Mhoireil  means majestic dwelling in Gaelic – never was a name more apt.

We were lucky enough to meet Hamish at the launch. He told us about his passion for herbology and his work at the Secret Herb Garden and The Old curiosity Distillery . Hamish invited us to visit the garden and distillery – we didn’t need to be asked twice after trying Baile Mhoireil.

Fast forward to September and we finally managed to take Hamish up on his kind offer.

Secret Herb Garden & The Old Curiosity Distillery

It was a dreich morning when we arrived at the Secret Herb Garden. The place was charming – even with a persistent drizzle falling.

Besides a herb nursery and distillery, the Secret Herb Garden also has a shop (stocked with gin, plants, organic produce grown on site and many other goodies), cafe, bee observatory and school, where herbology and bee keeping courses are run.

After locating Hamish, we set off for a tour of the garden.

A dream realised

Hamish told us his dream had been to own a herb garden, while wife Libby wanted a shop “full of charm” and a cafe. In the summer of 2012, they bought 7.5 acres of neglected land on the outskirts of Edinburgh – their dreams were within reach. It wouldn’t be easy though. There was no house on the site, which they also planned to live on. Undeterred, Hamish, Libby, their children and dogs moved into a caravan on their new plot of land.

Their hand work, vision and determination paid off. Between them, they created something rather special. They took an unremarkable piece of land and turned it into a little corner of paradise, filled with fragrant plants, flowers and brimming with shabby chic charm. The couple are passionate about recycling, upcycling and organic growing methods. Several of the buildings in the garden were salvaged and repurposed. These include, shipping containers, train carriages and a large water tank (The Tub).

As we wandered round with Hamish, we quickly discovered he was an oracle when it came to plants. He was a delight to listen to and his passion really shone through. Children are welcome at the Secret Herb Garden, but there’s no play area in it on purpose. Hamish wants children visiting to experience the joy of nature and discover the wonderful playground that exists outdoors.

A new Scottish gin is born

As we were learning about the botanicals grown on site and used in the distillery, Hamish told us he got into gin producing by chance. The garden was set up as a herb nursery, shop, cafe and wedding venue, but it needed to make money. With gin botanicals growing all around him, Hamish decided to try making gin as an additional revenue stream. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Our tour with Hamish was an olfactory delight. Synthetic scents and flavours will never come close to rivalling the aroma of Mother Nature. We both went into raptures when we were given lemon verbena leaves to crush and sniff. The smell was fresh, citrusy and so uplifting.

Juniper too – the bush may be jaggy and hostile on the outside, but crush a juniper berry between your fingers and the scent is divine.

Inside the garden’s state-of-the-art drying room we got to see trays filled with leaves, flowers and herbs being prepared for use in the gin making process.

Green fingers and an animal lover too

The Secret Herb Garden isn’t just about plants. There are pigs, turkeys, geese and bees (you can buy their honey in the shop) living in the garden. Hamish is also known to work with his beloved rescue owl on his shoulder. Just when I thought I couldn’t admire the man any more, it turns out he cares for animals too.

This couldn’t have been more apparent when Hamish pointed out a bee on a flower, which he told us it was cold and tired. What happened next was amazing. Hamish lifted the bee from the flower, placed it on the palm of his hand and warmed it up by blowing on it. After a minute or so it began to stir, before flying off. Mr G and I were in awe. The child in me was thinking “I want to try that”.

Dr Dolittle, eat your heart out.

Gin tour and tasting, The Old Curiosity Distillery

After our herb garden tour, Hamish left us with Sarah in the The Old Curiosity Distillery’s ‘Gin Lounge’. It was time to drink gin. Well for me it was. Gin lover Mr G was our designated driver – what a blow.

When Sarah told me I’d be sampling the entire range of Secret Garden gins, I knew Mr G would have died a little inside.

Since launching Secret Garden Gin in 2017, The Old Curiosity Distillery has become a real success story. Besides making gin for one of the world’s best hotels, they also produce gin for supermarket chains Lidl and ADLI. Good gin doesn’t need to cost the earth.

Sarah was brilliant – a natural people person, great fun and super enthusiastic about her job. Who wouldn’t be, working in a gin distillery with pigs, owls and gorgeous smells all around them?

She walked me through the six alcoholic gins in the Secret Garden range, explaining what was in them and letting us handle the dried botanicals used to flavour them.

