best gin distillery tours scotland

7 of the Best Gin Distilleries in Scotland

The best ways of learning all about scottish gin is on a tasty gin tour. with that in mind, here are the best gin distilleries in scotland for you..

I was on a gin distillery tour in Scotland recently and I made a huge mistake. Not knowing a great deal about Scottish gins, I piped up saying “I thought Scotland was famous for whisky? I didn’t even know you produced gins as well!”

That’s when my tour guide started reeling off a few names. Gordons. Henricks. Tanqueray. The Botanist. Yep, as you’ve guessed, these are all Scottish gins. Made me feel like a right fool.

Not only does Scotland produce gin, it produces some of the world’s best gin. Places like Hills & Harbour and The Botanist have picked up a number of awards at the World Gin Awards over the years, so you know they’re good.

Basically, what I’m trying to say, is don’t make the same mistake as me. The gins you can get in Scotland are just incredible. Trust me, I’ve drunk my way through a fair few.

There’s even a gin map where you can take a tour around all the best gin distilleries in Scotland. That would be such an epic trip. It’s one of my ambitions to visit all of them or at least have a bottle in my cupboard.

In this blog post I’ll take you through some of the best gin tours in Scotland. Each distillery is surprisingly different with a completely unique approach so it’s fascinating seeing how each one produces gin.

As I said, if you love gin then keep on reading! Also, if you want to order a bottle to enjoy from the comfort of home, don’t miss our guide to the best Scottish gins right now. These are all available with speedy delivery and make great gifts for gin lovers too!

Plus, if you fancy branching out from a classic gin and tonic, how about giving one of these classic British cocktails a go? From gin gimlets to brambles , there’s something for every taste!

Crafty Distillery, Hills & Harbour gin

Crafty Distillery , located in Dumfries & Galloway in south west Scotland , is producing one of the world’s best gins right now. In 2019 they picked up Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. I’ve got a bottle sitting proudly in my cupboard and I can confirm it is absolutely delicious.

For me, this is one of the best gin distilleries in Scotland and they’re really pushing the boundaries with flavour and sustainability.

Their award-winning gin, Hills & Harbour, represents the best of Scotland. For their botanicals they use noble fir pine trees from the hills and seaweed for the harbour to give an incredibly clean taste. I love how this gin is flying the flag for south west Scotland.

On a tour here you’ll be taken around the distillery learning how Craig and his team produce their gin. Then, like all good gin tours, you’ll end up in the bar afterwards sipping on a G&T overlooking the surrounding forest. For me, this was my perfect introduction into Scottish gin.

Tours run at 12noon & 3pm daily, Tuesday to Saturday. Tickets cost £12.50 per person and include a G&T at the end of it.

Bruichladdich Distillery, The Botanist gin

The Botanist is such a popular gin right now. It seems I can rarely go into a bar before someone’s ordering a double next to me (who am I kidding, that’s usually me).

Bruichladdich Distillery is located on the island of Islay. More famous for producing single malt Scotch whisky, this is also home to the Botanist gin. The distillery has been here since 1881 so obviously they know what they’re doing.

On this tour you’ll discover the story of how a reclaimed whisky still was altered to create Islay’s first dry gin. Today, the Botanist is make up of 22 hand-foraged botanicals to give its distinct flavour. You can also go on an excellent cocktail making masterclass here creating some old-school gin cocktails.

The gin tour runs every day at 1pm. Tickets cost £7.50 per person and the tour lasts 1 hour.

Dunnet Bay Distillery, Rock Rose gin

This is another distillery tucked away in a remote part of Scotland. You can find Dunnet Bay Distillery next to John o’Groats in Thurso. This makes it the furthest northern distillery on mainland UK.

Dunnet Bay Distillery produce Rock Rose gin, considered one of the best craft gins in Scotland right now. The name comes from one of their rare botanicals Rhodiola rosea which means rock rose. This grows on the nearby cliffs of Caithness.

Even though this is a gin people now love, it took they guys a Dunnet Bay no less than 55 experiments to come up with the final Rock Rose recipe. That means this gin has been tried and tested over and over.

During the summer you can go on a distillery tour where you learn all about how they produce gin in northern Scotland. Usually, a tour takes 45 minutes and includes a little tasting session at the end. Tickets cost £6 per person.

If you’re on the North Coast 500 then this is definitely one of the best places you can visit.

Summerhall Distillery, Pickering’s Gin

Summerhall Distillery is home to Pickering’s Gin , a hugely popular gin in Scotland. This distillery opened its doors in 2013 becoming the first gin distillery in Edinburgh for over 150 years.

Since then their Navy strength gin has been picked up a gold award at the Scottish Gin Awards. The distillery has also been voted as Visit Scotland’s ‘Best Visitor Attraction in Edinburgh’ so it’s well worth visiting here.

On this gin tasting in Edinburgh you’ll sample all the different gins at Summerhall seeing why each one is so different.

Tours at Summerhall Distillery run from Thursday to Sunday and last one hour, including a 15-minute gin tasting in Edinburgh. Tickets cost £10 per person.

Isle of Harris Distillery

This might just be the hardest distillery to get to in Scotland, but I promise you it’s worth it. The Isle of Harris is a beautiful island that epitomises everything that is great about Scotland. At the heart of that is the Isle of Harris Distillery .

What I love about the tours here is they’re run by the locals. Hearach, one such guy, lives and breathes Scottish gin. A tour with him will show you his passion for the distillery and for the gin itself too.

Even though this place is very much out the way, it’s still well worth visiting as one of the best gin distilleries in Scotland.

Tickets cost £10 per person for an 1.15 hour tour of the distillery.

Edinburgh Gin

Now this is one of the most famous on the list – Edinburgh Gin . The range of gins they have at Edinburgh Gin is incredible. Their rhubarb & ginger gin is one of the best-selling flavoured gins in the world. Also, they produce their own flavoured liqueurs too. I’ve got the elderflower liqueur in the cupboard and it’s really nice neat or with a splash of tonic. Obviously these are much sweeter gins.

The brand new visitor centre at East Market Street offers three great tours including a basic tour, a tasting tour and a distilling tour. This really is such a state of the art distillery – it’s rare to see one as modern as this.

The Gin Discovery tour takes you around the distillery and gives you the back story. The Gin Connoisseur tour includes more samples of the gins and the liqueurs. But the Gin Making Experience is the one for gin aficionados. This is where you’ll learn all about the gin distillation experience before creating you very own gin complete with personalised label.

Strathearn Distillery

Strathearn Distillery always pops up as one of the best small gin distilleries in Scotland. This place is so small each batch only produces 280 bottles. However, what they lack in quantity they more than make up for in quality.

