Edinburgh has a lot of gin talk. This one teaches you how to taste it, with cheese pairings and a proper working distillery visit.

I especially like two things: the guided tasting of eight small-batch Scottish gins (not just one or two), and the way the host walks you through what’s going on in the glass. You also get hands-on pairing practice, so it feels practical rather than fancy.

One drawback to plan around: it’s not suitable for dairy intolerant guests, and the venue has stairs, so wheelchair access isn’t available.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• Eight Scottish gins sampled back-to-back, each with its own cheese pairing
• A guided session hosted by a senior Gin Gents team member, with time for questions
• Working gin distillery on site at 56 North, which you can see during the experience
• Pairing focus: gin plus premium mixers as well as cheese
• Mixers included from Cushiedoo Tonic, Bon Accord Tonic, and Fever-Tree

56 North Distillery: the setting that makes the tasting feel real

This masterclass is based at 56 North, Scotland’s oldest gin bar, and it carries that no-nonsense pub energy right into the lesson. The big difference here is that you’re not just learning about gin in theory. You’re in a place with a working gin distillery on site, so you can look around and connect the stories to what’s actually happening.

That matters for your brain during the tasting. When you can physically point to where things are made, the whole experience stops being vague. You’re left thinking in flavors and process instead of just drinking something that tastes good.

Also, meeting point is simple: show up at 56 North. You’ll know you’re in the right place because it’s a gin-focused venue, not a random bar you have to hunt down.

The 2-hour flow: eight Scottish gins and eight cheese pairings

The session runs about two hours, with a guided tasting structure that keeps you moving. You’ll sample eight different small-batch Scottish gins, and each one comes with a different cheese pairing. The rhythm is part of what makes this work: you get repeated practice tasting, pairing, and recalibrating.

Here’s the key idea you should expect to learn: cheese isn’t a random snack. It’s a tool. Some cheeses can mute certain botanical notes, while others bring them forward. So when you switch from one gin to the next, you’re also changing the “lens” you’re tasting through.

You’ll also be shown how to enjoy gin with mixers, not only neat. The class uses a selection of mixers including Cushiedoo Tonic, Bon Accord Tonic, and Fever-Tree Mixers. That gives you options when you’re back in your own bar cart world—because most people don’t drink gin like it’s a science experiment. You’ll want real-world choices.

One more planning note: it’s strictly over 18, and they operate Challenge 25, so bring ID. And since it’s built around cheese pairings, it’s not suitable for dairy intolerant guests.

How the host teaches you to taste: what to notice in each glass

The host is one of the senior Gin Gents team members, and the overall vibe is friendly, confident, and question-friendly. In particular, I love that the explanation isn’t just facts—it’s how to think while tasting. You’re not stuck passively listening; you’re given cues about what to look for.

You’ll cover Scottish gin essentials, including Scottish production approaches and Scottish botanicals. Even if you’re a beginner, you should leave with a clearer sense of what makes Scottish gin feel different from other styles you may have tried elsewhere.

A practical way to get more out of the session is to pick one thing to track each time: aroma first, then taste, then finish. You can do that even with small pours. After a few rounds, patterns start to appear, and the tasting stops feeling like random sips.

And yes, the cheese helps you learn faster. When a pairing clicks, it usually means you’re noticing a shared flavor direction—something like a botanical echo, a softer texture that smooths a sharper note, or a contrast that keeps things interesting. When it doesn’t click, you learn something too: the gin might be too bold for that cheese, or the cheese might dominate the gin’s character.

The mixers lesson: tonic isn’t one-size-fits-all

A lot of gin tastings focus on the spirit only. This one builds in mixers on purpose, which I think is what makes it genuinely useful when you’re buying gin later.

You’ll sample gin alongside different tonic options (Cushiedoo Tonic, Bon Accord Tonic, and Fever-Tree Mixers). The point is not just brand names. It’s about how slight differences in sweetness, bitterness, and flavor balance change the gin experience.

If you’ve ever wondered why the same gin tastes totally different at home versus in a bar, this lesson is how you answer that question. You learn to think about the drink as a system: gin + mixer + (in this case) cheese influence the final result.

