Gin in a former vet college sounds oddly perfect, and this small-group tour turns that odd setup into a smooth look at Pickering’s small-batch production. I like the hands-on, real distillery feel at Summerhall (not just a slideshow), and I love that you end by making and waxing your own personalized 5cl bottle to take home. One thing to consider: it’s a focused 1-hour experience, so if you want a long, multi-stop tour around Edinburgh, you’ll need to pair it with other plans.

You’ll meet at Summerhall, step into the old Vet College atmosphere, and get a tutored tasting of the distillery’s core range. With a maximum of 12 people, it stays friendly and question-friendly, and the guides keep the pace moving. You should also plan around the 18+ alcohol rule: soft drinks are available for anyone under 18.

Key points to know before you go

• Summerhall’s old Vet College setting makes the distillery feel like a place with stories, not just machines.
• Stills named Emily and Gertrude give you a fun, memorable way to understand the production space.
• Tasting of the 4 core gins helps you compare styles without rushing.
• Waxing your own personalized 5cl bottle turns the tour into a take-home souvenir you made.
• Small group size (max 12) keeps the experience from feeling crowded.
• 1 hour long means it fits easily into a day of Edinburgh sightseeing.

Summerhall’s Gin Tour: why this setting matters

Edinburgh has plenty of pubs and plenty of gin shops. This tour adds something different: you get to see gin being made in a working space inside an old university building at Summerhall.

That matters because it changes the tone. You’re not standing around waiting for a demo. You’re walking through the production environment, then sitting down for a guided tasting. It also helps that this is capped at 12 people, so you actually get time to ask questions and hear the guide’s explanations clearly.

The hour-by-hour flow (and what each part is really for)

The whole experience runs about 1 hour, and it’s tightly focused on production, tasting, and a hands-on finale. Here’s what you can expect, in the order you’ll experience it.

Stop 1: Summerhall distillery tour of Pickering’s small-batch making

You start at 1, Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL, in the distillery setting inside the former Vet College of the University. The point here is simple: you learn how small-batch gin gets crafted, and you see the equipment up close while the story connects to what’s in the glass later.

The guide also points out the distillery’s stills, Emily and Gertrude. I like details like that because they give you mental anchors. Later during tasting, you can remember where the process line leads, instead of feeling like you learned only broad theory.

Practical note: this part is designed to be watch-and-listen, not hands-on lab work. If you’re the kind of person who likes visuals, take a moment to look around while the guide is explaining the setup.

The tutored tasting of 4 core gins

After the tour portion, you get a tutored tasting of the distillery’s 4 core gins. This is the heart of the value. Four gins is enough variety to notice differences, but not so many that you feel rushed or overwhelmed.

A guided tasting also means you’re not left guessing. You can ask what botanicals or flavors to look for, and the guide can help you connect your nose and palate to what you’re learning about the production style. If you’ve had gin before and felt like it was all just “juniper and tonic,” this part is where you can start sorting it into real categories.

Optional pairing vibe: one guest mentioned a gin and tonic at the start of their experience. The tour info doesn’t guarantee that for everyone, but it’s a useful reminder that the session can include a drink component alongside the tasting.

Waxing your own personalized 5cl bottle to take home

Then comes the best souvenir move: you wax your own personalized 5cl bottle to take home. This is the kind of finish that makes a short tour feel worth it, because you’re not just buying a bottle after the fact—you’re taking part in the presentation.

If you like practical keepsakes, this one wins. It’s compact, easy to pack, and it’s connected to what you learned. Plus, waxing feels satisfyingly hands-on for a tour that’s mostly watch-and-taste.

Guides and group size: the difference between a demo and a real experience

What makes this tour work is the human factor. Multiple guides are called out by name in different experiences, including Max, Marina, and Alyssa. The common thread is engagement: clear explanations, humor in the storytelling, and an easygoing feel where questions don’t interrupt the flow.

That’s especially important in small groups. With only 12 people, the guide can keep an eye on who’s paying attention and who wants more detail. You’re less likely to get stuck in the back of a crowd.

Price and value: is $34.28 a good deal?

At $34.28 per person, you’re paying for a lot inside a tight timeframe. You’re getting:

• admission to the distillery experience (ticket included),
• a tutored tasting of 4 core gins,
• access to the production tour in a unique Edinburgh site,
• and the take-home 5cl bottle (waxed by you).

For me, the best value is the combination. Many tours are either mostly tasting with no production context, or they’re mostly a factory walk with minimal guidance. Here, you get both, plus the take-home bottle makes it feel like a complete souvenir.

If you’re a casual gin fan, this still works because you’ll get comparison through the 4 core gins. If you’re a die-hard gin person, you’ll appreciate the still details and the small-batch focus without needing extra time to “fill in” the story yourself.

Logistics that affect your comfort (in plain language)

• Duration: about 1 hour, so plan for a quick slot in your day.
• Meeting point: Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL.
• Language: offered in English.
• Tickets: mobile ticket is included, so you’ll want your phone charged.
• Transit: it’s described as near public transportation, which helps when you’re hopping between neighborhoods.
• Age: 18+ for alcoholic beverages. Soft drink is available for under 18.

One more small tip: since this is timed and short, arrive a few minutes early. In a place like Summerhall, it’s easy to spend a couple of minutes orienting yourself, and you don’t want to feel rushed.

Who should book this Pickering’s tasting tour?

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• a short, high-signal activity that doesn’t eat an entire afternoon,
• a genuine look at gin production in an unusual Edinburgh location,
• guided tasting support (especially if you don’t know what to look for),
• and a memorable take-home item made during the tour.

It’s also a nice couple option. The session has the structure of a date activity, but it still works solo because it’s small-group and guided.

If you’re the type who wants a long, multi-stop “see the whole city” day, this won’t replace that. Think of it as a focused craft stop—then go enjoy Edinburgh outside the distillery with your bottle in hand.

Should you book? My honest take

If you love gin and you like learning by watching and tasting, I’d book this. The mix of Summerhall’s old-building setting, a guided look at small-batch production, and the very hands-on waxed 5cl bottle ending makes the whole thing feel complete for the time you spend.

I’d skip it only if you’re set on a longer tour format, or if you’re looking for something more like a history museum with lots of time to wander. This is built to move, taste, and finish.

In short: this is a smart buy for a one-hour Edinburgh slot, especially if you want a souvenir that’s tied to the actual craft you saw.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour (approx.).

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL, UK.

What is the price per person?

The price is $34.28 per person.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, keeping it small-group.

Is a tasting included?

Yes. You’ll have a tutored tasting of the distillery’s 4 core gin range.

Do I get a bottle to take home?

Yes. You’ll wax your own personalized 5cl bottle of gin to take home.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. Alcohol consumption has a minimum age of 18. Soft drinks are available for under 18.

Is there public transportation nearby?

The tour is described as near public transportation.

How does ticket delivery work?

You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

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