From the bustling city of London to the very north of Scotland, check out ten of the best gin distillery tours in the UK.
Synonymous with British culture, gin has been a household staple for centuries, and its popularity has risen greatly in recent years. With more and more craft gin distilleries cropping up throughout the UK and established brands innovating with new flavours, colours and serves, gin is having a renaissance. And it shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
The UK is now one of the world’s biggest exporters of the spirit, and as the popularity grows, so too does the desire to visit the site of the spirit’s production. So, why not take the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn about your favourite gin tipple.
1. Sipsmith Distillery, Sipsmith Gin, London
Sipsmith, established in 2009, is a micro distillery located in London. A visit to the Sipsmith Distillery is a must for all gin lovers to the British capital. Guests can sip on a G&T whilst learning about the history of gin and how the Sipsmith brand came to be. Next up on the tour is a visit to the copper stills (named Prudence, Patience and Constance) to discover what it takes to create the award-winning spirit. At the end of the tour, guests are then treated to a tutored gin tasting.
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2. Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh
This iconic gin, named after the Scottish capital city, has two unique distilleries in Edinburgh, but only one is open to visitors. The Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Visitor Centre is situated in the heart of the West End on Rutland Place. Depending on which tour package you choose, visitors will have the opportunity to discover more about the brand’s heritage and how it’s made before enjoying a tasting of the flavoursome spirit.
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3. Isle of Harris Distillery, Isle of Harris Gin, Isle of Harris
Located on one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands, the Isle of Harris Distillery, established in 2015, is well known for its refreshing gin and recognisable rippled aqua blue bottle. Take a tour and go behind the scenes to witness the heart of the distilling operation. This tour not only incorporates the making of the gin but also delves into island life, giving a greater appreciation of the distillery and the craftsmanship which goes into every bottle.
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5. Beefeater Distillery, Beefeater Gin, London
Beefeater’s history dates back to the 1860s when it was produced in a distillery in Chelsea. After steady growth, the brand moved the production to Lambeth in 1908 and finally moved to its current distillery in Kennginton in 1958. Housed in an Edwardian building, the Beefeater Distillery features original Victorian pot stills and a botanical room. The tour involves an overview of the production process and insights into the ingredients which make the gin unique. As always, the tour culminates with a tasting.
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6. Eden Mill Distillery, Eden Mill Gin, St Andrews
The only Scottish distillery and brewery rolled into one, the Eden Mill Distillery not only produces gin and whisky, but also beer. Start off with a welcome gin and tonic, and then go behind the scenes as the knowledgeable staff guide you through the beautiful boutique distillery. Learn how Eden Mill gin is made, how they source their botanicals and what they infuse into each of their blends. Things finish with a gin tasting from their range.
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7. Bruichladdich Distillery, The Botanist Gin, Islay
The Botanist is an artisanal gin made by the Bruichladdich Distillery, which was built in 1881 on the Scottish Isle of Islay. Already famous for their whisky, the Bruichladdich Distillery started to create their own gin in 2011. Made with 22 hand foraged Islay botanicals, visitors will tour the still room to see and hear about the gin making process. And whilst you’re on the Scottish spirit making island, make sure to visit some of the nearby whisky distilleries.
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8. Dunnet Bay Distillery, Rock Rose Gin
Situated on the famous North Coast 500 route, one of the UK’s most popular road-trips, the Dunnet Bay Distillery is located three miles north from Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Britain. Rock Rose gin is hand distilled and features local and traditional botanicals, many of which are hand foraged. Visitors to the distillery can learn about the distilling and bottling process. After that, enjoy an interactive tasting of the award-winning gin.
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9. The Lakes Distillery, The Lakes Gin, Lake District
Located on the shores of Bassenthwaite in a renovated Victorian farmstead, the Lakes Distillery is the perfect pitstop whilst exploring the beautiful Lake District. Discover the sights, sounds and smells of the working distillery as you follow the journey of the gin, vodka and whisky making process. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a guided tasting of all three spirits. Keep an eye out for the resident alpacas living in the field nearby!
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10. Black Friar’s Distillery, Plymouth Gin, Plymouth
Uncover the history of the Black Friar’s Distillery, the working home of Plymouth Gin since 1793. The oldest working gin distillery in England, visitors will be taken through the centuries old gin distillation process. The tour ends with a tutored tasting of Plymouth Gin Original at the distillery’s bar.
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