Gin and distilling facts go down easier when you’re sipping. This 1-hour Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour at Summerhall mixes a real distillery look with a guided gin and tonic start and a structured four-gin tasting finish. You’ll also hear how Pickering’s became the first gin-exclusive distillery in Edinburgh in 150 years.

I especially like that the tour doesn’t stop at the romance of gin. You get a clear run-through of the distillation process, plus a behind-the-scenes chance to meet the people working there and (possibly) see the stills Gertrude and Emily steaming.

One heads-up: the tour involves standing, and it’s strictly for adults (+18). If that’s not your thing, or if you’re traveling with anyone under 18, you’ll want to choose something else.

Key highlights I’d circle first

• A gin and tonic welcome at the Royal Dick Bar before you even step into the distillery
• Gertrude and Emily stills (you might catch them in action) during the distillery walk-through
• Four samples of award-winning gins with guided tasting talk
• The included 5cl London-Dry miniature bottle as your take-home souvenir
• Small-group feel designed for parties of up to eight on public tours

Edinburgh’s Summerhall stop: where the tour actually starts

This experience is set up around one easy meeting spot inside Summerhall, which is a big help if you’re trying to stay on schedule. Meet your guide at the Royal Dick Bar, immediately to the left after reception. Show up a bit early, because once you’re inside, you can settle in without rushing—especially since the tour runs about an hour.

What I’d wear: comfy shoes. The tour requires standing, so plan for that even though most of it is indoors. Also note what isn’t part of the experience: there’s no food allowed, so come with a plan for meals before or after.

If you’re visiting in bad weather, you’re in luck. The tour is mostly indoors, so you won’t be stuck outside in the Scottish drizzle.

Royal Dick Bar: your gin and tonic plus the distillery story

You begin at the Old Workshop area at Summerhall with a perfectly poured gin and tonic. It’s not just a drink-and-wait moment. Your guide sets the tone with gin basics and the story behind Pickering’s, including the fact that the site is tied to gin inventions and the distillery’s success.

This first segment matters because it gives your brain something to latch onto. When you later see the stills and learn how the botanicals and base spirit come together, you’ll already understand what you’re looking for. It’s easier to connect the tasting notes to the process when you get that context right away.

A practical tip: if you’re booking for yourself, pay close attention to where the email tells you to go. One solo traveler shared that it’s easy to miss the exact bar entrance, so I’d rather you arrive prepared than spend precious minutes wandering inside Summerhall.

The distillery walk-through: watching Gertrude and Emily at work

After the Old Workshop start, you move into the distillery area. This is where the tour shifts from story to process.

You’ll meet the distillers at work, and your guide may show you the stills Gertrude and Emily while they’re steaming. Seeing the equipment in action changes the whole feel. It stops being a lecture about gin and becomes a quick, visual lesson in how a distillery actually operates.

Here’s what’s especially valuable for first-timers: you’re not left with vague explanations. The tour is designed to teach you “all about” the unique distillation process of Pickering’s gin. That means you can ask questions as you go and get answers tied to what’s happening around you, not just general gin talk.

And yes, the tour requires standing during this part, so if you have mobility issues, it’s worth thinking ahead. The experience is described as wheelchair accessible, but the standing requirement is still a key detail. If you might need accommodations, check in with the operator before you commit.

The tasting room: four award-winning gins and how to make sense of them

The finale is a tasting of four gins in the next room. You’ll sample four award-winning varieties, and you’ll be encouraged to share what you like best with the group.

This is the part I think most people remember, because it turns learning into your own comparisons. After hearing how the distillation process works, you taste the result side-by-side and start connecting flavor to choices. You’re not just sampling one gin and moving on—you’re actively looking for differences.

Two helpful notes from the on-the-ground experience:

• The tasting includes different mixers, which makes it easier to explore gin styles even if you’re not sure what you prefer.
• If you enjoy sharing preferences, you’ll likely have a good time with the group discussion component. There’s room to talk, not just sip quietly.

What you should do during tasting:

• Pick a favorite early, then test your assumption at the end.
• Take a breath between samples. Gin can shift fast on the palate once you’re warmed up.

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

After tasting, you leave with a complimentary miniature 5cl bottle of Pickering’s London-Dry gin. That matters for value because it’s not just a pass through the distillery. You get something you can actually take home and use.

One small detail that can save you worry: some tour descriptions hint at wax sealing, but a visitor pointed out that the miniature bottles are already prepared and sealed in plastic. So you don’t need to expect a wax process on your tour; you’ll still get the bottle either way.

If you’re the type who likes bringing back a drink that’s tied to a place, this is a practical souvenir. It’s also an easy gift idea for friends who don’t want complicated craft memorabilia.

Price and value: is $33 a good deal in Edinburgh?

At $33 per person for about 1 hour, this tour sits in the sweet spot for a city experience: short enough to fit into a busy Edinburgh day, but packed with real inclusions.

Here’s what you’re getting that you’d otherwise pay for separately:

• Entry ticket to the distillery
• The guided distillery tour
• One included gin and tonic
• Four gin samples
• A 5cl miniature bottle to take home

That’s a lot of “included” for the time. The key value isn’t that it’s cheap—it’s that it’s structured. You’re paying for a guided process explanation, plus tastings that help you learn what you like, plus a real take-home bottle.

Compared to doing a self-guided gin visit, the advantage is the pairing: explanation first, then tasting. It helps your brain connect what you learn to what you taste, so the experience sticks.

Small-group feel and the +18 rule (important for planning)

A public tour is set up for parties of up to eight. If your party size is larger than that, you’ll need to arrange a private tour.

Two other rules are worth knowing before you show up:

• This tour is 18+ only.
• Alcohol rules are enforced. If your guide believes you’re under the influence, entry can be refused with no refund.

I’m listing that plainly because it affects decisions. If you’re planning your gin day, build in time so you can enjoy the tasting without turning it into a rushed night out.

Also remember: the tour doesn’t include food, and food isn’t allowed. Plan your meal timing so you’re comfortable—then enjoy the gin.

Who this Edinburgh gin tour is best for

This tour is a great fit if:

• You love gin, or you want to learn what you like without guessing
• You want a compact, guided activity that doesn’t eat a half day
• You enjoy hands-on explanations and seeing equipment up close
• You want an Edinburgh-specific gin story tied to Summerhall

It’s also a smart choice if you’re traveling solo. The format tends to keep things tight and question-friendly, so you’re not stuck waiting for group attention.

Less ideal if:

• Standing for an hour is hard for you
• You’re traveling with anyone under 18
• You don’t drink, or you’re not comfortable with alcohol-based programming
• You need food options during the activity

Should you book the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour at Summerhall?

Yes—if you want an Edinburgh gin experience that feels practical, not just scenic. For about an hour, you’ll get a guided distillery visit, a structured tasting with four gin samples, and the 5cl London-Dry bottle to take home. That combination is hard to beat for the money.

Book it if you like learning by doing: drink a gin and tonic first, then understand the process, then taste the results. The pacing makes sense, and the small-group design keeps the experience from feeling like you’re watching from the back row.

If standing is a problem, or if your schedule is centered around non-drinking activities, look for another distillery-style option. But for gin lovers—and for curious first-timers—this is a clean, focused way to spend a winter-dry or rainy Edinburgh hour.

FAQ

How long is the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour.

Where do I meet the guide for the tour?

Meet your guide at the Royal Dick Bar within Summerhall, 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.

Do I get to take home a bottle of gin?

Yes. You’ll receive a complimentary 5cl miniature bottle of Pickering’s London-Dry gin.

How many gin samples will I taste?

You’ll taste four samples of Pickering’s gin.

Is the tour for adults only?

Yes. The tour is for +18 only, and children under 18 aren’t suitable.

Is food available during the tour?

Food isn’t allowed.

Is the tour indoors?

Most of the tour is indoors, so it runs in any weather condition.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is described as wheelchair accessible, but it still requires standing, so it’s worth considering your comfort level.

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