Visiting Edinburgh Gin
Travel Distilled’s guide to visiting the Edinburgh Gin Distillery along with a history of the distillery and information about tours.
History of Edinburgh Gin Distillery
The story of Edinburgh Gin begins in 2010, when husband-and-wife team Alex and Jane Nicol launched the brand under the Spencerfield Spirit Company. Initially, they sold their gin at local gardening shows and events, but the quality and creativity of their product quickly gained recognition. By 2014, the brand had grown so popular that it was acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers, a family-owned Scottish drinks company with a strong heritage in whisky and spirits.
That same year, Edinburgh Gin opened its first distillery at Rutland Place, a boutique site featuring two small Carl stills. Soon after, they expanded to The Biscuit Factory in Leith, which housed a larger Hoga still to meet growing demand. These sites allowed the team to experiment with botanicals and create distinctive gins that reflected Edinburgh’s history and landscape.
In 2024, Edinburgh Gin unveiled its new flagship home: The Arches on East Market Street, a state-of-the-art distillery built into historic railway arches dating back to 1825. This location not only provides production capacity but also offers immersive visitor experiences.
The choice of site was symbolic—Edinburgh has a long association with juniper and distilling, dating back to medieval times when the Port of Leith was a hub for trade in spices and spirits. Today, The Arches represents both a continuation of that heritage and a bold step into the future.
Signature Releases
Edinburgh Gin has built a reputation for crafting imaginative gins that balance tradition with innovation. Some of their most notable releases include:
- Edinburgh Gin Classic – A London Dry style gin with floral notes, citrus brightness, and a clean juniper backbone. It’s considered the brand’s flagship expression.
- Seaside Gin – Inspired by Scotland’s coastline, this gin incorporates seaweed and coastal botanicals, delivering a crisp, saline character.
- Cannonball Gin – A navy-strength gin at 57.2% ABV, bold and intense, designed for cocktails that demand a powerful spirit.
- Edinburgh Botanics Gin – A collaboration with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, showcasing rare botanicals and a garden-inspired profile.
- Christmas Gin – A seasonal release infused with festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, alongside clementine peel for warmth.
- Rooftop Garden Gin (2025) – A distillery-exclusive inspired by botanicals grown on the distillery’s rooftop terrace.
- Tiramisu Gin (2024) – A playful, dessert-inspired gin that highlights the brand’s willingness to experiment.
Beyond these, Edinburgh Gin is also known for its gin liqueurs (such as Raspberry, Rhubarb & Ginger, and Elderflower), which have become popular for their versatility in cocktails and spritzes.
Visiting Edinburgh Gin
Visiting Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches is a highlight for gin enthusiasts. The distillery offers several experiences designed to suit different interests:
- Classic Tour & Tasting
- Duration: 65 minutes
- Includes a guided tour of the distillery, insights into production, and a tasting of signature gins.
- Gin Making Experience
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- A hands-on session where guests craft their own bespoke gin, selecting botanicals and distilling under expert guidance.
- Decadent Duo: Gin & Chocolate Pairing
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Combines gin tasting with artisan chocolates from COCO, exploring flavour pairings. There’s also a gin and cheese pairing class, if you prefer.
- Aroma Alchemy: Gin Tasting Masterclass
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Focuses on the sensory experience of gin, teaching guests to identify aromas and flavour profiles.
Booking is straightforward: tours can be reserved directly via the Edinburgh Gin website (below) or through authorized partners like VisitScotland and ticketing platforms. Experiences are limited to small groups (8–12 participants), ensuring a personal and interactive visit.
Contact Details
For those planning a visit, here are the full contact details:
Address: Edinburgh Gin Distillery, The Arches, East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8FS
Phone: +44 (0)131 656 2810
Website: www.edinburghgin.com
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery embodies the spirit of Edinburgh itself—historic yet innovative, rooted in tradition but unafraid to experiment. From its humble beginnings in 2010 to its impressive new home at The Arches, the distillery has become a landmark for gin lovers.
Whether you’re sampling the Classic Gin, exploring bold releases like Cannonball, or crafting your own spirit in a gin-making workshop, a visit offers both education and indulgence. With its blend of history, craftsmanship, and creativity, Edinburgh Gin Distillery is more than just a producer—it’s a destination that celebrates Scotland’s enduring love affair with gin.
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