One of the most popular tours here is the Gin Lovers Experience. They greet you with a G&T in hand and then take you a full tour of the distillery. The gin tour involves numerous tastings, a history of gin and the chance to add your own choice of botanicals to Strathearn base gin and create your own bottle.

Strathearn Distillery is situated in Perth which means it’s close to both Edinburgh and Glasgow. This makes it the perfect place for people looking for a gin tour from either of these cities.

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Scottish Gin Distillery Map

Scotland boasts over 90 distilleries that make their own gin with even more planned. Our map shows all that have their own stills, so you might find that some of your favourites aren’t featured. This is because, although they may be Scottish in origin, they aren’t made in their own still or may be distilled elsewhere in Scotland or even further afield.

See our comprehensive A-Z of Scottish Gins for more information on your favourite gin.

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Best Gin Distilleries in Scotland

You’ve Heard All About Our Whisky, Now It’s Time to Try Our Gin. Here in Scotland, it’s no secret that we’re loud and proud about our love of whisky.

But, did you know that gin also has a long and impressive past in Scotland spanning from the present day all the way back to the 1700s?

Today, there are around 300 Scottish gins made by over 100 different brands. In fact, the Scottish gin industry is so large that 70% of all gin produced in the UK is actually made here in Scotland.

With gin available in a wide variety of tastes and flavours, it’s fast becoming the drink of choice for many. If you’re a lover of all kinds of gin, or you’re just keen to try something new, then Scotland is the destination for you.

Join us as we explore some of Scotland’s must-try brands of gin, along with some of the best gin distilleries that offer unforgettable tours all across our spectacular country.

A Brief History of Gin in Scotland

Gin first became popular in the 1600s when the Dutch used it as a form of medicine to treat kidney and stomach problems. It arrived in Scotland in the 18th century when it was traded at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh.

Leith was already home to a booming whisky industry, and having a large number of skilled tradesmen in glass-making, coopering and warehousing in the area meant that gin had the perfect conditions to flourish from the get-go.

Fast forward to the 21st century and the Scottish gin industry continues to thrive.

After a legal case was won against HMRC in 2009, independent companies won the right to distil gin on a smaller scale rather than only being able to on an industrial scale. This is the main reason why you’ll find small craft gin distilleries dotted all over Scotland today.

Specialist Gin Bars have been established throughout the country. The expert bar staff will be happy to guide you, whether you're looking for a simple Gin and Tonic or a fancy cocktail.

Popular Scottish Gin Brands

Scotland is home to a number of iconic brands of gin and distilleries. Before you visit, it’s important to know that not all gin distilleries in Scotland offer guided tours around their premises.

But, don’t let that stop you from heading to one of Scotland’s many lively bars and trying out some different varieties of gin for yourself!

Looking for some recommendations? Here are a few of our top picks:

• NB Gin, North Berwick
• Crossbill Small Batch Highland Dry Gin, Glasgow
• Hendrick’s Gin, Ayrshire
• Misty Isle Gin, Isle of Skye
• Mikkelmas Gin, Orkney
• Gordon’s Gin, London (Distilled in Fife)

Best Gin Distilleries in Scotland (with Tours Available)

While you won’t be stuck for opportunities to taste some of Scotland’s most delicious drinks at bars and restaurants, nothing quite beats being able to immerse yourself in a distillery tour where you’ll be up close and personal with the production process.

Here are a handful of the top gin distilleries that you can visit on your next trip to Scotland:

Isle of Harris Distillery, Harris

Described as smooth, complex and refreshing, the Isle of Harris Distillery produces unique gin infused with sugar kelp.

The gin produced is luxuriously smooth and high-quality - perfect to either to sip on its own or in a classic Martini. Every drop of Isle of Harris gin is made in the small village of Tarbert on the inlet of Loch Fyne.

A tour of the Isle of Harris Distillery is guided by expert local staff, who are equipped to bring you closer to island life and deepen your appreciation of fine gin-making on the island.

You’re guaranteed to love this truly Outer Hebridean gin experience.

The Glasgow Distillery Co, Glasgow

Found in Glasgow’s metropolitan area, The Glasgow Distillery Co are producers of whisky, beer and gin. They’re one of Scotland's first licensed distillers and provide guided tours and gin tastings for the public.

The Glasgow Distillery Co are famed for their Makar gin, which is the first gin ever to be distilled in the City of Glasgow . Aiming to reflect their gin's craft and creativity, the name ‘Makar’ in Gaelic means poet or bard.

The four varieties of gin available include their award winning Makar Original Dry Gin,  cask matured Makar Oak Aged Gin, cask matured Makar Mulberry Aged Gin and their traditional Makar Old Tom Gin.

Bruichladdich Distillery, Isle of Islay

Located on the southwestern tip of the remote Hebridean island of Islay, the  Bruichladdich Distillery is home to four unique spirits, including single malt whiskies and gin.

Botanist Gin is created using 22 hand-collected botanicals and distilled in a traditional Lomond whisky still called "Ugly Betty". 

During a tour of this magnificent Victorian distillery, you’ll learn all about the history, philosophy and how the famous Islay Botanist Gin is made. Of course, every tour ends with a gin (and single malt whisky) tasting session.

Strathearn Distillery, Perth

The Strathearn Distillery is described as Scotland’s Original Craft Spirits Distillery. Located in the heart of rural Perthshire, the distillery offers a variety of Scottish Gin experiences including gin making lessons and distillery tours.

Strathearn Distillery’s gin is handcrafted and produced only in small batches. This distillation and bottling process ensures the gin is very full bodied and balanced juniper led. The taste is described as smooth and sweet and then switches to a light peppery flavour.

Without a doubt, Strathearn’s gin is full of character!

Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh

The famous Pickering’s Gin is distilled and produced in Summerhall Distillery near Edinburgh. Based on an original Bombay recipe from India, Pickering’s Gin has a proud history that dates back to 1947.

The gin's unique flavour comes from a combination of 9 different botanicals including Juniper, coriander, lemon, anise, cardamom and cloves.

From Summerhall Distillery you’re just a hop, skip and a jump away from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. All year round Summerhall Distillery delivers gin tours where visitors are shown where the gin is distilled, filled, labelled, waxed, and shipped.

Eden Mill, St. Andrews

Based in Guardbridge about 3 miles northwest of St Andrews, Eden Mill is a specialist independent microbrewery and distillery.

Eden Mill Original Gin is St Andrews’ take on a classic London dry gin. Traditionally created by hand using copper pot stills, the gin at Eden Mill is produced by distillers with a desire to innovate and tingle the taste buds.

A unique tart berry taste coupled with citrus flavours that have been drawn from botanicals like lemon balm and citrus peel puts this gin on a very different level to most others. Eden Mill Distillery isn’t shy about delivering flavours that are guaranteed to dance on your tongue.

