Edinburgh: Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour (Distillery & Tasting)

Pickering’s Gin Jolly is a compact, hands-on look at how Edinburgh gin is made. You start with a gin and tonic in the Old Workshop, hear the company’s story, then see the working distillery before tasting four different gins. The tour is led by engaging guides such as Jamie, Max, Alyssa, Emma, and Sophie, with plenty of room for questions.

I like the small-group feel, which helps solo visitors and curious beginners get involved. I also like the clear value: your hour includes a drink, four samples, and a 5cl bottle to take home. The main thing to consider is that this is a standing tour, for adults only, and additional samples cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Edinburgh’s first gin-exclusive distillery in 150 years: Pickering’s has a local story tied to Summerhall.
• Two working stills: You may see Gertrude and Emily steaming during production.
• A proper tasting, not just one sample: Four award-winning gins are served with different mixers.
• A friendly one-hour format: The short length fits neatly into a day of sightseeing.
• A useful souvenir: Your ticket includes a 5cl miniature of Pickering’s London Dry Gin.
• Best for adults who can stand: The venue is wheelchair accessible, but the tour requires standing and does not admit anyone under 18.

Why Pickering’s works as an Edinburgh gin tour

Edinburgh has no shortage of drinks experiences, but Pickering’s offers something more focused than a bar tasting. You are introduced to the drink, shown where it is made, and then guided through several versions of the finished product. That simple order makes the process easy to follow.

The distillery is in Summerhall, a creative venue with its own character. Your meeting point is the Royal Dick Bar, immediately to the left after reception. Follow the directions in your booking message carefully, since the Summerhall complex can be confusing on a first visit.

Pickering’s presents itself as the first gin-exclusive distillery in Edinburgh in 150 years. That gives the tour a useful sense of place. This is not only a lesson in generic gin production. You also hear how a small local company developed its products and built a successful business.

The experience has earned a 4.8 rating from 135 bookings, and the most consistent praise is aimed at the guides. Jamie is often singled out for his humor and warm manner, while Max is praised for answering questions clearly. Alyssa, Emma, and Sophie are also described as lively and engaging. The guide matters here because the distillery is compact, and a good explanation turns a quick visit into a memorable one.

Starting with a gin and tonic in the Old Workshop

The tour begins in the Old Workshop with a carefully poured gin and tonic. This is a smart opening. Instead of talking about gin in the abstract, you have a drink in front of you while the guide explains what you are tasting and how the distillery came to be.

Take a moment with the aroma before drinking. The scent of the gin and the mixer gives you an early clue about the botanicals and style. You do not need to be a gin expert. The guide sets up the basics, then invites you to notice the character of the drink for yourself.

This first stop also covers some of the inventions and ideas associated with Pickering’s. The point is not simply to list equipment. You get a sense of how the company developed its methods and why its gin has its own identity.

The setting is informal, which suits the subject. You are not being asked to sit through a long lecture. The tour moves at a brisk pace, and the opening drink helps everyone settle in.

Food is not allowed as part of the activity, so do not plan this as a meal replacement. If you want lunch or a snack, have it before or after the tour.

Inside the distillery with Gertrude and Emily

After the opening drink and company story, you move into the distillery itself. Here, the guide explains Pickering’s particular distillation process and introduces you to the people working there.

The two stills are named Gertrude and Emily. If production is taking place, you may see them steaming. That is the most practical part of the visit: you are not only looking at polished equipment behind glass, but may see the working side of the business.

The tour gives you a clearer idea of why gin production takes care and control. Botanicals, distillation, and flavor balance all matter, and the guide explains how those pieces fit together. The information is accessible to first-time visitors, but there is enough detail to keep a serious gin fan interested.

The distillery is small and personal. That means you can get close to the process, but it also means this is not a huge industrial plant with a long route through multiple rooms. If you want an expansive factory tour, this will feel modest. If you prefer a direct look at a local producer, the compact scale works well.

The tour requires standing. That is worth taking seriously because the full hour includes the workshop, distillery, and tasting areas. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but anyone who finds prolonged standing difficult should check the arrangements before booking.

Tasting four gins with different mixers

The final part is the tasting. You sample four of Pickering’s gins and compare them as a group. This is where the earlier talk about botanicals and distillation becomes easier to understand.

Different mixers are offered, giving you a chance to see how the same spirit changes with what is added to it. That makes the tasting approachable for people who are unsure about gin. You can compare styles without committing to a full glass of something you may not enjoy.

For gin fans, four samples provide a useful snapshot of the range. Pay attention to how the aroma, sweetness, spice, and finish shift from one gin to the next. The guide walks you through the samples and encourages you to share your reactions, so the tasting has a social feel rather than being a silent flight of drinks.

