Gin goes underground in Edinburgh. In The Lost Close, you get a story-led tasting with four very different gins, plus tonics and garnishes you mix yourself. What I like most is the atmospheric setting and the hands-on way you learn without feeling like a classroom. The only drawback: it’s a tight 1-hour experience, so it’s not for people who want a long, slow drink-and-chat night.

I also really enjoy that the guide connects what’s in your glass to what came before. On different dates, you may have guides like Sara (and in other runs, Nicky and Dan) who bring plenty of humor and room for questions. If gin isn’t your thing, you might still have fun—but the format is clearly built around learning how gin styles evolved and why your tonic choice matters.

Key things to love about this gin tasting

• Underground venue access at The Lost Close: you start above ground near St Giles Cathedral, then head down into an atmospheric close.
• Four gins, not four repeats: the tasting is built around different styles you can compare in the same setting.
• You mix, not the guide: tonics and garnishes are there, but your perfect serve is up to you.
• Gin’s evolution through Scotland-linked chapters: you cover Jenever, Old Tom, Navy Strength, and London Dry.
• Tonic water’s real story: you hear how tonic started medicinal and became gin’s go-to mixer.
• A guide who performs: the best part is often the pacing—history plus flavor, with jokes and plenty of explanation.

Finding The Lost Close under St Giles Cathedral

This is the kind of Edinburgh activity that feels like you’re letting the city surprise you a little. You meet outside John’s Coffee House & Tavern, just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square. From there, you head underground to The Lost Close, which is where the whole experience happens.

Timing-wise, plan to arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushing. The tour is 1 hour, so you’ll want to settle in quickly once you’re underground. If you’re doing this before dinner, it’s a great way to start the evening while your walking energy is still high.

Also note the venue rule: no smoking indoors. That’s standard for most tasting spaces, but it’s good to know so you can plan your break outside if you need one.

What you actually do in the tasting (and how it’s structured)

You’re not just receiving four tiny pours and a quick “cheers.” The format is a guided journey: each gin fits into the story of how gin changed over time, and each one comes with guidance on how to taste it.

Here’s the flow you should expect:

• You start with an intro to gin’s background and how Scottish history links to the spirit’s evolution.
• You move through different gin styles—each tasting moment is tied to a chapter in the story.
• For each gin, you’re offered tonics and garnishes.
• Then you decide how to build your drink: you can go bold and strong, or lighter and more refreshing.

The big practical point: the mixing is part of the learning. You’re tasting not only gin, but also the way tonic changes aroma and balance. That’s why you leave feeling like you understand your own preferences, not just like you got a free history lecture while sipping.

The experience is also intentionally varied in approach. One moment you’re focused on flavor profiles and suggested pairings; the next you’re hearing how tonic itself became a partner to gin. That pacing is exactly what makes it feel more fun than a standard tasting room.

Four gins, one setting: comparing Jenever to London Dry

The tasting is built around four distinct gins. The guide uses them as stepping stones through gin’s evolution, with styles mentioned like Jenever, Old Tom, Navy Strength, and London Dry.

Why that matters for you: if you only drink one gin at home, you can easily think gin is one flavor category. This format forces you to taste gin as a spectrum. Each style tends to carry different intensity, botanical balance, and overall structure, and the tonic choices help highlight those differences.

You’ll also get guidance on:

• How to think about the gin’s flavor profile
• Which tonic types tend to work best with that style
• Which garnishes can nudge the drink toward citrus, spice, or something lighter

What I especially like is that you’re tasting in the same atmospheric room the whole time. Being underground in The Lost Close keeps the experience consistent, so you can focus on the drink changes rather than constantly resetting your brain.

The tonic water story: from medicinal use to the perfect mixer

A gin tasting is good. A gin tasting where you understand tonic makes it stick.

