Gin fans, this one is fun. This Pickering’s Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour takes you into Summerhall’s old Veterinary College building to see small-batch gin being made and then taste the distillery’s 4 core gins. I especially like the small group size (max 12), which keeps the experience chatty and question-friendly, and the hands-on finale where you wax your own personalized 5cl bottle to take home.

The main drawback to consider: it’s a one-stop experience focused tightly on gin, so if you’re hoping for a big multi-location Edinburgh day out, this won’t be that. Also, alcohol is only for age 18+, with soft drinks available for under 18.

Key things that make this Edinburgh gin tour worth your time

• Summerhall’s former Vet College setting gives the distillery tour a real sense of place
• Tasting 4 core gins means you’ll actually compare styles, not just take a sip and move on
• The stills named Emily and Gertrude are part of the behind-the-scenes story
• Waxing a personalized 5cl bottle turns the tasting into a keepsake you made
• Max group size of 12 keeps it relaxed, with room for questions

Where Summerhall’s old Vet College turns a gin tasting into an experience

The meeting point is at Summerhall, Edinburgh (EH9 1PL), in a building with serious character. You’re not just visiting a counter and getting a few pours; you’re walking into a former Veterinary College space that’s now home to the distillery. That matters because it makes the tour feel grounded and physical—wood, stone, and working spaces instead of a generic showroom vibe.

I like that the tour is short and focused. You’re looking at around an hour, so you can fit it into a packed Edinburgh itinerary without losing half your day to transit or long waits. If your schedule is tight, this kind of pacing is a gift.

How the 1-hour timing works (and why it’s a good match for most plans)

This is a single-stop tour that starts and ends back at the same meeting point. That simplicity is practical in Edinburgh, where weather can swing and walking distances add up. You’re guided through the production and the tasting, then you finish with the take-home bottling step.

A typical flow looks like:

• You start at the Summerhall distillery area and get orientation in the working space
• You then get a tutored tasting of the 4 core gins around the stills
• Finally, you wax a miniature 5cl bottle and leave with your own bottle

Because it’s only about an hour, you don’t need to arrive early to “kill time.” Still, I’d plan to be on time. With a small group, the guide will keep the pace moving, and arriving late can cut into your tasting time.

Seeing the gin being made at Pickering’s: the real point of a distillery visit

The heart of the tour is the distillery portion in the old Veterinary College building. You get to see how small-batch gins are crafted, and then the tasting happens in the same environment, which makes the flavors feel tied to the process rather than random.

One of the standout details here is that the tour is centered around the distillery’s stills—Emily and Gertrude. When a tour names the equipment, it usually means you’re getting more than a generic overview. You’re hearing how the setup influences the end product and what to pay attention to when tasting.

In plain terms: this is the kind of experience where the tasting makes more sense. Instead of smelling a botanical and guessing what it is, you can connect the aromas to what you learned about production.

The tutored tasting of 4 core gins: what you should pay attention to

The tasting is tutored, which is the difference between a simple sampling flight and a guided comparison. You’re tasting the distillery’s 4 core range gins in a guided setting, with the chance to ask questions.

This is also where I’d encourage you to slow down. Take a second before each sip and notice:

• The first aroma hit (often citrus or spice)
• How the flavor changes as it warms slightly in your mouth
• The finish—does it feel crisp, herbal, peppery, or softer?

The best part of a guided tasting is that you’re not trying to translate gin like a chemistry exam. With the guide’s explanations in front of you, you’ll understand what you’re noticing and how to describe it for yourself.

The hands-on finale: waxing and personalizing your 5cl take-home bottle

This tour isn’t just educational; it has a tactile ending. You finish by waxing your own miniature 5cl bottle of gin, and it’s personalized, so it’s not just another branded souvenir.

Why this part is such good value: it gives you something that feels earned. The bottle is small, but it’s a real reminder of the distillery stop, and it’s practical to take home without needing luggage space for a full-size bottle.

If you’re bringing this as a birthday idea or couple activity, the waxing step also makes it feel special even for people who think they’re not “big gin” fans. It’s straightforward and fun, and it turns the hour into an event with a finish line.

Small group size (max 12): how it changes the quality of your experience

This tour caps at 12 travelers. That small limit is not a marketing gimmick here—it matters because it affects how the guide can teach. When the group is smaller, you’re more likely to get direct answers, more focused attention, and more chances to ask questions without feeling like you’re interrupting.

The reviews also put a spotlight on guides with real personality. People mention names like Max, Marina, and Alyssa, with praise for being engaging, friendly, and funny while still staying on topic. You’ll feel that in the pacing. The tour doesn’t drag, and it doesn’t turn into a lecture.

Price and value: what $34.28 gets you in Edinburgh

At $34.28 per person, you’re paying for a true distillery tasting experience plus a take-home item made in-session. Considering the short duration, what justifies the cost is:

• Access to the distillery space in Summerhall
• A tutored tasting of 4 core gins
• The hands-on waxing and personalization of a 5cl bottle

If you’ve done tastings elsewhere where you leave with only a few samples in your memory, this is different. You’re leaving with a bottle you made and waxed yourself—small, yes, but actually tangible.

One practical point: this tour is often booked ahead, with an average booking window of about 9 days. If you want a specific day, don’t wait until the last minute. Edinburgh books up in spurts, especially around weekends.

Who should book this Pickering’s gin tour (and who might skip it)

This fits best if you want:

• A short Edinburgh experience that still feels hands-on
• A real distillery visit where you can ask questions
• A tasting that compares multiple core gins
• A meaningful take-home souvenir (the waxed 5cl bottle)

You might skip it if you’re looking for a long craft-beer-style tour format, a multi-stop sightseeing day, or something heavy on history beyond the gin context. This one is tightly focused on the gin, the stills, and the tasting.

Should you book? My quick decision guide

Book it if you like gin and want an hour that’s equal parts learning and fun—especially if you enjoy small-group experiences. The combination of Summerhall’s distinct setting, the tasting of the 4 core gins, and the personalized waxed 5cl bottle makes it feel like more than a simple pour.

Hold off only if you’re not interested in tasting multiple gins or you need a full-day itinerary. This tour is built for people who want a concentrated, high-satisfaction stop.

FAQ

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

It runs for about 1 hour.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL, UK.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people.

Do you get to taste gin as part of the tour?

Yes. You’ll have a tutored tasting of 4 core gins.

What do you take home at the end?

You wax and take home a personalized 5cl bottle of gin.

Is there an alcohol age limit?

Yes. The minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages is 18. A soft drink is available for anyone under 18.

Is this experience a mobile ticket?

Yes. You receive a mobile ticket.

Is Summerhall easy to reach with public transportation?

Yes, the meeting point is described as being near public transportation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do it at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.