Explore Scotland’s Gin Map

To discover more Scottish gin distilleries and where you can find them, be sure to check out Scotland’s Gin Map from VisitScotland.

Before Your Visit

While you might not be able to travel to Scotland at the moment, you can still sample some of the best Scottish gin from the comfort of your own home!

Better yet, why not make a night of it by hosting a gin sampling evening on an online video call with a few friends? Once life returns to normal, you’ll be in a great spot to come and experience the real thing for yourself.

Most Scottish gins are available from your local supermarket or directly from the distillery’s website.

Take a Taste Test For Yourself

On your next visit to Scotland, you won’t be stuck for opportunities to taste some of the finest and most flavoursome Scottish gins around.

At Scottish Tours, it’s our job to showcase the very best of Scotland, and we’re proud to offer award-winning tours led by expert local tour guides. 

Discover Scottish Tours today.

The Top 15 Scottish Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

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If you love a wee dram of the good stuff, then you’re in the right place because Scotland is the undisputed home of whisky. For centuries (records date back to at least the 15th century), the Scots have been distilling, refining, and drinking barrel after barrel of whisky. 

From the Scottish Highlands to the remote islands, whisky distillation is an art form that’s been shaped by the sea, the weather, the peat, and even the bog of Scotland. Without a doubt, whisky is the national drink of Scotland, and there are hundreds of distilleries to visit across the country.

But with so many beautiful whiskies to try, you might not know where to begin. That’s why I decided to compile our list of the best distilleries in Scotland. Visit these excellent distilleries, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time tasting the best whisky in Scotland!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Scottish Distilleries to Visit in Scotland

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Top 15 Distilleries in Scotland

1. the scotch whisky experience.

Okay, so Edinburgh ’s Scotch Whisky Experience isn’t technically a distillery – no whisky is distilled on the site – but it is the best place in Scotland for an introduction to all things whisky!

The Scotch Whisky Experience takes pride in its place on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, and if it’s your first time in Scotland, there’s no better place to learn about the ancient art of distillation before sampling the best scotch from around the country. 

This unique experience is home to a replica whisky distillery, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old processes that go into making the finest blends and malts. You’ll learn about the different ingredients, the different whisky-producing regions in Scotland, and the different flavors, tastes, and aromas that different types of whisky are known for. Oh, and there’s a fun theme-park style “barrel ride” through the experience!

You can also see the unique Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection, which is safely stored away in the vaults of The Scotch Whisky Experience. This is the largest collection of scotch whisky in the world, with the last count putting the number of bottles at 3,384. Once you’ve perused the extensive collection, you’ll be invited for a tasting session in the Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar.

2. Glenfiddich Distillery

One of the most famous whisky brands in Scotland is Glenfiddich, and you can visit their family-owned distillery in the beautiful surrounds of remote Moray, in northeast Scotland. 

Glenfiddich Distillery is unusual in a number of ways. First of all, no other distillery has won quite as many awards as this distillery for their single malts – proving the quality of their whiskies. Second, no other distillery has remained family-owned for so long, with a continuous history dating back to 1886, when the Glenfiddich Distillery was founded by William Grant. 

The distillery sources its water from the Fiddich River and employs generations worth of whisky-making experience to produce an excellent single malt. This is the classic Speyside Single Malt, and if you’re partial to a dram of this iconic tipple, then this is the best place to enjoy it!

You can tour the distillery to learn more about the family’s history of whisky production and how they’ve evolved and developed their brand over the years, surviving hardships and economic forces that put many more family-owned distilleries out of business. 

The tour ends with a tasting, where you’ll be able to sample the delectable Glennfiddich 12-year, 15-year, and 18-year aged bottles before finishing with the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, which is aged for 21 years in old rum casks from the Caribbean. 

3. Glenlivet Distillery

Another classic Speyside distillery is the Glenlivet Distillery , where Scotch whisky has been produced going back as far as 1822. Intriguingly, the distillery itself was founded in 1824, but George Smith, the founder, had been distilling his whisky illicitly in the Livet Valley for at least two years prior to this. 

Legend has it King George IV tried the illicit whisky, loved it. When the government rules changed to allow more liberal distillation, Glenlivet Distillery instantly shot to fame once they could legally produce their excellent whisky. 

You’ll be able to delve into this fascinating history with a tour of the Glenlivet Distillery, which is located in Ballindalloch, close to the River Spey in Moray. You’ll love the remote, rural location in the midst of a beautiful Scottish glen, and you’ll love tasting the single malts, the oldest of which have been aged for decades. 

4. Highland Park Whisky Distillery

One of the best Scottish distilleries is found in one of the country’s most remote and difficult-to-reach destinations. The Highland Park Whisky Distillery is the most northerly distillery in Scotland, and you’ll need to make your way all the way to Kirkwall, on the island of Orkney, to enjoy a dram of this whisky at its source.

Highland Park Whisky Distillery dates back to 1798, and the master distillers draw on this long history, as well as the wild, untamable nature of Orkney, to produce a truly distinct array of whiskies. You might be intrigued to discover that the original distillery established here was an illicit one, but then again, given Orkney’s remote location (it’s closer to Norway than to London!), the islanders here have always done things their own way.

The whiskies here are single malt, and they are produced using barley that’s slowly smoked over peat that’s 4,000 years old (we did say this was a historic distillery). This unusual, ancient peat gives Highland Park’s whisky a characteristic taste and aroma, which few single malts from the mainland can ever match. 

5. Laphroaig Distillery

Islay is highly regarded for its single malt whisky, and if you’re looking for Islay distilleries, there are as many as nine different distilleries producing high-quality products across the island! Islay whisky has a characteristically peaty, smoky flavor, and no other Islay whisky enshrines this more than Laphroaig. 

The Laphroaig Distillery is one of the best whisky distilleries in Scotland (not just on Islay!), and we know you’re going to love exploring their visitors center and learning about the history and production process. 

The distillery was founded in 1815 by members of Clan Donald, and they made use of the abundance of peat on Islay to smoke the barley before distillation. This is where that unique peaty aroma comes from, and the tradition continues today, with much of the peat and barley being locally sourced from Islay and smoked on-site. 

The most popular Laphroaig is aged for at least 10 years, but there are many much older bottles available too. Make your way to Islay, and you can take a tour of the distillery, learning the process from the master distillers before trying the impressive range of peaty whiskies in an expert-led tasting session. If you only have time for one Islay distillery tour, this is the one!