You’ll hear how tonic water began with medicinal roots and later became the mixer gin lovers expect today. That story isn’t just trivia. It helps you interpret what you’re tasting when you add tonic—why it has the bite it has, and why the bitterness and bubbles work so well with juniper-driven spirits.

In practice, this means you’ll be more intentional with your mixes. If one gin seems too strong at first, you’ll understand how tonic can soften edges. If a gin tastes too light, you’ll know why a different tonic choice can bring structure back.

The underground venue: The Lost Close makes it feel like theatre

The Lost Close is more than a cool backdrop—it shapes the mood of the whole hour. You’re under Edinburgh, in a space that feels hidden and a bit theatrical. More than one guide-led session described this as a lively, friendly environment, not stuffy.

This matters because gin tastings can drift into “stand there, sip, move on.” Here, the setting helps the guide keep momentum. When you’re underground, distractions get quieter, and the group energy tends to stay focused on the story and the glasses in your hands.

If you like atmospheres—old walls, tight spaces, a sense of place—this is a big reason to pick this over a generic tasting counter. It also makes a great date idea or friends’ activity because it feels different from your usual bar stop.

How much time does it take, and is it worth $36?

You’re paying $36 per person for a 1-hour guided tasting. What you get for that price is pretty straightforward: 4 gin tastings, tonics, garnish, and exclusive access to The Lost Close with an expert guide.

Is it “worth it”? I think it’s fair if you want an active experience. You’re not spending money just on alcohol—you’re paying for guidance, structured comparison across gin styles, and the venue experience. The best value is when you’re the kind of person who enjoys learning while doing, especially with something as taste-based as gin and tonic.

If you’re the type who wants a cheap drink and no talking, you may feel like it’s more structured than you expected. But if you like explanations that connect to what you smell and taste, the price starts to make sense fast.

Who should book this gin tasting in Edinburgh

This works best for:

• Adults who want a fun first stop before dinner
• People who enjoy history when it’s paired with real sensory payoff
• Groups that like sharing preferences as the tasting goes
• Anyone curious about how gin styles evolved and why tonic became the go-to mixer

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 18 years
• Pregnant women
• Babies under 1 year

If you fall into any of those categories, skip it for now and look for another Edinburgh gin option that fits better.

Practical tips so you enjoy it more

A few small things can make your hour smoother:

• Think about your gin taste before you arrive. If you like bold flavors, go for it. If you prefer light and refreshing, you’ll still be able to tailor your serve.
• Use the guide’s suggestions, then adjust. The mixing is left up to you, so don’t feel stuck following one formula.
• Ask questions. The vibe described by multiple guests is that the guides enjoy conversation, and that makes the hour feel less rushed.

Also, since it’s an underground venue, dress for comfort. You’ll be inside for the entire session, and you’ll want to stay comfortable enough to focus on tasting.

Should you book this gin tasting at The Lost Close?

Book it if you want an Edinburgh experience that feels like part tasting, part story, and part venue adventure. The combination of The Lost Close setting, four different gins, and the mix-your-own approach is the kind of format that leaves you with both new flavors and clearer preferences.

Skip it if you hate guided activities or if you mainly want a long hangout. With only 1 hour, it’s designed to move. It’s also very clearly built for adults, and the space has rules like no smoking indoors.

If you’re planning a first-time Edinburgh night, I’d put this high on the list—especially if you like quirky, atmospheric stops where the guide does more than recite facts.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the gin tasting?

You meet outside John’s Coffee House & Tavern, just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square.

How long is the gin tasting experience?

The experience lasts 1 hour.

What is the price per person?

It costs $36 per person.

What will I taste during the tour?

You’ll sample 4 different gins, with tonics and garnishes to mix.

Is the tour guide in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English.

Is smoking allowed indoors?

No. Smoking indoors is not allowed.

Is it suitable for children or pregnant women?

No. It’s not suitable for pregnant women and it’s not suitable for children under 18 (and babies under 1 year).

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. It offers a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book and pay nothing today.