
Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 70 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail worth booking?
Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail is a 1.3-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $34 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 70 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (70)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $34 per person
Discover Edinburgh's quirkiest Gin Distillery on this small-group tour and tasting at Pickering's Gin. Whilst many distillery tours focus on big-name brands, this intimate experience takes you behind the scenes of a small-batch production. Learn all there is to know about Pickering's gin and its unique distillation process in Edinburgh's First Exclusive Gin Distillery in over 150 years! Hear about how the distillery was created from an old veterinary school, discover the hidden history of Gin through the ages and enjoy a freshly made cocktail to highlight your tasting. Meet and greet Gertrude and Emily, the two stills – possibly in steaming action. Enjoy a guided tasting of 4 of our hand crafted Gins, and share your thoughts and feelings about your favourite drink with the group. Finish the tour in style with a perfectly poured G&T waiting for you at the Royal Dick Pub.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Edinburgh's quirkiest Gin Distillery on this small-group tour and tasting at Pickering's Gin. Whilst many distillery tours focus on big-name brands, this intimate experience takes you behind the scenes of a small-batch production. Learn all there is to know about Pickering's gin and its unique distillation process in Edinburgh's First Exclusive Gin Distillery in over 150 years! Hear about how the distillery was created from an old veterinary school, discover the hidden history of Gin through the ages and enjoy a freshly made cocktail to highlight your tasting. Meet and greet Gertrude and Emily, the two stills – possibly in steaming action. Enjoy a guided tasting of 4 of our hand crafted Gins, and share your thoughts and feelings about your favourite drink with the group. Finish the tour in style with a perfectly poured G&T waiting for you at the Royal Dick Pub.
What's included
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Summerhall Distillery /pickering's Gin
Embark on a Gin Distillery tour at Summerhall in the old Vet College of the University where you will discover how we craft our small-batch gins, followed by a tutored tasting of our 4 core range surrounded by our stills, Emily and Gertrude. You will conclude the experience with the waxing of your own miniature 5cl bottle of gin to take home.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The meeting point for the start of the tour is inside the MAIN RECEPTION HALL of SUMMERHALL, up the steps from the street, behind the wooden doors. NOT AT THE DISTILLERY. Look for Summerhall on Google, not the distillery.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point for the start of the tour is inside the MAIN RECEPTION HALL of SUMMERHALL, up the steps from the street, behind the wooden doors. NOT AT THE DISTILLERY. Look for Summerhall on Google, not the distillery.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Summerhall Distillery
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages: 18 YEARS OLD - Soft drink for under 18
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 70 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
70 verified traveler reviews for Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thank you Emma
Went today and although local and a fan of Pickering's it was great tour and learned more about the founders and the gins.Emma was new to the team although you wouldn't know it.she was bubbly and clearly likes her job! Small independent company and I will definitely support them and continue to buy Pickerings Gin as my first choice.Reccomend a visit to Summerhall.
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommended. Fun and informative.
Absolutely brilliant guide, very passionate about gin, highly knowledgeable, but also really fun and relaxed.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the 5 stars! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our tour and our tour guide! We'll make sure to pass along you r kind words to the tours team! :)
via Tripadvisor
A tour that chased the big-tourism blues
What a lovely day! We'd been put off by the crowds at other Edinburgh sites, but here was a modest working facility and an excellent guide. It was educational, fun, and jus the right length.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review. We are delighted that you enjoyed our tour so much. We are a very small team and we put great care and passion in everything we do, so it is lovely to see that it reflects on your experience! :)
via Tripadvisor
Puckering gin tasting.
Great tour, lots of laughs. Nice small group with great information. Was value for money and nice gin. Guide was El.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the 4 stars! :) We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our tour and our Gin. We'll make sure to pass along your kind words to Eloi! :)
via Tripadvisor
superb tour, interesting & fab guide
we did the the gin tour with cocktail. Eilo our guide was fantastic, hugely knowledgeable, lots of interesting information presented well with a touch of humour. The gin itself is delicious, the tasting room is really nicely set up. Great building.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our tour and our Gin. We'll make sure to pass along your kind words to Eloi! :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail cost?
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Prices start at $34 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail take?
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Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 70 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail?
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Around 25 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail?
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The meeting point for the start of the tour is inside the MAIN RECEPTION HALL of SUMMERHALL, up the steps from the street, behind the wooden doors. NOT AT THE DISTILLERY. Look for Summerhall on Google. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail offered in?
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It is offered in English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour, Tasting & Cocktail?
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Across 70 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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