6. Auchentoshan Distillery

You’ll find the Auchentoshan Distillery in the Glaswegian suburbs, next to the banks of the River Clyde in the Kilpatricks Hills to the west of the city. It’s a beautiful yet convenient location for a distillery, and it’s perfect for anyone who only has fleeting time to explore Scotland!

But convenience isn’t the only reason to visit because the Auchentoshan Distillery has whisky to rival any highland single malt or peaty barrel of island brew. Auchentoshan is very different from its rivals, too, given that this whisky is known for its sweeter aromas and flavors rather than the peaty, boggy, smoky whiskies found elsewhere.

The Auchentoshan Distillery is historic, too, being founded back in 1823. They’ve always had a unique approach to whisky distillation, and the unusual overtones are in part the result of a triple distillation process that few other whisky producers employ. Take a tour, enjoy a few tastings, and see what the Auchentoshan fuss is all about during your trip to Glasgow!

7. The Clydeside Distillery

It’s the Highland and island distilleries that take all the glory and fame when it comes to scotch, but did you know that some of the best whisky in Scotland is produced in Glasgow ?

This unique Scottish distillery overlooks the old Queens Docks in Clydeside, Glasgow, where whisky from Scotland was once exported around the globe. The distillery is located within the former Pump House Building, which supplied the necessary power to operate the docks during the Victorian era.

The Clydeside Distillery , though, is relatively new to the whisky game. They only opened in 2017, but rest assured, the owners and distillers draw upon generations of whisky distillation experience. The owners previously owned Auchentoshan Distillery, Bowmore, and Glen Garioch Distilleries and they were inspired to create a dedicated single malt distillery (The Clydeside Distillery) that could return Glasgow to its former whisky-distilling glory. 

The owners’ family were former whisky brokers, and they worked here at Clydeside in days past, forging a whisky trading empire. Now, their descendants are forging a new single malt empire in Scotland’s most innovative and exciting city. You can learn more about the unique story and regeneration project on a tour of The Clydeside Distillery, which obviously includes plenty of tastings. 

8. Ben Nevis Distillery

Travel to Fort William, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, and you can hike to the summit of the tallest mountain in Britain. Looming over the town is Ben Nevis, which rises to a height of 1,345 meters.

On your way down the mountain, you can stop off at the Ben Nevis Distillery , which sits in the shadow of this iconic natural attraction. Alternatively, if you’re not in the mood for a long hike to the summit, why not spend the day tasting the excellent whisky instead of climbing a mountain?

This is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, with a distinguished history dating back to 1825 when it was founded by “Long John” McDonald, a descendent of rulers of the old Highland clans. The whisky was prepared using fresh water from the mountains, a tradition that continues to this day. 

The Ben Nevis Distillery produces a single malt whisky that typically is aged for 10 years. You can learn more at the distillery’s visitors center, where of course, you can also try their best whisky. 

9. Jura Distillery

The Inner Hebrides is home to many distilleries, but one of the most famous is the Jura Distillery . You’ll find the distillery on the island of Jura, which for most of the year, has a permanent population of less than 200, although numbers swell in the summer when the tourists arrive from the mainland. 

This isolation has always given Jura whisky a certain allure, and it’s an allure that’s matched by the whisky’s unique island-inspired flavors. Jura whiskies can be peaty, non-peaty, smoky, and even spicy, and there are a number of different varieties that you’ll need to try when you visit the distillery.

Actually reaching the Jura Distillery is all part of the experience, with the island being notoriously difficult to travel to, even when the waves are calm and the summer ferries are running. In the summer, you’ll first need to travel to Tayvallich, from where you can catch the community ferry. If that ferry isn’t running, you’ll need to travel to the island of Islay, then onto Jura. 

It’s well worth it to experience one of Scotland’s best and oldest whiskies, with the Jura Distillery having a long history dating back to 1810. 

10. Talisker Distillery

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. It’s an almost mythical island where you can hike to spectacular, natural chimney stacks and swim in Fairy Pools. But as beautiful as the island is, the real reason you’re here is for the Isle of Skye whisky at Talisker. 

The fabled Talisker Distillery is the Isle of Skye’s oldest distillery, with a history that can be traced back to the 1830s. The distinctive Talisker whisky with its peaty flavors is produced using much the same process as the founders, Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, used almost 200 years ago. The stills are replicas of the originals, and although the distillery was destroyed by a fire in 1960, it was restored as faithfully as possible. 

The Talisker Distillery produces a number of different malts, with the classic 10-year-aged being the most popular (and it’s won awards). If you visit the distillery, you’ll be able to tour through the old production areas and see the impressive vaults, where much older barrels (some aged 35 years) are kept in the cool.  

11. Cardhu Distillery

If you love a dram of whisky with a side of history, then you have to visit the Cardhu Distillery in Moray. This is one of Scotland’s most fascinating whisky stories, and unlike many other distilleries, this narrative is dominated by women. 

The Cardhu Distillery was founded by whisky smuggling duo Helen and John Cumming in 1824. As the story goes, Helen would produce whisky, run the distillery, and sell the bottles from their farmhouse – all while avoiding the police. Their daughter, Elizabeth, took over the family business (by now, it was a legitimate whisky producer) and greatly expanded their production levels. 

In 1893, they were bought out by Johnnie Walker, who continues to own the distillery today. Cardhu Whisky remains a distinct product, although you may recognize the aromas if you’re a Johnnie Walker fan because Cardhu is one of the whiskies used in classic Johnnie Walker blends! 

You can learn about this fascinating past on a distillery tour before sampling a few wee drams of the Cardhu Distillery’s excellent Speyside single malt whiskies, which are aged from 12 to 18 years. 

12. Glenmorangie Distillery

Up north in Ross-shire, they know how to make an excellent whisky, and nowhere else is quite so famous as the Glenmorangie Distillery . 

This is highland distillation at its finest. The Glenmorangie Distillery believes that their whisky has been produced using a similar recipe since as early as the 1730s, when the first recorded distillery was established on the Morangie Farm. They still use the same Tarlogie Spring, located up in the hills, as a source of freshwater for the distillation process today. 

Glenmorangie is classified as a single malt whisky, and uniquely, the copper stills where the whisky is produced are the tallest such stills to be found anywhere in Scotland. The distillery recently constructed a 20-meter-high, glass-covered still named the “Lighthouse,” as it aims to be at the forefront of distillation for many years to come.  

The Glenmorangie Distillery is an impressive sight indeed, where modern architecture blends with 18th-century stone walls. You can see it all in person when you take a tour of the distillery, finished off with, of course, a tasting that includes a few wee drams of their signature 18- and 25-year whiskies. 

13. Old Pulteney Distillery

The small, coastal town of Wick lies just 15 miles to the south of John O’Groats, the most northerly point in mainland Britain. That makes the Old Pulteney Distillery one of the most northerly (and windswept) in Scotland, and we know you’re going to love venturing here in search of their famous “maritime malt.”

