Edinburgh Gin was established in 2010 by husband and wife Alex and Jane Nicol who owned the Spencerfield Spirit Company. As the brand continued to grow, production of Edinburgh Gin was moved to its Rutland Place Distillery in 2014, with a second distillery, The Biscuit Factory, opening in Leith soon after to help cope with the growing demand for Edinburgh Gin.
David Wilkinson started at Edinburgh Gin around the same time, along with Finlay Nicol, the son of Alex and Jane, and the distillery teams, has helped develop a range of new Edinburgh Gin expressions with a focus on flavour and story; an ethos that has driven the brand and development of the Edinburgh Gin range of Scottish Gins.
The Rutland Street distillery houses two electric heated engineered stills, each with a 150 litre capacity. These stills exclusively distil seasonal and flavoured gins. The Biscuit Factory is the workhorse distillery with a traditional 1,000 litre copper pot Hoga still where most of the core Edinburgh Gins are distilled. Both distilleries are used for product development and research with various botanicals. Smaller product development stills allow David and the team to experiment and develop different distillates for future gin development. With Edinburgh at its heart, the team at Edinburgh Gin mix traditional distillation techniques and skill to create exciting Scottish Gins filled with wonder that showcase beautiful flavours and botanicals.
With construction well underway on the new flagship Edinburgh Gin Arches Distillery, located just a short walk from Waverley Station in the city centre, the distillery will offer visitors various Edinburgh Gin experiences, a shop, cafe and bar, a rooftop terrace with spectacular views over the Edinburgh skyline and more. All Edinburgh Gin production will also relocate to the new distillery, opening in the summer of 2024.
The Classic Edinburgh Dry Gin is distilled using a carefully balanced blend of 14 botanicals including juniper, lavender, pine buds, mulberries and cobnuts. Orange peel, lemongrass and lime peel contribute lively citrus notes, creating a clean, zesty, juniper-forward flavour profile with a balanced notes of citrus. The finish has some citrus and spice, providing a delightfully crisp, lingering finish on the palate.
Key Botanical(s): Pine Buds, Mulberries, Cobnuts
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Inspired by Edinburgh’s rich naval heritage of cannons and the famous One O’Clock Gun, Edinburgh Gin Cannonball Navy Strength Dry Gin is a Navy Strength that lives up to its evocative name and pays homage to Edinburgh’s seafaring past. Bottled at 57.2% ABV, Cannonball is 100% proof, and defined by intense juniper and Oriental spice. With twice the juniper content of the classic Edinburgh Gin, it packs quite the punch. Szechuan peppercorns add a spicy note, while zesty lemon and orange balance out the citrus profile.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Szechuan Peppercorns
Gin Style: Navy Strength
Strength: 57.2% vol
Goes great with: A twist of lemon peel, tonic and ice.
Originally made with foraged shoreline botanicals, Edinburgh Gin Seaside Coastal Dry Gin was the first of the collaborations in partnership with Heriot-Watt University’s Brewing and Distilling MSc course. They sourced marine plants including scurvy grass, ground ivy and bladderwrack to create a gin with distinctive minerality. These are complemented with aromatic spice notes from grains of paradise, coriander and cardamom.
Key Botanical(s): Bladderwrack Seaweed, Grains of Paradise
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of green samphire, tonic and ice.
Edinburgh Gin Strawberry & Pink Peppercorn Gin is distilled using a balanced combination of classic and flavoured led botanicals. A classic London Dry Gin profile is layered with bright bursts of strawberries, which are sourced from Scottish fruit farms. The fruit notes are balanced with a slightly sweet spice from the use of pink peppercorns which leave a lingering, tingling fruity spice on the finish.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Scottish Strawberries, Pink Peppercorns
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A sliced strawberry, tonic and ice.
Edinburgh Gin Christmas Gin features a number of festive botanicals that capture the festive season in a glass. Aromatic frankincense, sweet myrrh, spice and aromas from cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger root. Aromatic earth notes are balanced with subtle festive spices and a wonderful nutmeg note on the finish and some warming yuletide warmth.
Key Botanical(s): Frankincense, Myrrh, Nutmeg
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A twist of orange, a cinnamon stick and neat over ice.
Inspired by the Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur, Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Gin is a full strength, bolder version coming in at 40% ABV. Edinburgh Gin Classic is infused post-distillation with spring harvested rhubarb and stem ginger to create a fruity, slightly tart but jammy balanced flavour profile with some sweetness, and distinct warming aromatic earthy, spicy notes from the ginger.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Rhubarb, Ginger
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: Chopped rhubarb, tonic and ice.
