Gin in Edinburgh has a hidden address. In The Lost Close, you get expert-led stories and a four-gin tasting tied to gin’s evolution from early distillation traditions to modern Scottish styles. I especially like the setting and the way the guide connects each pour to a specific chapter. The one catch: it’s more history-first than a long tasting spree, so if you only want lots of contemporary gin variety, this may feel focused.

The Underground venue is part of the point. This space went from a purpose-built bank to a prison, then it was lost for years before being uncovered again. That makes the tasting feel like a proper Old Town discovery, not just a drink stop. And you get to ask questions in a small group, not shout over strangers.

For $37.29 per person (about 1 hour), you’re paying for the guide, the atmosphere, and four guided pours customized to your tastes. I’d book ahead too. This one averages around 27 days in advance, and the tour caps at 10 people.

Key things to know before you go

• The Lost Close setting: a newly uncovered underground space with a bank-to-prison backstory
• Four gins, story-linked: each tasting comes with a chapter in gin’s evolution
• Custom mixing to your tastes: your guide adjusts how the gins are served so you’ll actually enjoy them
• Small group size (max 10): better questions, better conversation, less waiting
• Expert hosts with big energy: guides like Sara/Sarah and Dan are known for humor and easy explanations
• One-hour format: efficient, mellow, and great for an arrival-day activity

Meeting in Edinburgh, then heading underground to The Lost Close

Your tour starts at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, 1a Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. You’ll meet your guide there, and then they lead you to the underground space. That upstairs meeting matters because the area can be under construction, and you want the simplest path to avoid fumbling around Old Town side streets.

Once you’re in the right spot, you’ll move underground to The Lost Close. This is not a standard bar. It’s a vault-like venue tied to the building’s layered past: a first-purpose-built bank in Scotland, later converted into a prison, then hidden away for years until it was uncovered again recently. That’s why the tasting works even if you’re not chasing gin the way some people chase breweries. You’re getting a story with a physical backdrop.

Since the tour is about 1 hour (approx.), you should plan it like a clean block in your day. It’s long enough to learn and taste, short enough that you’re not losing your whole evening.

The Lost Close experience: why the venue changes how you taste

Most gin tastings treat the drinks like the main event. Here, the room is part of the script. You’re in a space that was literally forgotten, then found, which gives the whole experience a sense of discovery. One of the best reviews called out how the vault setting helps you understand gin’s less-proud origins, and that’s exactly what you’ll feel once the guide starts connecting the dots.

Another thing I like is that the venue supports conversation. With a small group of up to 10, you can actually hear the story and react to it. In other words, you’re tasting with a guide, not just sampling near a speaker system.

There’s also a practical upside. The tour is centered on one location. You won’t bounce around Edinburgh trying to keep track of meeting points. That makes it a solid pick if your schedule is tight or you’re doing Old Town on foot already.

How the guided timeline works: gin history in plain language

The heart of this tour is the idea of evolution. You start with the earliest roots of distillation and the traditions that eventually fed into gin’s rise. Then you move through the stages that shaped the spirit into what we recognize today, including steps like Dutch genever. One review also referenced the idea of aqua vitae as part of the longer distilled-spirit lineage, and that theme shows up in how the guide frames gin’s background.

You’ll also hear about methods behind the flavor, not just trivia. Expect talk about how distillation and infusion of botanicals connect to what you taste. It’s not a textbook lecture, but it’s specific enough that you can start noticing why one gin reads “juniper-forward,” another feels more floral or spicy, and why modern Scottish gins often carry a different mood than older styles.

What makes this history useful is that it feeds directly into the tasting. Each pour becomes a quick test of the story. So if you’re the type who remembers best when you pair facts with flavors, this works well.

The four-gin tasting: profiles, pacing, and what makes it feel personalized

The tour includes tasting 4 very different gins. The guide serves them in a way that ties to the evolution theme, but you don’t just sip and move on. The format is built so you can compare profiles across time.