Do not expect four large drinks. They are samples, and the full tour lasts only an hour. The aim is comparison and discovery, not a long afternoon of drinking. Additional samples are not included and cost extra.

This section receives the strongest praise for good reason. The tasting gives the tour a clear finish and lets you decide which gin suits you best. It also works for a mixed group, since the guide can explain the drinks without assuming that everyone arrives already interested in gin.

The miniature bottle and the changing souvenir detail

You finish with a complimentary 5cl miniature of Pickering’s London Dry Gin. It is a small souvenir, but a useful one. You can take home the style that forms the foundation of the brand without carrying a full bottle through the rest of your trip.

One detail needs clarification. Some older descriptions refer to visitors sealing their own miniature with wax. That is not the current arrangement. The bottle is already prepared and sealed in plastic. You still receive the miniature, but you should not expect to dip and seal it yourself.

That change does not affect the tasting or the educational part of the tour, but it is useful to know if the hands-on bottle activity is the main reason you are booking. The souvenir is best seen as a pleasant extra rather than the central feature.

If you enjoy the gin, the distillery may tempt you to buy more, though extra purchases are not part of the ticket. One couple with a strong interest in gin-making used the visit to ask detailed questions and bought bottles for themselves and friends. The small setting makes that sort of conversation possible.

The guides make the short format work

The strongest part of this experience is the guiding. Jamie is described as funny, inclusive, and energetic. Max is praised for being clear and responsive. Alyssa is known for enthusiasm, and Emma has been praised for explaining the history and process while keeping the group involved.

That range of guide styles matters because one hour is not long. A flat presentation could make the tour feel rushed. The guides instead use questions, jokes, and tasting discussion to keep the pace moving.

The tour also works well for solo visitors. Small groups make it easier to ask questions, and you are less likely to disappear at the back of a crowd. If you are visiting Edinburgh alone, this is a simple way to join a social activity without giving up a whole afternoon.

For a private group of more than eight people, arrange a private tour. Groups of eight or more who book separate places on a public tour may be refused entry without a refund. This rule is important for families, work groups, and larger birthday parties.

Price, timing, and practical value

At $33 per person, the price is fair for an hour-long distillery visit if you will use the tasting. You receive one gin and tonic, four gin samples, the tour, entry to the distillery, and the miniature bottle. The value comes from the complete package rather than from the length alone.

An hour is also a useful duration in Edinburgh. You can fit the tour around other Summerhall plans or use it as a break between sightseeing stops. It is long enough to explain the process and taste several gins, but short enough that it will not take over your day.

The activity runs in all weather because most of it is indoors. That makes it a sensible wet-day choice. You still need to be comfortable standing and moving between the workshop, distillery, and tasting room.

The tour is in English. It is strictly for people aged 18 and over. The distillery cannot serve anyone who is under the influence of alcohol, and the guide may refuse entry without a refund if someone appears intoxicated.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before building the tour into a tight schedule.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to gin lovers, curious beginners, and anyone who wants a local Edinburgh drink experience without spending half a day on it. The four-gin tasting gives enthusiasts enough variety, while the mixers and friendly explanations help newcomers feel comfortable.

It is also a good fit for solo visitors and small groups. The close setting encourages questions, and the guides have a record of making the experience fun rather than formal.

I would be more cautious if you dislike standing, do not drink alcohol, or want a long technical tour of a large production site. Children under 18 cannot take part, and food is not included or allowed.

Should you book Pickering’s Gin Jolly?

Book it if you want a short, well-paced introduction to Edinburgh gin with a working distillery, four samples, and a small bottle to take home. The guides, especially Jamie, Max, Alyssa, and Emma, are a major part of the appeal, and the tasting gives the hour a satisfying purpose.

Skip it if you want a full meal, a long spirits seminar, or a make-your-own bottle activity. For most adults who enjoy gin or simply want to try several styles in a friendly setting, the $33 price is reasonable and the one-hour format is easy to fit into an Edinburgh itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour meet?

Meet at the Royal Dick Bar inside Summerhall, immediately to the left after reception.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts one hour.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes entry to Pickering’s Distillery, the guided tour, one gin and tonic, four gin samples, and one 5cl miniature of gin.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

Can children join the tour?

No. The activity is only for people aged 18 and over.

Do I need to stand during the tour?

Yes. The tour requires standing.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I buy extra gin samples?

Yes, additional samples are available for an extra cost. They are not included in the ticket.

What happens if my group has more than eight people?

Groups larger than eight should arrange a private tour. Separate bookings for eight or more people on a public tour may be refused entry without a refund.