Old Pulteney Whisky has been shaped by the sea salt and sea spray from the rough North Seas that whips through Wick, and for much of its long history, this was one of the most inaccessible places on the mainland. You don’t need to arrive here by boat as you did when the distillery was first founded in 1826, but you will feel the keen sense of isolation that lingers throughout the town as you head for a tasting. 

Old Pulteney whiskies are characterized by their salty, almost briny aromas, and the taste of this malt really is unique. The classic 12 years aged whisky is a beautiful whisky, but you can step it up with a dram of the 15 years, 18 years, and much rarer 25-year-aged barrels. 

14. Wolfburn Distillery

If you’d love to visit the most northerly distillery on the mainland (not counting the Orkney Islands further to the north!), then you need to take a trip to the Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso. 

The Wolfburn Distillery first opened in 1821 and soon became known for its smooth blends distilled at the end of Britain. But the distillery was forced to close in the 1860s, and for over a century and a half, Wolfburn Whisky was all but forgotten. 

But in 2013, the distillery was resurrected, and the name and brand were brought back to life in Thurso. The distillers at Old Pulteney weren’t too happy, though, as they could no longer claim to be the most northerly distillery on the mainland!

Wolfburn Whisky has more to its name than its location, though. True to their, at one point, lost heritage, the distillery takes a slow, methodical approach to distillation. Everything here is done by hand, including the bottling, and you’ll appreciate every sip when you see how much work and expertise goes into the process during your distillery tour.

15. The Isle of Harris Distillery

The Isle of Harris Distillery is the most unusual addition to our list of the best distilleries to visit in Scotland because their most famous product isn’t whisky, but gin. Yes, gin is distilled in Scotland, too (not just whisky!), and if you make your way to Tarbert on the remote Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, you can see how it’s done!

The Isle of Harris Distillery only opened in 2015, but its products draw on centuries of community, culture, and history on the island. The distillery was founded not just as a way to produce a delectable bottle of gin but to save the local islander community, which was slowly declining as the younger generations left due to a lack of work in the isolated region. 

The distillery now provides many locals with an opportunity to stay and also provides visitors with a fascinating tour through the gin distillation process. 

Isle of Harris gin is prepared using local seaweed, as well as other (more traditional) gin botanicals, including junipers and coriander. Every bottle is labeled by hand and quality checked by the master gin makers, so you can rest assured that this unique gin is of the finest quality. 

If you are more of a whisky drinker, though, then don’t worry because the Isle of Harris Distillery also has you covered. While gin is their most famous product, they do also distill a single malt whisky named The Hearach .

There you have it! The 15 best Scottish distilleries to visit in Scotland. What’s your favorite distillery in Scotland?

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Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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9 of the Best Gin Distilleries in Scotland

• Last Updated 9 July 2024

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Love gin? Love Scotland? Then you’ll be happy to hear that there are a ton of awesome gin distilleries in Scotland!

The UK is now the world’s biggest exporter of gin, and  about 70% of it is produced in Scotland . Therefore, there are dozens of amazing local gins to try from around the country. Over several trips, I’ve been lucky enough to tour some of the very best Scottish gin distilleries. In fact, it was at Eden Mill that I first discovered my love of gin!

Alongside my own favourites, I’ve also rounded up recommendations from some local bloggers. These are just some of many amazing gin distilleries in Scotland , so keep an eye out for others. 

9 Gin Distilleries in Scotland

Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh

Launched in 2010 by the Spencerfield Spirit Co, Edinburgh Gin was one of the forerunners of the Scottish gin revival. As a result, today they’re a well-established name in the gin world. They’re also an unmissable thing to do in Edinburgh. 

Their popular distillery tours delve into the history of gin in Britain – and particularly Edinburgh. The history of “Mother’s Ruin” – and the origin of that term – is often dark, so our lesson was eye-opening and absolutely hilarious. So a trip to Edinburgh gin distillery when you visit Scotland is perfect for newcomers to the spirit.

VISIT: Tastings start from £25. You can also book more in-depth tastings – and even gin-making experiences. Or simply visit the on-site bar and sip your way through the menu! 

RELATED POST: How to Plan a Weekend in Edinburgh

Pickerings Gin, Edinburgh

A relatively new kid on the trendy gin block, Pickering’s Gin quickly took Scotland by storm. It’s even the official drink of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo!

Pickering’s was founded in 2013 by two lifelong friends. Armed with a thirst for gin and a handwritten family recipe dated 1947, they opened a tiny gin distillery inside the former kennels of Sum merhall, a veterinary-school-turned-art-venue. This Scottish gin distillery features a custom-designed still and an entirely un-automated production line. Even the bottles are wax-sealed by hand.

VISIT: You can choose from five different gin tours ranging from £18 to £50. The basic “Gin Jolly” tour includes 4 samples and a 5cl miniature bottle of gin.

Eden Mill, St Andrews

Built on the site of a historic whisky distillery in St Andrews , near Dundee , where the Haig family first made whisky in 1810, Eden Mill began life as a craft brewery. Today, it’s Scotland’s only combined brewery and distillery.

Eden Mill’s range of gins draw on this uniqueness, as well as the site’s rich history and location. They use some truly unique botanicals and ingredients in their gins. For instance, their Oak Gin is matured in the brewery’s oak beer casks, while the pearlescent Hop Gin is infused with the same hops used to make the Eden Mill beer. Don’t miss the softly pink Love Gin, infused with rose petals and whole hibiscus flowers. 

VISIT: Eden Mill’s website say they aren’t running any tours or tastings at this time. Check the website for more details.

Kintyre Gin Distillery, Kintyre Peninsula

Recommended by: Kathi, Watch Me See

Kintyre Gin is produced at the Beinn an Turc Distillery on the west coast of Scotland.  Tucked away near the gorgeous Torrisdale Bay beach on the Kintyre peninsula , this gin is full of green energy.

The distillery is powered by a hydroelectric plant on the estate and all excess power is fed back into the local grid. They also plant trees, use local spring water and support their local community.

Some of the botanicals used in the distillation can be found in the surrounding hills and woodlands. Their range of gins includes something for everyone.

VISIT: Kintyre Gin Experience tours last one hour and cost £12.50, including tastings.

DeliQuescent Gin, Kelso

Recommended by: Larch, The Silver Nomad

DeliQuescent is a micro-batch gin distillery based in Kelso in the Borders of Scotland. It’s run by husband and wife team Simon and Debbie Rutherford, as a complement to their successful MicroPub, Rutherfords.

As a micro-batch distillery, they have honed their skills and taste combinations with amazing results in either pure gin or gin liqueurs.