Here’s what I think you’ll notice quickly:

• The set of gins isn’t random. It’s chosen to show change over time, not just to hit popular brands.
• You get input on how you like them. The pours are mixed to your tastes, which helps if you’re picky about strength, style, or how botanicals come through.
• You’ll get discussion time. With a small group, you’re not stuck waiting your turn to ask what you’re tasting.

One review specifically noted that this is better than the usual “try a bunch, hope you like one” approach, because the history helps you understand what you’re tasting rather than treating it like a blind lineup. Another review mentioned trying unusual gins they wouldn’t normally pick, which is a big part of why this tour can be worth it even for people who don’t think they like gin.

Also, if you have a friend who isn’t a gin person, this is one of the more forgiving tastings I can recommend. One reviewer did it because they weren’t a big gin drinker, and still ended up with a growing appreciation thanks to the guide’s explanations and the variety of styles.

Guide style: humor plus real explanations (Dan and Sara stand out)

This is the kind of tour where the host makes or breaks it. The consistent pattern in the feedback is that guides like Dan and Sara/Sarah bring a mix of humor and clarity. They explain the origins of each gin you sample, and they keep it interactive without turning it into a performance you have to watch.

That matters because gin can be intimidating for some people. There are a lot of terms and botanicals people throw around. Here, the guide’s job seems to be translating what those choices mean in the glass. When the room is underground and the topic is spirits history, a lively guide keeps the experience from feeling like a museum talk.

If you like asking questions, this format rewards you. The small group size means you’re less likely to be shut down or brushed past.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want something else)

This works best if you want:

• A low-pressure Edinburgh evening with a clear start and finish
• A history-led experience that still tastes good
• A tour where you can ask questions and actually connect dots
• A gin activity that isn’t just a modern-brand sampler

It may be less ideal if you mainly want:

• A distillery-style visit or a production floor tour (this is not framed that way)
• A very wide selection of contemporary gins (you’ll taste four, not dozens)
• A purely party-style bar crawl

If you’re visiting on an arrival day, this is also a smart pick. It’s active but not exhausting, and the guide-led format helps you stay grounded while you figure out Edinburgh.

Value check: $37.29 for one hour and four guided tastings

Let’s talk value in real terms. At $37.29 per person for about 1 hour, you’re not just paying for drinks. You’re paying for:

• An expert guide to explain the evolution you’re tasting
• The venue experience in The Lost Close
• Four curated gins served in a guided sequence
• A small-group setting that supports conversation

If you’ve ever done a standard tasting where you pour, sip, and forget half the details, this feels more “educational entertainment.” You leave with context, which is what turns a tasting into a memory.

It’s also easier to justify because the format is efficient. You get a complete arc in an hour: the room’s history, gin’s roots, the middle stages, and modern Scottish expressions.

Quick practical tips before you book

• Consider booking earlier if you can. Average advance booking is around 27 days, and the tour holds max 10 people.
• Plan to arrive a few minutes early at John’s Coffee House & Tavern so you’re not rushing your start.
• If you’re sensitive to strong flavors, remember it’s still a tasting of gin (four samples). The guide can still help with what suits your tastes, but it’s not a soft-drink event.

Should you book this Evolution of Gin in Edinburgh?

Yes, if you want a one-hour activity that feels like Edinburgh: underground, story-driven, and surprisingly approachable. I’d book it if you like learning while you taste, and especially if you’ve ever wondered how gin became so tied to Scottish identity.

I’d skip or swap it for a different gin plan if you only want a huge variety of modern gins or you’re expecting a distillery tour. But if your sweet spot is history + four pours + a guide with energy, this is a very solid way to spend your time in the Old Town.

FAQ

How long is the Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting tour?

It runs for about 1 hour.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $37.29 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, 1a Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK, and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What do I taste during the tour?

You taste four different gins, mixed to your tastes, with stories tied to each.

Where does the underground part take place?

The tasting is hosted in The Lost Close.

When will I receive confirmation?

Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour accessible for people who use service animals?

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation.