Gin map of Edinburgh – all the best gins that Edinburgh produces
The Discovery Directory
Millstone Gin
The Hidden Heart: Tucked away in historic Colinton, we uncover 2,000 years of history at the water’s edge.
Visit WebsiteEdinburgh Gin
The city-centre pioneer, famous for experimental liqueurs and their flagship arches distillery.
Visit WebsiteLind & Lime
Maritime-inspired, organic London Dry distilled in the industrial heart of Leith.
Visit WebsitePickering’s Gin
Based on a 1947 secret recipe, distilled in the quirky surroundings of Summerhall.
Visit WebsiteHolyrood Distillery
A flavour-first approach to minimalist spirits, located in a historic railway building.
Visit WebsiteSecret Garden Distillery
Naturally changing floral gins inspired by their herb garden at the foot of the Pentlands.
Visit WebsiteElectric Spirit Co.
Bold, contemporary modernist gin from a tiny, independent Leith operation.
Visit Website1. Height of Arrows (Holyrood Distillery).
The story goes that Arthur's Seat, the volcanic mound in the centre of the city, was as high as an archer could fire an arrow, in the process breaking boundaries. Sat at the foot of the hill, the Holyrood Distillery produce Height of Arrows, one of the best gins to come out of Edinburgh in the past 10 years. Holyrood are a whiskey distillery and used their experience to create a bold and innovative gin.
It's very simple. Salt, Juniper and Beeswax. It is so simple but works magically. A smooth, luxurious texture, with powerful flavours of juniper. That is their centrepiece, and it works so well.
This gin, if not the best Edinburgh gin, is at least the most innovative.
2. Lind & Lime - Port of Leith
Lind and Lime have joined a long list of Gins and Whiskeys being produced in Leith. The port has seen a resurgence in recent years, and is now home to a huge community of fine dining restaurants, high-end cocktail bars, breweries and distilleries. What has become a foodie hotspot for locals is now an essential stop-off for tourists.
Lind & Lime is produced by the Coburg Street Distillery, which also offers tours. Their gin is widely considered one of the very best from Edinburgh, and we tend to agree. The first thing that is sticking is the bottle - it appears almost like a wine bottle andis very iconic on the shelves of Edinburgh's bars.
The flavours are inspired by the maritime culture of the port, with a heavy juniper and spice, limey citrus to make a classic London dry - ideal for martinis.
3. Pickerings Gin - Summerhall, The Meadows.
Based in the distillery at Summerhall, Pickerings was first established over 150 years ago. Since they have won many awards, and often included within the top 10 best gins from Edinburgh. With a brand with so much provenance, you should expect to see them here, too.
Their location is perfect for visitors to the city, as it is situated in the meadows, a famous hangout spot for Edinburgh locals in the summer. It has the perfect atmosphere to drink some gin.
Pinkerings original 1947 (the recipe was created in Bombay) gin is spiced with cardamom, fennel, anise and cloves, a herbal element from coriander and citrust twist from both lemons and limes.
As Edinburgh's first gin, it's an absolute classic. Many gins since have been inspired by Pickerings, and many would say, have been built upon their success.
4. Edinburgh Gin - City Centre (The Arches)
Edinburgh gin is the most famous gin from the city, partially due to their monopoly on the name. Across the UK, you'll find their products in supermarkets and for sale in the airport. They are the biggest by far, and do have some excellent options.
Their classic gin is not always considered one of the best gins from the city, but the company needs to be mentioned. They welcome thousands of people on tours, and their gin is found in almost every bar, restaurant and drinking hole across the city.
The gin is classic London dry, with strong juniper leading, a subtle but morish citrus twist and a lightly spiced shake.
5. Edinburgh Gin - City Centre (The Arches)
Edinburgh gin is the most famous gin from the city, partially due to their monopoly on the name. Across the UK, you'll find their products in supermarkets and for sale in the airport. They are the biggest by far, and do have some excellent options.
Their classic gin is not always considered one of the best gins from the city, but the company needs to be mentioned. They welcome thousands of people on tours, and their gin is found in almost every bar, restaurant and drinking hole across the city.
The gin is classic London dry, with strong juniper leading, a subtle but morish citrus twist and a lightly spiced shake.
6. Secret Garden Gin
As a city, you may be forgiven for thinking that it does not have many green spaces. In fact, Edinburgh is one of the greenest cities in the UK. The city is also backed by the Pentland hills, that strech of miles and miles, offering stunning landscapes for visitors and adventurous locals.
The secret garden makes this natural environment its secret. The gin is completely sustainable, with its botanicals being sourced from their farm on the outskirts of the city itself. You can visit and enjoy a tour of the grounds, and the distillery.
There is no single gin we'd like to mention here, because the offering of gin from the Secret Garden makes the most of the botanicals in their gardens - with very interesting infusions of Rose, Lemon Verbena, Pino Nior Grapes and summer botanical infusions.
If you're looking for something unique, innovative and truly reflective of Edinburgh's natural produce, look no further than Secret Garden Gin. It's going to be one of the best gins you've ever tried in your life.
7. Electric Spirit Co.
A gin catching eyes since 2015, the Electric Spirit co are bright, bold and - very orange. They brand their gin as achroous, which means colourless. This is certainly a contrast to their bottle.
The style is London Dry, and contains 7 botanicals. The selling points here are that the gin is very spice-heavy, with punchy flavours of Juniper and a citrussy bitterness. It's won several awards, for both flavour and design, and it's worth every penny you spend.
While it's not necessarily our taste or style, the Electric Spirit Co have made a name for themselves, and they are often reccommended on forums and social media.
Iomhar Jones
Iomhar is a journalist and writer from the North of England, but lives north of the boarder. He's been writing about health and travel for more than 12 years. https://www.clippings.me/imoimo