Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Edinburgh, Scotland
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Hear all about the storied history of gin from a guide who’ll have you tasting and learning at the same time. Get tips on which mixers to use when, and try four different gins in a unique underground venue. Your tour leader will expose you to new flavors and facts, from the origins of the spirit to its modern Scottish incarnations.
- A gin-tasting experience in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Learn all about the history of this classic spirit
- Sip in the underground venue The Lost Close
- Taste your way around four gins like an expert
What's Included
- Alcoholic Beverages4 very different gin's from the history of gin's changing flavours
- Soda/PopMixers! 3 different mixers are provided, so you can mix to your own preferred tastes
- Exclusive Access to The Lost Close
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- John's Coffee House & Tavern1a Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
The meeting point is OUTSIDE of John's Coffee House & Tavern. Just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square. We'll head underground from there.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
The Lost Close
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- The tour is strictly for adults. Children under 18 and infants under 1 year old cannot be accommodated.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Belinda_F
Our gin tour was fabulous with both presenters full of humor and knowledge. The venue is very fun - it’s a great group or individual activity. The gins were unusual and some historical but all delicious. We all highly enjoyed the experience and we enthusiastically recommend this tour
Reviews
5.0
based on 63 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Sandie_H, Apr 2026
An excellent introduction into the history of gin. Eleanor did a fabulous job! Discovered some unique new gins as well!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing such kind feedback on your gin tasting with us. We’re delighted you enjoyed uncovering the fascinating history of gin in our underground space, and that the selection introduced you to some unique new discoveries along the way. Eleanor will be thrilled to hear her storytelling and passion helped bring the experience to life. Creating engaging, flavour‑led journeys through the past is exactly what we love to do.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
Kirsten_B, Oct 2025
This was such an interesting way to learn about Scottish history through gin. All of the samples we tasted were a part of the story, and our host was such a wonderful story teller and you can tell it’s a topic she enjoys and she was very intentional with her choices of gin she shared with us. The tasting rooms and space were also really cool and definitely added to the experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Delighted you enjoyed learning history through gin! We love hearing how our hosts and space add to the experience. Cheers!
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
Katrina_A, Oct 2025
Dan was very knowledgeable and it was an enjoyable journey through the history of gin with some really good examples
Response from Host, Oct 2025
So glad you enjoyed your gin journey with Dan! Thanks for joining us and for sharing your kind feedback.
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
Dawn_B, Sep 2025
The history of Gin was great to guide was amazing. Could answer questions easy to talk to very social funny interactive.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you! We’re glad you enjoyed the history and found the guide so engaging and interactive. – Emilie, Marketing Manager
Michael_H, Aug 2025
Focus is on the history and development of gin, rather than tasting several contemporary products. Helps give an appreciation of how this spirit came to be an important Scottish product. Setting is a vault underneath the old passageways near St. Giles - helps emphasize gins' less prestigious origins.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for highlighting the history – it’s such a key part of what makes our tastings unique.
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
Christina_O, Jul 2025
Wow, I did this trip as I’m not a big gin drinker, but know of its many varieties.
Sarah took us on a trip from the earliest drink that evolved into gin, to some modern Scottish gins. I learned a lot and my appreciation of gin grew.
With it being a small group, it was way to have discussions about what we drinking, in a cosy vaulted room.
Definitely worth the time
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for taking the leap into gin with us — even if it wasn’t your go-to drink at first! Sara will be so pleased to hear how much you appreciated the history and variety. And yes, the small group format makes such a difference for deeper conversations and connection.
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
Michele_L, Jul 2025
The location has a very neat history! Our guide was amazing and very informative about this history of gin. Also, meet inside the coffee house.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for noticing both the historical richness of the space and our guide’s storytelling.
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
Nikki_F, Jul 2025
Dan was a great tour guide. He explained the origins of each gin we sampled. He was funny and knowledgeable. We would recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
We’re so glad you enjoyed the gin tasting! Dan brings such great energy to the experience, and I’m delighted he made it fun and informative for you. Thanks for recommending us!
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
Mary_W, Jul 2025
A fabulous setting and knowledgeable guide — excellent experience and tasting. Sara was our guide through the Evolution of Gin and she gave us a lot of history, stories and humor.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your gin tasting with Sara! She has a real gift for bringing history to life with humour and storytelling. Thanks for highlighting the setting too — we agree it’s a special place. Slàinte!
Emilie, Marketing Manager at The Lost Close
Deborah_O, Jul 2025
Small group, very informative. Well worth your time!! The information was interesting, paired with tasting the different gins!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for the lovely review! We believe the best way to explore history is through storytelling — and a good tasting doesn’t hurt either. We're so pleased you found it worth your time!
Emilie, Marketing Manager at The Lost Close
Melissa_D, Jul 2025
Our host, Sara(h?) was effervescent. Knowledgeable, fun, and so entertaining. We booked this tour as an active but mellow way to try and stay awake on our arrival day in Edinburgh and it was so so worth it. She met us outside which was so helpful due to some construction in the area. The Vault was the perfect setting. Thank you!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you! So glad Sara made your arrival day memorable — and that you loved the Vault setting too. Hope to see you again!
Andrei_A, Jun 2025
Great activity, very informative. Host was very friendly and knowledgeable. Pleasant evening and company. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks so much! We're happy you enjoyed the evening, the company, and the stories. Slàinte!
Roberta_P, Jun 2025
Our guide/host was fabulous. She gave us lots of useful information and was very knowledgeable. She was humorous and had a great personality. We really enjoyed her.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you! We’re so glad you connected with your guide’s humour and knowledge. Sounds like a great time!
Joseph_S, May 2025
Our guide was informative and entertaining and I would recommend that if you like gin you should take this tour
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks! We’re happy you had a great time learning and tasting — perfect for any gin fan!
Belinda_F, May 2025
Our gin tour was fabulous with both presenters full of humor and knowledge. The venue is very fun - it’s a great group or individual activity. The gins were unusual and some historical but all delicious. We all highly enjoyed the experience and we enthusiastically recommend this tour
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks so much! We’re thrilled you loved the gins, the humour, and the venue — hope to see you again!
Denise_O, Mar 2025
If in Edinburgh check this experience out. You won’t regret it. Sarah was wonderfully brilliant and knowledgeable. Thank you for a great time!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks a lot! Sara will be thrilled to hear your praise — we’re so glad you had a great time with us underground.
Emilie, Marketing Manager at The Lost Close
Bruce_S, Jan 2025
Lovely host and got to try some unusual gins which was interesting and well worth the money. Would recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you! We're delighted you enjoyed the unique gins and your host’s hospitality — we really appreciate the recommendation.
Emilie, Marketing Manager at The Lost Close
Susan_L, Nov 2024
Our guide Sara was so knowledgeable about both the history of Old Town Edinburgh and especially about gin. The setting was in an underground tunnel that was discovered when the building was renovated so the location was interesting. We learned about methods of distillation and the infusion of botanicals. We discussed and tasted the history of distilled spirits beginning with Aqua Vitae progressing through Dutch genever, and then on to 'modern' gins.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
What a thoughtful review — thank you! We’re delighted you enjoyed the journey from Aqua Vitae to modern gins in our underground setting with Sara.
Emilie, Marketing Manager at The Lost Close
Stephen_W, Sep 2024
This gin underground tasting was super fun very informative very casual and tasty. Try gins I would’ve never thought about and learned quite a bit of history as well. The host was amazing and really enjoyed ourselves.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Great to hear that you enjoyed our adventure through the history of gin! Hope to welcome you back for round two some day :D
Cheers,
James
Sonya_V, Sep 2024
Sara was an incredible storyteller and made the experience awesome. We enjoyed the small group environment and felt well taken care of. We would love to attend this tour again if ever in Edinburgh again!!!!!!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Sara is the best! So glad that you had a great time on our adventure into the evolution of gin, and the wacky stories that come along with it :D Look forward to seeing you next time!
Cheers,
James
Julie_W, Sep 2024
Our host was excellent! She was both knowledgeable and entertaining. We had a lovely time with her and our two co-tour mates. Highly recommend!! Thanks again!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Great to hear that you enjoyed our exploration of the history of gin! Hope to see you again some time :)
Cheers,
James
swati212329, Jul 2024
Small group and informative. Better than the normal gin tasting and seeing a distillery. Tasted 4 different gins and our guide was really friendly and helpful
I think her name was Sarah
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Great to hear you enjoyed our quirky take on the history of gin! Hopefully we'll welcome you back sometime :)
Cheers,
James
Apoorva_G, Apr 2024
This was such a fun experience on my first day in Edinburgh! I booked this tasting impromptu and it did not disappoint! Sarah was fun, engaging and really knew her gin! Thank you for a fun experience 😊
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Glad you found us, and great to hear that you had such a good time on our exploration of the evolution of gin! Hopefully we'll see you again sometime :)
Cheers,
James
Morgan_K, Jan 2024
The tour guide had a great knowledge of the history of the building and the creation of Gin. You got to see good historical areas and understand a full range of Gin options. The Gins chosen really gave you a complete understanding of different profiles and how it has changed over time. We were able to try Gins from all area we would otherwise not be able to try.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thanks so much for coming along, and great to hear that you enjoyed our slightly quirky Gin lesson :D There are so many mad stories from the evolution of gin, and I'm glad your guide gave you a good impression of modern Scottish gin - look forward to welcoming you back sometime!
Cheers,
James
Debra_H, Sep 2023
Sara, our host, was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and extremely personable. It was a great experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Lovely to hear that you enjoyed our underground gin adventure! Sara really does love her gin, and the stories behind its evolution :) Hopefully we'll see you again sometime!
Cheers,
James
Brigid_M, Sep 2023
Sarah was so nice and informative! We had an amazing time learning about the history of the building, the city, and the gin. We had such an amazing time and would highly recommend to anyone, even if they’re not gin fans!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Great to hear you enjoyed our exploration of the history of gin, and our quirky venue! Hope to see you again sometime :)
Cheers,
James
Anonymous, Jul 2023
Sara was a rock star and very knowledgeable host! She was funny and very entertaining while providing us with delicious gin tastings. Highly recommend this tour and would do it again.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Fantastic to hear that you enjoyed our new gin tasting! Look forward to seeing you again next time :D
Cheers,
James
Helen_V, Jul 2023
Great tasting tour. Sarah, our guide, was very knowledgeable and fun! She shared great stories/folklore!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you for coming along to our new gin tasting, great to hear that you enjoyed the drinks and stories! Look forward to welcoming you back :)
Cheers,
James
Elisa_O, Jun 2023
Great experience! Amazing hostess that was filled with great information! A must if visiting Edinburgh!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Hurrah! Happy you enjoyed our new gin tasting, it was really fun looking into all of the stories to follow its history and evolution - hope to see you again sometime!
Cheers,
James
From $36.94
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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