Mr G got to partake in gin number seven – a non-alcoholic number. It was smooth, subtle and a nice alternative to mineral water or fizzy juice for teetotallers and designated drivers. It’s the first all natural, non-alcoholic gin to be produced in the UK. So, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink that doesn’t contain as many chemicals as a household cleaning product, this is the drink for you.

I can honestly say I loved all of the gins I tried at the tasting session.

If pushed to chose a favourite, it would be a close call between Apothecary Rose and Lavender & Echinacea. The former would marginally claim the crown.

After enthusiastically sampling six gins, I felt sightly tipsy. I needed food to soak up the alcohol.

Lunch, Secret Herb Garden Cafe

Luckily, Hamish had reserved us a table for lunch at the Secret Herb Garden Cafe. The cafe is run by Edinburgh fine-dining restaurant Fhior . Fhior use organic produce, grown in the Secret Herb Garden in the cafe and their restaurant too.

I had a feeling we were in for a treat.

The cafe at the Secret Herb Garden is located inside a large greenhouse, so even on a grey day it’s a light, airy and green space.

After checking out the menu, we opted for tomato, ham and chickpea soup and ham hough terrine, served with bread and butter. It was all delicious – fresh and full of flavour.

We loved our visit to the Secret Herb Garden. We’re partial to a distillery tour, but being able to see the end to end process, from the growing of the botanicals to the bottled gin was brilliant. If you’re looking for things to do in and around Edinburgh, I can highly recommend a gin tour and tasting at The Old Curiosity Distillery. Pretty flowers, gorgeous smells, cute beasties, people passionate about what they do, good food and great gin – it’s a winning combination for sure.

Our gin tour and lunch were provided on a complimentary basis, however all opinions are my own.

Until next time …

Please share:

15 thoughts on “A gin tour at The Old Curiosity Distillery & Secret Herb Garden, Edinburgh”

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Hi Samantha, Thank you for a great recommendation. Sounds like it’s well worth a visit. Unfortunately, we cancelled all our trips to Scotland for this year so maybe we’ll have a possibility to visit later on… Best wishes, Tanja

It’s a lovely place, so hopefully you’ll manage to visit when you’re back in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 😊

On my list for my reruns to Scotland. I love herb gardens and botanical gins, but I absolutely LOVE Fhior!

Well this place will be absolutely perfect for you – you’ll love it. 😍

I heard myself saying, ‘OOooooo’ seeing the lovely restaurant after enjoying all the herbs and animals, etc. WOW. What a great find! Yep, on my list when back in Ol’ Reekie. Cannot wait to get back to traveling again!

Definitely worth a visit. Great place.

Lucky you, I would have been in seventh heaven enjoying a tour there!

It’s an amazing place. 😍

How interesting! I only just discovered the RSPB Gin some weeks ago and now you’re presenting the place here. Looks like a great place to visit when travelling abroad is again an option. Loving the determined Casper striding in the garden.

The RSPB gin is fab. I bought it during lockdown as some of the proceeds go towards supporting the RSPB work in the Flow Country. It’s a great place to while away a few hours.!

It is simply amazing what can be done with an odd piece of land, especially when it is in/on the edge of an urban environment. I am very impressed with the fact that children go there to learn and enjoy rather than play. That herbal garden is beautiful. Now I am not keen on gin but I have to say I wouldn’t mind trying the non-alcohol variety. The only thing I have is that when I go to places like this I end up spending more money than I should! But thanks for sharing this, it’s good to know about little gems.

We’re great believers in shopping local and supporting local producers. They also do herbal teas using herbs grown in the garden, so maybe some tea and cake in the cafe and a browse in the garden and shop when you next visit. 😀

Love this. My friend who loves gin we both will be coming there. We’re from Michigan and hope to get there next year. What a treat that will b for her since she loves her gin.

You’ll both love it.

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The Secret Garden Distillery

The original site was a derelict plot of land located in the Pentland Hills on the outskirts of Edinburgh up until 2011 when Husband and wife Hamish and Liberty Martin bought the site which they transformed over several years to feature large greenhouses and plant beds with over 600 varieties of plants and herbs, a cafe, a shop and a distillery.  

In 2022 the business changed ownership with a new family taking on the stewardship of the business. The Armstrong family had recently relocated back to Scotland from abroad and, with a love of gin, plants, and the outdoors, the Armstrong family saw The Secret Garden Distillery as an opportunity to grow and build upon the original owner’s goals and legacy.