Edinburgh Gin Raspberry Gin is bursting with the sweet and natural flavours of raspberries, sourced from Perthshire, a region known for its quality soft fruit. Edinburgh Gin Classic Gin, which is distilled using a number of classic gin botanicals is post-distillation infused with fresh raspberries The result is a classic gin backbone with bursts of rich raspberry sweetness.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Raspberries
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A twist of lemon peel, some raspberries, tonic and ice.
Edinburgh Gin Elderflower & Gooseberry Gin is a combination of both tangy Gooseberry and sweet Elderflower. Classic Edinburgh Gin, which is distilled using a number of classic gin botanicals is infused gooseberries and elderflowers. The result is a classic gin backbone with balanced aromatic tangy and sweet flavours.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Elderflower, Gooseberry
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A slice of lemon, tonic and ice.
Using both fresh and dried Valencian orange peel, the distillers at Edinburgh Gin have created fresh, crisp, citrus notes that delicately balance with subtle sweetness. The fresh basil is vapour infused giving the gin a refined aroma and deliciously smooth and aromatic taste.
Key Botanical(s): Orange, Basil
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A wedge of orange, tonic and ice.
This Limited Edition gin has been created in partnership with the world renowned Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). The gin takes its name from the year the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded and uses a variety of rare and exotic botanicals grown and handpicked in the city’s most famous garden. This partnership saw Edinburgh Gin’s Head Distiller, David Wilkinson, working closely with Botanist, Dr Greg Kenicer, over more than 12 months to carefully craft this tailor made gin.
Key Botanical(s): Fennel, Sweet Cicely, Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf, Tasmanian Mountain Pepper
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: Basil leaf, tonic and ice.
Carefully combining both citrus and floral botanicals, Edinburgh Gin Lemon & Jasmine Gin is a palate-pleasing gin that showcases the contrasting characteristics of each botanical. Bright and zesty citrus lemon alongside the light and floral scent of jasmine flowers delivers the scent of summer on the nose. By contrast the flavour profile delivers a juniper note with layers of lemon and citrus oils and a lingering, sweet finish.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Lemon, Jasmine
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A twist of lemon, light tonic and ice.
Edinburgh Gin Bramble & Honey is a combination of both sweet fruit and rich, silky honey. Classic Edinburgh Gin, which is distilled using a number of classic gin botanicals is infused with fresh brambles and honey. The result is a classic gin backbone with bursts of rich fruit and sweetness.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Brambles, Honey
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A slice of lemon, tonic and ice.
A World Duty Free exclusive, Edinburgh Gin Watermelon & Lime Gin is fresh and fruity. Clean and fresh fruit notes of watermelon meets a jolt of zesty lime. Balanced with the classic Edinburgh Gin base that together captures summer.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Watermelon, Lime
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: A slice of lime, tonic and ice.
Inspired by the most romantic day of the year, this Limited Edition Valentine’s Gin has been winning adoration ever since it was bottled it in 2015. Chamomile, lemon balm, lemongrass and Kaffir lime leaf combine to give a light, citrus freshness to the gin, while the rose and hibiscus flowers impart delicate floral notes and create its signature pink hue.
Key Botanical(s): Chamomile, Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaf
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: Rose lemonade and ice.
November 2021 saw Edinburgh Gin launch the first in a series of experimental-style small batch gins. This first edition is an Old Tom Gin, with a limited number of 500 made. Tonka beans, sarsaparilla root, macadamia nuts and meadowsweet give the gin notes of vanilla and almonds with a rich, nutty, bittersweet flavour. The post-distillation addition of agave syrup enhances the subtle sweetness and gives the gin a smooth and viscous mouthfeel.
Key Botanical(s): Tonka Beans, Sarsaparilla Root, Macadamia Nuts, Meadowsweet
Gin Style: Old Tom
Strength: 42.2% vol
Goes great with: A twist of orange peel, tonic and ice.
Part of the experimental series of small batch, limited edition Scottish Gins, Salt ’n’ Sauce Gin is a nod to one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated urban culinary dishes. This London Dry gin uses tangy tamarind and sweet dates, which help balance the bold flavours. Apples add a layer of sweet, fresh fruit and tomato powder adds a savoury base and a touch of chilli brings a spicy, warming mouthfeel. Bladderwrack seaweed adds a saline note and vinegar gives it a subtle tang on the palate.
Key Botanical(s): Tamarind, Bladderwrack Seaweed, Dates
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A wedge of lime, Mediterranean tonic and ice.
Part of the experimental series of small batch, limited edition Scottish Gins, Cranachan Gin is a take on the Scottish dessert that features oats, raspberries and a dash of whisky. The gin is made using fresh raspberries sourced from Perthshire along with a freeze dried raspberry powder, which is then infused with Classic Edinburgh Gin and aged in an ex-Glengoyne Single Malt Whisky cask for three months. Post-maturation, the gin is further infused with toasted oats and fresh raspberries before honey from the Edinburgh Honey Company is added to give a balance of sweetness. The result is a Scottish Gin that has notes fresh raspberries and creamy oats with a balance of sweetness and warming mouthfeel.