If you’re the type who likes to get value from tastings, pay close attention during the mixer portion. This is the part you can apply immediately, even if you forget half the botanical trivia later.

The “working distillery” moment: seeing the process while you learn

One of the most memorable details here is that there’s a working gin distillery on site that you can see. That gives the class a grounded feel. Instead of just hearing how gin is made, you’re physically in the environment where production happens.

I find this kind of stop especially helpful for travelers who usually love food and drink, but don’t want a lecture. You’re moving through an actual craft space while tasting. It creates a stronger connection between the origin story and the flavors in your glass.

Even if you’re not a distilling nerd, you’ll likely find yourself asking simple process questions. And because the host is there to answer questions, you can turn curiosity into clarity right then.

Price and value: what $37 buys you in Edinburgh

At about $37 per person for around two hours, this isn’t trying to compete with the cheapest drink deals. Instead, it’s priced like a structured tasting experience with real inclusions: eight gin samples, cheese pairings, an on-site distillery visit, and guided explanation.

So is it worth it? For me, the value comes from the scale and the pairing method. Many gin tastings give you a couple of pours and call it a day. Here, eight different small-batch gins plus eight cheeses is a lot of “tasting reps,” and that’s what trains your palate.

You’re also paying for someone to translate. Without guidance, you might smell botanicals and guess. With a host, you learn what Scottish distillers are aiming for and why different gins can taste like they come from different places on the map.

And since you learn how to mix with tonic brands too, you’re not just leaving with souvenirs. You’re leaving with a practical template for how to enjoy Scottish gin after the class.

Who this is best for (and who should skip it)

This masterclass is a strong match if you’re in Edinburgh and want a drink activity that feels educational without turning stiff. You’ll like it if you enjoy tasting sessions, food-and-drink pairings, or you’ve been curious about Scottish gin styles and botanicals.

It’s also ideal for groups of friends who want an easy shared experience. The format keeps you together, moving through rounds, and you can compare notes as you go.

If you’re dairy intolerant, skip this one. Cheese pairings are part of the core design. And if you’re a wheelchair user, note that there’s no disabled access due to stairs.

Also, it’s not for kids—strictly over 18.

Booking timing and practical tips

Plan to arrive ready to taste. Bring a clear ID, since it’s over 18 and Challenge 25 is in play. If you know you’ll get overwhelmed by lots of flavors, eat something beforehand so the cheese and gin don’t feel like a flavor overload.

One small practical tip: use the first couple of pours to get your bearings. Once you understand what the host is asking you to notice, the rest of the rounds go faster mentally and you get more out of each pairing.

If your schedule is flexible, you can benefit from the option to reserve and pay later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. That’s useful in Edinburgh, where plans can change fast.

My quick verdict: should you book the 56 North gin masterclass?

If you want a fun Edinburgh experience that actually teaches you something you’ll use at home, I’d book this. The combination of eight Scottish gin tastings, cheese pairings, and a working distillery on site makes it more than a simple drinking stop.

Skip it only if dairy is an issue, or if stairs mean you can’t access the venue. If you’re eligible, you’ll likely leave with a sharper palate and a better idea of what you want to order next time you see Scottish gin on a menu.

FAQ

How long is the gin masterclass?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the masterclass start in Edinburgh?

Please come to 56 North, Scotland’s oldest gin bar.

Is the masterclass only for adults?

Yes. It’s strictly over 18, and they operate Challenge 25 for ID.

Is it suitable for dairy intolerant guests?

No. The class is not suitable for dairy intolerant guests because it includes cheese pairings.

What will I try during the session?

You’ll try eight unique Scottish gins, with a different cheese pairing for each gin. You’ll also learn about pairing gin with premium mixers, including Cushiedoo Tonic, Bon Accord Tonic, and Fever-Tree Mixers. The visit includes the working gin distillery on site.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

No. There is no disabled access for wheelchairs due to stairs.

You Might Also Enjoy

Stratford-upon-Avon: River Cruise & City Audio TourFrom Oban Glencoe and Castles TourLondon: Cutty Sark Entry Ticket with Guided Rig ClimbInvergordon Shore Tour: Loch Ness, Distillery and Castles