Apothecary Rose Gin

The wonders of Mother Nature never fail to astound and amaze. The same can be said of the Apothecary Rose Gin, made using handpicked rose petals from the distillery garden, which changes colour when tonic added; from a light sepia colour to a vibrant fuchsia pink. The hand-harvested Apothecary Rose petals are distilled and blended with Juniper, Coriander, Angelica Root and Winter Savory to create a gin that is reminiscent of Summer, featuring hints of Turkish Delight with rich creamy brown sugar notes.

Elderflower & Jasmine Gin

The elder tree is one of the most sacred things that grow on the British Isles, steeped in mystery and folklore and worshipped by our ancestors since we first arrived on these shores. Jasmine is renowned in Eastern history thanks to its unmatchable fragrance; its beguiling scent is synonymous with desire. To match these noblest of plants, the team distilled hand-harvested elderflower and jasmine and blended them over their crisp dry base, carefully balancing the delicate floral aromas creating a fragrant gin with hints of exotic fruits.

Lemon Verbena Gin

A refreshing dry gin with natural citrus notes and a hint of lemon sherbet, this bottling was the distillery’s first clear gin. Distilled using hand-harvested lemon verbena from the distillery garden, the gin is created by blending the distilled lemon verbena with juniper, coriander, angelica root and winter savoury.

Wild Gin Made With Organic Spirit

A range of wild and hand-harvested botanicals from The Secret Garden Distillery are dried before being distilled to create a naturally herbaceous, London Dry style gin. The key botanicals include home grown bog mrytle, nettle, sweet cicely, dwarf birch, sweet woodruff and winter savory.

Lavender & Echinacea Gin

Lavender is a richly fragrant flower, known for its restorative qualities. The echinacea is a flowering daisy with delicate petals and a sweet scent. The combination of these botanicals, together with the base gin of juniper, coriander, angelica root and winter savory, creates a subtly fresh, herbaceous gin with floral notes. Thanks to the infusion of butterfly pea and rose petals, this gin also has some of Mother Nature’s wonder with its ability to change colour when mixed with tonic, changing from a light inky blue to an effervescent lilac colour

Christmas Gin

The backbone for this gin is juniper and coriander where the seeds and berries are lightly crushed. Angelica root and the subtler flavours of the Angelica leaf are used in conjunction with winter savory, a plant not dissimilar to Rosemary but with more gentle notes. These four botanicals are macerated before distillation and offer a smooth, elegant and light base gin, to which freshly distilled Cinnamon, Ginger and Cardamom are added, to capture the essence of Christmas. Finally, freshly-harvested poppy and mallow petals are infused to provide a soft, vibrant Christmassy colour.

Spring Gin is part of The Secret Garden Distillery’s Seasonal range, designed to capture the essence of the season, exploring flavours, scents and seasonal plants. This release celebrates two of Spring’s magical delights: the dandelion and the honeybee. Spring Gin is a beautifully balanced clear gin, juniper-led with a slightly sweet finish on the palate. Lots of fresh herbal notes on the nose and hints of earthy spice. Spring in a glass.

With Love Gin

With Love Gin is a bouquet of rose, hand-picked from the distillery gardens. Hand harvested and dried on site, rose and geranium petals are then distilled and blended with the base gin on juniper, coriander, angelica root and winter savoury. The gin is described as being herbaceous in flavour with floral notes from the rose and geranium.

The distilling, bottling and labelling all take place on-site at the distillery which is located in the rolling green landscape of the Lothianburn on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Many of the botanicals that are used in the gins produced at the The Secret Garden Distillery are grown on-site at the secret herb garden. Flowers and key botanicals for the gins are carefully hand-picked and dried by a dedicated team gardeners. Once dried the flowers and botanicals are checked for their quality before being stored for future distillations. The distillery itself can be found in a repurposed outbuilding that houses a number of custom-built copper pot stills, along with a tasting room where the distillery and equipment can be viewed through the large windows overlooking the distillery.

Tour : Yes Cafe : Yes Bar : Yes Shop : Yes Booking : Book a gin garden and distillery tour here

News & Features

Published 2nd June 2022

Published 30th June 2021

Published 15th June 2021

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Published 30th April 2021

Published 13th November 2020

Published 1st November 2020

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Published 5th September 2019

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Secret Garden Distillery Ltd.

At the Secret Garden Distillery, our gins are crafted at the foot of the Pentland Hills in Edinburgh and made with 100% natural ingredients. We offer a range of styles, made using botanicals which feature in our Distillery’s Secret Garden.

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