Imagine a glass of lilac gin that shimmers in the light and smells and tastes of Parma Violets, or try the Rose Gin which subtly changes colour when you add tonic. Sample some Cherry Bakewell liqueur, or Rhubarb and Elderflower Gin and for the true Scots it has to be the World’s first Haggis Gin!

VISIT: DeliQuescent appear at a wide variety of farmer’s markets. Check their website for details.

Orkney Distillery, Orkney

Recommended by:  Susanne, Adventures around Scotland

The Orkney Distillery only opened in July 2018 but their range of gins have already won multiple awards including three medals at the 2020 World Gin Awards.

The distillery currently produces five types of gin in its Kirkjuvar range which consist of a unique blend of local Orcadian botanicals and traditional Orkney bere barley which is a unique ingredient among Scottish gins.

Their branding very much reflects the Norse heritage of the Orkney Islands and the name Kirkjuvagr means “Church Bay” in Old Norse and is the original name for Kirkwall, the town where the distillery is based.

VISIT: The Orkney Distillery has a harbourfront visitor centre and bar. Tours range from £13.99 – £ 22.99. Gin-making experiences are also available.

Colonsay Gin, Isle of Colonsay

Scottish gin distilleries pop up in the most unlikely places. For example, on the Isle of Colonsay, which is only 8×3 miles in size and home to less than 150 people. Funnily enough, one distillery is not enough – there are actually two gin distilleries and a craft beer brewery on the island!

Colonsay Gin is produced by Wild Thyme Spirits , owned by a couple from England who fell in love with the island, built a stunning house near Kiloran Bay and brought a small copper still with them. Gin has always been their passion and now they produce small batches of Hebridean gin themselves.

Expect a classic London dry gin that tastes particularly delicious with non-flavoured tonic and green chillis or orange peel which elevate the botanicals used for distillation.

VISIT: Tours run between 12:00 – 16:00 Monday-Saturday (and by prior appointment) and cost £14pp.

Shetland Reel Distillery, Unst

Recommended by: Sonja, Migrating Miss. 

The Shetland Reel Distillery is the northernmost gin and whisky distillery in the UK, located on Unst in Shetland , the northernmost inhabited island of the British Isles. This alone makes it one of the most unique gin distilleries in Scotland!

However, their gins are made with interesting flavours and taste amazing too. The core collection includes the original gin, plus Ocean Sent, made with a local seaweed, and Simmer Gin, with sweet orange flavourings, all of which have won various awards in the last few years.

They also make a special gin, which changes every year, to celebrate the annual Up Helly Aa fire festivals, as well as a delicious Rhubarb & Bramble liqueur made with local ingredients.

VISIT: Guided tastings cost £20pp and include a distillery tour.

Kingsbarns Distillery, Fife

Recommended by: Nicola, FunkyEllas Travel

Kingsbarns Distillery sits in the village of Kingsbarns in Fife, so is an excellent stop if you are walking the Fife Coastal Path. What began as a dream of a golf caddy in nearby St Andrews, has become a classy whisky distillery. More recently, a gin distillery was also added. You can take a tour of the distilleries, or even learn to make your own.

Named Darnley’s Gin, this light, citrus flavoured drink is delicious. It’s made behind the whisky distillery in a little farm cottage. The gin is named after Lord Darnley who met Mary, Queen of Scots in the nearby Wemyss Castle. The Wemyss family own and produce both the gin and the whisky and have a long family history in the area.

VISIT: Tours of the gin distillery are £14 for an hour-long tour, and include a tasting. You can also book a Gin School experience to distil your own bottle of bespoke gin.

Can you recommend any more of the best gin distilleries in Scotland? Scroll down to leave a comment. 

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7 thoughts on “9 of the Best Gin Distilleries in Scotland”

Really enjoyed my tour with Edinburgh Gin and its good to see its made the top 3. Since going on the tour I have started to explore more different gins available throughout Scotland and feel as though the tour was a perfection introduction to sample different combinations.

Thanks for the blog, will need to try the Eden Mill Hop Gin!

Cheers, Ross.

Thanks Ross! I loved the gins at Eden Mill, Love Gin was my favourite but the hop was surprisingly good – and it changes colour when you add the tonic!

Try AK’s gin from Arbikie. It is distilled in Angus. I got mine through the Craft Gin Club – they were on Dragon’s Den. Totally recommended.

Ah I saw that Craft Gin Club – I’d so join that if I had a fixed address! Will add AK’s to my list of must-try gins :)

Botanist gin from Islay is top notch!

Just looked it up, sounds amazing! I need to come back to Scotland and try more gins!

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• Scottish Gins A-Z
• Distilleries & Experiences
• News & Features

Crafty Distillery

Inshriach Estate

1881 Distillery & Gin School

Lind & Lime Gin Distillery

City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School

Deerness Distillery

The Borders Distillery

Discover Scottish Gin Distilleries and Scottish Gin Experiences

Explore the world of Scottish Gin by visiting a Scottish Gin distillery. Our directory of Scottish Gin Distilleries and Experiences is the perfect resource to help you plan your Scottish Gin adventure.

A tour of a Scottish Gin Distillery is an ideal way to learn about a Scottish Gin brand, botanicals, the distillation process, and more. These tours often include samples to try as you learn and sip, along with discounts or offers from the distillery’s shop. Also, some distilleries will provide sealed samples for designated drivers to take away.

A growing number of Scottish Gin Distilleries provide a Scottish Gin School experience where you can pick from various raw botanicals and create your own unique Scottish Gin using a mini gin still. The other type of Scottish Gin School experience will provide you with multiple botanical distillates that you measure and blend to create your Scottish Gin. Both types of Scottish Gin School experience will often give a talk about the distillery and the Scottish Gins they produce, as well as provide samples and more.

Contract Scottish Gin Distillation Services

Several Scottish distilleries provide contract services to assist you in creating a commercial Scottish Gin. They can help you develop a unique gin recipe and guide you through the legal complexities of the spirits industry. Partnering with a distillery that offers contract services can be the first step towards establishing your distillery.

Updated regularly with new Scottish Gin Distilleries and Scottish Gin Experiences, our directory is the go-to online guide for those looking to plan and discover what Scottish Gin Distilleries and Scottish Gin experience each region of Scotland has to offer.

We want your Scottish Gin experience to be memorable for all the right reasons, so it’s important to note that not all Scottish Gin Distilleries are open to the public. We strongly suggest you contact your chosen distillery to book your experience and ensure it is open to visitors. Also, some distilleries will provide sealed samples for designated drivers to enjoy when

Scottish Gin Distillery Map

Eight of Scotland’s Best Whisky and Gin Distilleries to Visit

Learn to distinguish your Islay from your Skye, sniff out hand-picked botanicals and enjoy a wee dram by the fireside in these immersive distillery visits.

21 April, 2021

S cotland Scotland has the greatest density of whisky production in the world, with well over 100 grain and malt distilleries dotted around the Highlands and islands. With pure water and a history of several centuries, Scotland is believed to be the original home of whisky. The process requires just four ingredients – water, malt, peat, yeast – and yet bottles vary from smoky to floral. Gin follows closely behind and Hendrix, Gordon’s and Tanqueray all hail from Scotland , joined by myriad small-batch artisans.

As we look to the UK to scratch our immediate travel itches this year, distilleries across Scotland are set to re-open with creative experiences appealing to spirit lovers. Coupled with a road trip ticking off some of the country’s most picturesque spots, bespoke tours around some of the biggest players in the whisky and gin worlds gets you straight to the heart of the Highlands .

Raise a glass to the finest spirit distilleries in Scotland

Lindores Abbey

The self-proclaimed “spiritual home of whisky”, Lindores Abbey was referenced in the Scottish Exchequer Roll of 1494 – the earliest written note on scotch – and is widely recognised as being where it all began. Tours are focused on the modern production process, but the medieval abbey’s surroundings ooze history. Private tastings including chocolate and cheese pairings from Fife artisans, while you can also try your hand at monastic tasks such as basket weaving or calligraphy. Come the weekend, regional chefs cook fillet steak and local lobster on a courtyard barbecue fuelled by whisky-infused wood.

Abbey Road, Newburgh, Cupar KY14 6HH

Isle of Harris Gin

Isle of Harris

Isle of Harris Distillers, Tarbert, Isle of Harris, HS3 3DJ

Newton Stewart

Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch, Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 9AB

Eight Lands

Glenrinnes Distillery, Keith, AB55 4DB, Scotland

Botanist Gin and Bruichladdich Whisky

Isle of Islay

Bruichladdich Distillery, Isle of Islay, Argyll, Scotland, PA49 7UN

The Port of Leith Distillery

Tower Street Stillhouse, 53 Tower Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7BN

Go to website

Lagavulin Distillery, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland, PA42 7DZ

The Macallan

Easter Elchies

The Macallan Estate, Easter Elchies, Craigellachie, AB38 9RX

• Gin Distilleries

Glasgow Gin Distilleries

Glasgow is a thriving city in Scotland, famous for several unique things, like being the world’s friendliest city, their delicious whisky, and stunning architecture. Whether for a day or a week, visitors planning to spend their vacation in Glasgow will be inundated with things to do – especially if you’re a fan of traditional Scottish whiskies and gins.

Gin, especially, is a popular drink you can savour in Glasgow, with plenty of fantastic gin distilleries that imbue the taste of Scotland into their bottles. If you’ve been to other gin distilleries throughout Scotland, like Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh (famous for their Pickering’s gin), and want similar gin tastings during your visit to Glasgow, you’ve come to the right place.

Do you want to know which Glasgow gin distillery you should add to your to-do for a tasting? Here are the best Scottish gin distilleries you can find in Glasgow. Let’s jump right into it!

The Glasgow Distillery Co.

One of the most famous distilleries in Glasgow is the Glasgow Distillery Company, which meticulously produces the famed Makar Glasgow Gin within this massive copper stills. Established in 2012, The Glasgow Distillery Company has consistently claimed the title of Glasgow’s Distillery. The distillery is an independent and freestanding distillery next to the River Clyde run by passionate distillers who want nothing more than to create the best spirits Scotland offers.

You only have to sample their Makar Gin, a juniper-led handcrafted gin, to know this distillery isn’t playing around. Their signature Makar Gin range comes in various flavours for the discerning gin drinker, including Makar Oak Aged Gin, Makar Old Tom Gin, Makar Mulberry Aged Gin, and even Makar Cherry Gin! They mix excellently with ginger ale, ginger beer, and tonic.

With the amount on offer at The Glasgow Distillery Co., you quickly get overwhelmed about what you should prioritise to maximise your experience. Unfortunately, the distillery doesn’t offer tours throughout their facilities or tastings, so we recommend you chat with the friendly staff here about which of their exquisite gins you should be trying.

Illicit Spirits

Out of all the distilleries in Glasgow, Illicit Spirits is the punk rock cousin you never had. Based in a re-purposed railway arch that once served Glasgow’s Central Station, Illicit Spirits brings strappy and bold energy to the art of distilling spirits.

Illicit Spirits boasts a unique DIY energy in the distilling process and has a range of delicious spirits, including rum and gin! Choose between classics like London Dry and unique gin from the creative and sometimes crazy minds like New Tom Gin and the Blacklist Smoked Gin. Illicit Spirits offers a gin you can taste, unlike any other you can find in Glasgow, with an excellent story.

If you want to avoid trying the gin straight, Illicity Spirits also serves them as your favourite cocktail! And if you need help deciding which gin you should try, you can always taste them all with the distillery’s gin-tasting pack.

Shoogle Spirits

A humble family-run distiller in the heart of Glasgow, Shoogle Spirits offers gin lovers a stiff drink and a good story – all you could ever ask for when looking for a gin. This small-batch distillery produces some of the most transparent and delicious you can find in the city, all thanks to the dedication of its family team.

It doesn’t matter if you prefer a Scottish Dry Gin or hints of raspberry and cardamon botanicals; you can find them all here. And while you won’t be able to book to see the distillery itself, Shoogle Spirits offers gin-tasting experiences at its speakeasy, Forty-Six. So, if you want to try the gin from a hidden gem of a distillery while looking around Glasgow, Shoogle Spirits comes highly recommended.

Crossbill Distilling Ltd

Founded in 2012, Crossbill Distilling Ltd is a distillery that can claim its gins to be 100% Scottish. How is that possible? Crossbill Gin famously uses 100% Scottish botanicals in its gin, so every sip from their unique stock gets its taste from flavours in Scotland for centuries.

Sourcing their ingredients from the Highlands, you genuinely get inexperience unlike any other when you try Crossbill’s exquisite gin. Flavours of juniper berries, rosehips, and much more dance across the palate with each sip. And what better way to try a gin from Crossbill Distilling than with a gin school experience?

Crossbill is open to the public and offers incredible gin school tastings where you can not only try the fantastic gin but learn about the intricate process this small batch distillery goes through to get it in your hands. Gin distilling is an art form; visiting Crossbill will assure you of that.

Hazell & Hazell

Let’s head out of the city and slightly north to the fantastic Hazell & Hazell gin distillery. Primarily gin makers, Hazell & Hazell is an award-winning distillery with a tremendous story. This microbrewery was founded in 2014 by a man who wanted to make his dream of distilling gin into a reality.