Key Botanical(s): Raspberries, Oats, Honey
Gin Style: Flavoured
Strength: 46% vol
Goes great with: Raspberries, tonic and ice.
Part of the experimental series of small batch, limited edition Scottish Gins, Marmalade Sandwich Gin is a nod to head distiller David Wilkinson’s childhood memories of marmalade sandwiches and the flavours that evoke good times. The distillation features two types of orange peel along with two types of malted barley, Caramalt and Melanoidin, spicy, warming ginger. The final key element to the gin is the use of real butter to create a coating, rich, buttery mouthfeel.
Key Botanical(s): Orange Peel, Malted Barley, Butter
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 42.6% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange peel, tonic and ice.
Part of the experimental series of small batch, limited edition Scottish Gins, Scandi Gin takes its influence from the flavours traditionally associated with Aquavit spirit, a popular nordic drink. Scandi Gin features caraway seeds, dill and lingonberries balanced with cloves and cubeb pepper. The addition of aniseed adds some fresh menthol notes on the finish.
Key Botanical(s): Orange Peel, Malted Barley, Butter
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 44.4% vol
Goes great with: A slice of lemon peel, Mediterranean tonic and ice.
Edinburgh Gin collaborated with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creator and actor of the TV series Fleabag to create this special edition bottle, filled with Edinburgh Classic Gin. All profits from sales of this limited edition one-off gin will contribute to the arts’ recovery by creating subsidies that will help the next generation of talent to return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022. Phoebe first performed her then one-woman-show at Edinburgh Fringe and so she's hopes "every purchase inspires outrageous and creative conversations over ice while bringing the beloved Fringe festival back to life".
Key Botanical(s): Pine Buds, Mulberries, Cobnuts
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Edinburgh Gin Eddie Izzard Fringe Festival Edition is a limited edition Scottish Gin made in collaboration with tv, film and stage icon Eddie Izzard. Eddie worked closely with the Edinburgh Gin distillation team selecting a number of botanicals, with first letters of these spelling out the word ‘BELIEVE'. The botanicals used in the distillation include bladderwrack seaweed, elderflower, lemon myrtle, inca berries, elderberries, verbena and echinacea. Other botanicals found in the distillation include juniper, myrtle and angelica root. The flavour profile is a balance of savoury, floral and citrus across the nose and the palate. Every penny of profit from this release goes to supporting new talent at Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Key Botanical(s): Inca Berries, Elderberries, Verbena
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 42% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of rosemary, tonic and ice.
Historic Environment Scotland has released the first ever Edinburgh Castle Gin, created by the caretakers of the near 1000 year old castle and produced by neighbours and award-winning distillers Edinburgh Gin. The gin itself was inspired by Edinburgh's rich history of gin and its gorse clad spring landscape. The gorse adds fresh coconut and floral notes to taste with pink grapefruit and yuzu bringing sweet, tart citrus notes and pink peppercorn delivering a long lasting kick of heat on the finish. Edinburgh Castle Gin is available from the Edinburgh Castle shops and on the Historic Environment Scotland online store. The gin will also be served at official events at Edinburgh Castle, as well as being available as a gin flight in the castle’s ‘Queen Anne Tearoom’.
Key Botanical(s): Gorse, Pink Grapefruit, Yuzu, Pink Peppercorn
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: On the rocks, with a dash of tonic and a twist of grapefruit.
The production of the Edinburgh Gin expressions is spread over two unique distillery sites in Edinburgh. Heads & Tales is both a bar and home two stills, Flora and Caledonia. Both stills are used to distil a variety of Edinburgh Gin expressions. Visitors to the Heads & Tales site can enjoy a tour of the distillery and learn more about the history of gin and its links to Edinburgh, plus enjoy some samples in the cosy tasting room or pick up a bottle of Edinburgh Gin from the gift shop. They also host gin school sessions where you can become a distiller for the day and craft your very own gin to take away. The second production site is housed in the Biscuit Factory, located a few miles away in Leith. The distillery in The Biscuit Factory houses a large 1000 litre traditional copper pot Hoga Still. The site also features a number of smaller stills, which are used for recipe creation and development before being upscaled at either The Biscuit Factory or Heads & Tales. Only the Heads & Tales site is open to the public with visits to The Biscuit Factory by invitation only.
Tour: Yes
Gin School: Yes
Bar: Yes
Shop: Yes
Booking: Book an Edinburgh Gin visitor experience here
Learn more about Edinburgh Gin by visiting the links below.
