Pickering’s Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour

A gin tour in a former Veterinary College at Summerhall is a genuinely different way to spend an hour in Edinburgh. I like the focus on how small-batch gin is made, and I really enjoy that you get a guided tasting right around the production area, with guides like Max, Marina, and Alyssa bringing energy and humor to the room.

Two other things that make this experience click for me: the 12-person group size, which means you can actually ask questions, and the hands-on souvenir moment where you wax your own miniature bottle. One consideration: this is a short, tight session, so if you’re looking for a long, multi-hour gin deep-dive or a heavy mixology class, you may want to pair it with another tasting stop the same day.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Summerhall in the old Vet College gives the tour a memorable setting, not a generic industrial room
• Small-group size (max 12) keeps the vibe friendly and interactive
• Stills named Emily and Gertrude make the production story easy to follow
• Tutored tasting of the 4 core range gives structure, even if you are new to gin
• Wax your own 5cl bottle turns the end of the tour into a fun keepsake moment
• Guides who handle questions well make the experience feel personal and upbeat

Summerhall’s old Vet College setting near Edinburgh transport

Summerhall is not your typical “walk in, look around, leave” distillery stop. You are in a historic former Veterinary College building associated with the University, and that context matters because it changes the feel of the tour. Instead of thinking of gin as just a drink, you start seeing it as a craft happening inside a repurposed space with character.

Practically, the location is also handy. The meeting point is at 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL, and the tour notes that it is near public transportation. For you, that usually means less stress. You can fit it into a day of walking around central Edinburgh without needing a car or a complicated route.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes places with a backstory, this one is built for you. You will be moving through a setting where the building itself already holds memories, even before anyone pours you a sample.

The 12-person group and the guide energy (Max, Marina, Alyssa)

A lot of gin tours advertise small groups, then act like it does not matter. Here, the maximum of 12 travelers really does change how the session runs. With a group that size, you are not shouting over the room, and the guide can keep track of what people are curious about.

The reviews also point to something you will feel from the start: the guides bring personality. Max gets praised for being engaging, answering questions, and keeping things fun. Marina stands out for mixing friendliness with humor. Alyssa is mentioned for being warm and welcoming. Even if you do not end up with the exact same guide, the pattern is clear: you are likely to get a host who talks like a person, not a script.

One more practical upside: small groups tend to move with less friction. You are more likely to see what is happening close up, instead of crowding behind other people.

Your 60-minute flow: tour, flight, and that waxed 5cl bottle

This tour runs for about 1 hour and ends back at the meeting point. The format is straightforward, which I like when you are juggling a tight Edinburgh itinerary.

Here is how the time usually works, in plain language:

1) Start at Summerhall, then the distillery tour

You begin at Summerhall Distillery / Pickering’s Gin. The tour leads you through how Pickering’s crafts its small-batch gins. You are not just looking at bottles behind glass. You are getting explanations of the process and seeing the setup where the gin work happens.

2) Production details around the stills

A standout detail is the mention of the stills Emily and Gertrude. That is useful for you because named stills make the process feel understandable. When you later taste the different botanicals, you will have a mental picture of where the story started.

3) A tutored tasting of the 4 core range

After the production walkthrough, you get a tutored tasting of four core gins. This is the part that turns it from “cool facts” into “taste experience.” The guide typically sets the tone for what to notice, so you can compare botanicals and styles without feeling lost.

4) Finish by waxing your own miniature 5cl bottle

Then comes the best souvenir moment. You wax your own personalized 5cl bottle of gin to take home. It is hands-on, it feels special, and it gives you something to remember the day that is not just a photo.

A quick note for planning: because the session is about an hour, it stays focused. You are not getting stuck in a long lecture. You also do not have to commit your whole evening.

What you actually learn while you taste the 4 core gins

The tasting is not just random samples. The whole point is to connect the production story to what you smell and taste.

Here is why that matters in a real-world sense. Gin flavor can feel confusing if you only try one bottle at a bar. With a guided tasting of the four core range, you can start recognizing patterns, like how changes in botanicals can shift the aroma and finish.

Also, you are learning in the same space where the gin is made. Even if you are not a “spirits nerd,” it helps your brain link cause and effect. Seeing the still setup, then tasting the result, makes it far easier to remember what you liked and why.

And if you are newer to gin, structure helps. A guided flight tells you what to pay attention to, and you do not have to guess. That is a big deal for value because it reduces the chance you will leave feeling like you paid for a vague tasting.

The souvenir bottle ritual: fun, personal, and travel-sized

The 5cl bottle is small enough to feel like a manageable take-home item. More importantly, the waxing step gives you a personal finish. You are not just buying a bottle at the end. You are doing the final craft move yourself.

That matters because it turns the tour into a memory you made. You also end up with something that feels like a “you were there” souvenir, not a generic gift shop purchase.

If you are thinking about bringing it home on a trip, keep it in mind as a liquid item. The tour itself does not give extra storage advice in the info you provided, so I would treat it like any small bottle, and plan to pack it thoughtfully.

Price and value: what $34.28 gets you in Edinburgh

At $34.28 per person for about an hour, you might wonder if it is worth it versus just doing tastings at a pub. Here is how I see the value, based on what the tour includes.

You are paying for:

• A guided visit in a real production-focused setting at Summerhall
• A tutored tasting of 4 core gins
• A small-group format with max 12
• The included admission and the experience finale of waxing your own 5cl bottle

That last item is not minor. Souvenir bottles often cost extra, and “wine and cheese style” add-ons can creep up fast. Here, the tour is built so the tasting and the take-home bottle come together in one ticket price.

Also, the time is efficient. You get something meaningful without losing half your day. For a place like Edinburgh, where you are often moving between neighborhoods and attractions, a focused one-hour experience can be a very practical win.

Logistics that affect your day: tickets, start time, and who can join

A few details you should plan around:

• You get a mobile ticket.
• Confirmation is received at booking.
• The tour is offered in English.
• Most people can participate, and the experience is listed as near public transportation.
• There is an alcohol rule: minimum age for consumption is 18, and for anyone under 18 there is a soft drink option.

Group size is capped at 12, which is great for the feel of the tour, but it also means the schedule can fill up. The info notes that it is typically booked about 9 days in advance on average. If you want a specific day, it is smart to reserve sooner rather than later.

Who this is best for, and who might want a different tour

This experience fits best if you:

• Like hands-on souvenirs, especially personalized ones
• Want a structured tasting of multiple gins instead of one-off sips
• Appreciate a small-group atmosphere where you can ask questions
• Enjoy spirits tours that mix production and storytelling, not just drinking

It can be a great choice for couples too, since the pacing is friendly and not chaotic. If you are traveling with a friend who is curious about gin but unsure where to start, the guided tasting format usually helps.

Who might want to skip it? If you are chasing a longer class where you mix cocktails for hours, this is not built to be a long workshop. It is a focused, one-hour experience with a tasting and a bottle finish.

Should you book Pickering’s Gin Jolly at Summerhall?

If you want a fun, Edinburgh-friendly activity that blends a distinct setting, a guided tasting of four core gins, and a genuinely memorable take-home bottle, I think this is a very solid booking. The 12-person limit and the upbeat guide approach are the big reasons. You are not lost in a crowd.

Book it if your ideal day includes:

• A compact plan you can fit into sightseeing
• A chance to learn while you taste
• A souvenir you actually make yourself

Skip or reconsider if you need:

• A long, multi-hour course
• A primarily cocktail-mixing experience rather than gin tasting

If you are in the mood for an efficient, personable gin experience in a place with character, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Pickering’s Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour?

It runs for about 1 hour.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $34.28 per person.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL, UK.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is the maximum group size?

This experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Does the tour include admission and the tasting?

Yes. The tour description says admission ticket included, and it includes a tutored tasting of the 4 core range.

Can under-18 guests attend?

The minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages is 18. Under 18, there is a soft drink option.

Is there a cancellation deadline for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do you get to take a bottle home?

Yes. You wax your own personalized 5cl bottle of gin to take home.