Their distinctive Bardowie Loch gin comes in various flavours, from the classic London Dry Gin to the zesty and pink gins that grant a bit more botanical flavour. If you need help deciding which one you’d love to take home with you, we recommend picking up the distillery’s gin-tasting evening kit – which has the three signature gins that Hazell & Hazell offers.

Hazell & Hazell is a beautiful tale of dreams coming true if you set your mind to it, so if you plan to travel north of Glasgow to Bardowie, then check out these licensed distillers.

Campbell Meyer & Co Ltd

East Kilbride sits just south of Glasgow and is a quaint and homely town that offers plenty of parks if you want to enjoy the rare day of Scottish summer during your visit. East Kilbride also has more for gin lovers than meets the eye in the form of the Campbell Meyer & Co.

Home to 3 generations of blending, bottling, and manufacturing, Campbell Meyer & Co. creates world-renowned, award-winning spirits for local consumption and exporting. Not only can you try this distillery’s excellent gin, but they produce whisky too! While Campbell Meyer & Co. has yet to open to tastings and distillery tours, tasting their gin is an absolute must.

Where can you find their gin if their distillery isn’t open to the public? Just about everywhere, to be honest! Peel Park London Dry Gin is distilled by Campbell Meyer & Co. and is readily available in many liquor stores across Glasgow. There’s also Peel Park vodka and Peel Park whisky if you want to try something different.

The Garden Shed

Established in 2017, the Garden Shed is a local and independent distillery that aims to create the best spirits in both ethical and environmentally friendly ways. The Garden Shed arose when a group of friends were discussing their visit to a local distillery and, after a few drinks, decided that they loved the idea of making their own in the garden shed.

Since that inception, The Garden Shed has been making delicious and clean gin for over 5 years! The Garden Shed’s gin boasts flavours like their classic, clear gin and bramble peach, an excellent and sweet gin to pair with a tonic or mixer. With notes of bramble (blackberries), peach, and lavender, you won’t be able to get enough of this botanist gin.

As well as being an independent gin producer, The Garden Shed partners with charities to reclaim nature and support the natural environment from which they source their botanicals – it’s only fair, after all.

MacLeans Gin

Born from the dream of an engineer and junior doctor, MacLeans Gin is a tale of entrepreneurship and excitement, resulting in a beautiful gin you can try when you visit Strathaven and Glasgow. Starting as an experiment out of a love of gin distilling, MacLeans now boasts several fabulous gins that will complement any night out.

Their Signature flavours are the Summer Citrus, Floral, and Winter Special gins, each offering a unique and enticing flavour profile using botanicals worldwide! We’re talking ginger, fennel pollen, orange peel blossom, and fresh cinnamon dancing across your tongue as you savour the rich and bold tastes of MacLeans. That’s not even the end of it! This fantastic distillery produces even more fantastic gins that we recommend you try while visiting Glasgow.

However, Maclean’s most famous gin is the Something Blue Wedding Gin. It has won numerous awards and, while initially only offered for a limited time, is now back to stay. If you plan on doing your Glasgow gin tasting, this excellent gin with notes of lavender, sugared berries, and marzipan needs to be there.

Ellis Gin is hard not to love, and you can tell the gin produced at this distillery in Glasgow is lovingly made and handcrafted to perfection. While you won’t find a distillery tour or tasting on-site, Ellis Gin is available just about anywhere you look, from Amazon to many hotels and bars throughout Scotland.

Their gin selection covers many of Scotland’s favourite flavours, including brambles, zesty, butterfly pea, and lemon. And if you’re dying to taste their collection, you can always opt for one of their virtual events. Here’s how it works: you’re shipped the gins and complements (chocolate, savoury snacks, and spice packs) and hop onto a virtual call with one of Ellis Gin’s practised gin tasters.

You can discover the full range of inspired tastes when you book a virtual tasting through Ellis Gin, creating the best gin experience you can receive from your home.

If you want to look at what the young gin distilling scene is creating, you only have to look at Purist Gin – created by a 21-year-old passionate distiller during the height of the lockdown! Purist Gin is instantly recognisable thanks to its unique design, luminescent jellyfish, floral patterns, and detailed drawings of iconic Glasgow attractions.

Once the bottle has gone from the shelves to your home, you can expect a great range of bold flavours from a surprisingly smooth gin. Their classic London Dry offers a delectably smooth gin that can be sipped on the rocks. Still, they have many other batches and distillery collaborations that let you taste the UK gin distillery scene. So, from their Edinburgh batch to their crossover with Lilly Bakes Cakes, Purist Gin is one distillery you need to watch.

You can find Purist Gin at several stockists throughout Glasgow and Scotland, including Taphouse Bar & Kitchen, Wee Paree, and many more.

Blendworks Gin School by Eden Mill

Eden Mill in St Andrews is a fantastic way to experience your first gin tasting, and the Gin School offers an expansive collection of gins, including cask-aged gins, classic gins, fruity gins, and botanical gins.

But if you want to indulge in a curated experience filled with informative and insightful gin knowledge, then the Blendworks Gin School tasting experience is what you’re looking for. As of the time of writing this article, Blendworks Gin School is currently closed since they’re building their new location in St Andrews, but by early 2024, you’ll be able to book and partake in the tastings offered by Eden Mill, so don’t worry!

In the meantime, if you can’t help but try their sampling of gins, you can always purchase their gin box variety pack, which includes the very best that this refined gin school experience cultivates.

The Wee Farm Distillery

The Wee Farm Distillery sits slightly out of the way from Glasgow city centre, near the town of Forth and has a highly charming atmosphere. As you arrive at this wee distillery, you’ll see cows, horses, and plenty more farm critters wistfully watching as you park near the distillery.

This hidden farm gem offers more than meets the eye for gin tasting and offers extraordinary experiences where you can try their exquisite gins or play with some adorable baby lambs. Their signature Drover’s gin is farmers’ strength and has a crisp taste that represents the work farmers put into producing Scotland’s world-class food and drink.

The Wee Farm Distillery is a family-run distillery with a lot of heart, and there’s no doubt your visit here will be filled with laughs, great gin, and friendly faces.

Other Gin Distilleries in Scotland

• Aberdeen Gin Distilleries
• Edinburgh Gin Distilleries
• Highland Gin Distilleries
• Isle of Islay Gin Distilleries
• Isle of Orkney Gin Distilleries
• Perthshire Gin Distilleries
• Shetland Gin Distilleries

Graham Grieve

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From famous whisky brands to new gin, vodka and rum producers, local craft beers, and the best food the region has to offer – Distilled celebrates the ever-evolving culture of the Speyside food & drink scene.

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