A sensory space filled with botanicals used in production, allowing visitors to smell ingredients and learn how each influences flavour.
For travellers who want more than castles and cobbled streets, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery offers a deeper look into one of the city’s most creative modern industries. Located in Leith, an area closely tied to Edinburgh’s trading and distilling past, the distillery blends craftsmanship and hands-on experiences in a way that feels accessible even to first time visitors.
What makes this place stand out is how involved you get. Rather than observing from a distance, you are invited to understand how botanicals shape flavour, how distillation works, and why Edinburgh became an important centre for gin production. Guided tours are designed to explain each stage clearly, without technical overload, making it ideal for tourists who want context without complexity.
The building itself adds to the appeal. Set inside a restored Victorian drill hall, the space connects Leith’s industrial heritage with contemporary design. Interactive rooms, working stills, and dedicated tasting areas ensure the visit never feels static!
Practical touches also matter for tourists. The distillery is easy to reach by public transport, tours run throughout the day, and experiences range from short guided visits to longer creative sessions. Whether you have limited time or want a deeper dive into local culture, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery fits smoothly into an Edinburgh itinerary while offering something genuinely different from the city’s more traditional attractions!
The story of the Edinburgh Gin Distillery begins in 2013, when the Spencerfield Spirit Company launched the Edinburgh Gin brand, drawing inspiration from the city’s long association with illicit and licensed distilling. By the late eighteenth century, Edinburgh was known for hundreds of small stills operating across the city, particularly around the port of Leith.
The distillery later established its visitor focused home within a restored Victorian drill hall on Batchen Street, opening the space to the public in 2016. This move helped reconnect modern gin production with Leith’s maritime and industrial history. In 2017, the brand was acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers, supporting further expansion and innovation.
In 2023, production and visitor experiences were consolidated at the Leith site, allowing guests to see the full journey from concept to bottle under one roof. Today, the distillery continues to balance historical influence with contemporary techniques, making it a relevant stop for visitors interested in Edinburgh’s evolving craft scene!
The Edinburgh gin distillery was founded by the Spencerfield Spirit Company, established by Charles and Holly Maclean. Following its acquisition by Ian Macleod Distillers, the Leith distillery was developed with Staran Architects, who transformed the historic drill hall into a working distillery and visitor focused space.
The distillery occupies a Category B listed Victorian drill hall, adapted to balance heritage and modern use. Original brickwork and vaulted arches remain visible, while glass walls and open layouts allow clear views of production areas. Carefully planned lighting, sustainable materials, and clear visitor flow create an environment that feels practical, welcoming, and rooted in Leith’s industrial past.
Most visitors spend between one and two hours at the distillery, depending on the tour or experience chosen. Longer sessions like gin making require additional time.
Yes, the distillery works well early in a trip as it provides cultural context, is easy to reach, and offers a structured indoor experience regardless of weather.
Tours focus on flavour stories, local context, and sensory learning, making the experience enjoyable even if gin is not your usual drink.
Visitors actively smell, observe, ask questions, and participate, rather than simply listening, which keeps the experience engaging throughout.
Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during weekends and peak travel months, as group sizes are limited for tours and workshops.
Visitors can access the bar and retail areas without a tour, but production spaces and guided explanations are only available through booked experiences.
Leith’s waterfront, markets, and creative venues sit nearby, allowing visitors to plan a relaxed half day around the distillery.
Edinburgh Distillery: Classic Tour & Tasting Experience
Edinburgh Distillery: Gin Making Experience
Edinburgh Distillery: Gin Tasting Masterclass
Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Gin Tasting + Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour