The best gin tasting experiences UK to get you in the spirit

With the UK coming out of lockdown and businesses starting to open again, we’re looking at the best gin experiences that will have you saying, "let the evening be-GIN!".

With over 200 gin distilleries in the UK alone, we're not surprised that gin tasting experiences are a hit all over the country. These experiences usually include a tour of a distillery, with an introduction to the brand’s gin and history with the chance to taste, try and buy all the gins on offer. Some will offer just tipple tastings and with others, you can make your own gin. With so much variety for gin tastings in the UK, you're spoilt for choice.

Related: Which gin tasting set should you get?

It can be daunting starting to think about going back out into the world after a year of being locked away, but a gin tasting experience is an exciting way to kick it all off. Look for experiences with lower booking numbers, or even get in contact with the gin brand or distillery to double-check.

The UK is still coming out of lockdown through the new roadmap, so it means that gin experiences and other days out may not be open until May at the earliest. Nevertheless, we love to be prepared and many businesses are taking bookings now.

From London to Glasgow, you can do these tasting experiences all over the UK, so don’t worry, because we have something for everyone.

Here are our highlights of the best gin tasting experiences UK:

Bombay Distillery Self Discovery Tour And Gin Cocktails For 2 (Hampshire)

Edinburgh Gin Tours and ‘Wee Wonders’ Online Tasting (Scotland)

Cygnet Distillery Gin Tour (Wales)

Bermondsey Distillery Jensen’s Tour and Gin Tasting (London)

Manchester Gin Distillery Tour and Guided Tasting (Manchester)

6 O’Clock Gin Tours (Bristol)

Activity Superstore Gin Voucher for Gin Lovers (Nationwide)

Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections. Why trust us?

Please note: you must be over 18 to take part in these experiences.

What is gin made from?

Gin is a distilled alcohol, its main ingredient is juniper berry, alongside other botanicals. Usually, the typical distillation process includes adding these botanicals into already-distilled alcohol (such as vodka) and then re-distilling it and removing the botanical solids. This is why there are so many different flavours of gin and many have taken to their own houses to create homemade gin! As long as the main botanical used is juniper, then any combination can be made to create gin.

What to make with gin?

Everybody knows the classic G&T - gin and tonic combo - which would arguably be the best drink to make with gin. If tonic isn’t your thing though, there are thousands of gin combos out there to make. Go for a Singapore Sling if you’re feeling fruity, a Negroni is known as a popular Italian gin cocktail or a simple Gimlet – gin and lime syrup. Why not try a gin tasting experience to widen your palate?

Which is the best gin?

Now that’s a question! It’s really a question of preference because there are so many flavours of gin. Firstly, there are London Dry Gins which have the strongest juniper flavour, as well as citrus tones. Examples are Gordon’s or Ophir. Then you have Old Tom Gins, which were commonly made in bathtubs in the 18th century. These were flavoured with liquorice to make them sweeter and you can find these gins from brands such as Cotswolds or Masons. You have two other types of gins: Plymouth, which can only be distilled in that area, or Navy Strength which is incredibly strong – up to 57%! It’s hard to say which is the best – you’ll have to taste them all to find out.

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