Tours/Edinburgh/Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr
Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr
5.0(78)Edinburgh1 hour
VIATOR5.0(29)TRIPADVISOR4.9(49)
+5 photos
At a glance
Duration
1 hour
Price from
$36 / person
Location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 78 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 10
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
The Lost Close - Events & Experiences
Meeting point
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.
Description
More than just a gin tasting - this is about the Evolution of Gin! On this experience you'll follow the journey of gin from its origins to the modern spirit we know and love. Your guide will lead you through the different flavours, explain the history of gin, and suggest which mixers to add to the (4) gins you will sample - the mixing is left up to you so you can have it as strong or as delicate as you'd like!
Held in The Lost Close, this is an area of Edinburgh that was buried underneath the old prison building until it was uncovered in 2018, a space that only we have access to, and there's nowhere else like it in the city!
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Next available
Sat, Oct 10
Adult (ages 18+)
$36
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 9.
Tour Options
Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr
What's included
Included
Exclusive Access to The Lost Close
Mixers! 3 different mixers are provided, so you can mix to your own preferred tastes
4 very different gin's from the history of gin's changing flavours
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
78 reviews
5
76
4
1
3
1
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Edinburgh
Rated higher than 71% of 441 reviewed tours in Edinburgh
Starting price $36 is 43% below the typical $64 for tours of similar length in Edinburgh
Excurgo comparison of 1,237 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
The tour is strictly for adults. Children under 18 and infants under 1 year old cannot be accommodated.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr lasts about 1 hour.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $36 per person for this Edinburgh experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 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. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is strictly for adults. Children under 18 and infants under 1 year old cannot be accommodated.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 78 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by The Lost Close - Events & Experiences.
Reviews(78)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
R
Resort63025054387
September 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
We learned, sipped and laughed.
A great activity for gin lovers! We learned, sipped and laughed. Thank you for a memorable experience.
Operator response
Hello,
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear that the Evolution of Gin Tasting was such a memorable experience and that it offered the perfect blend of learning, laughter, and great gin. Sharing the stories behind Scotland’s gin heritage in our unique underground setting is something we're passionate about, so it's wonderful to know you enjoyed the journey. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another taste of Edinburgh’s hidden history.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
J
judithhZ9277PI
September 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Gin tasting in amazing location
What a fab experience. Haley was an excellent guide & she really knew her stuff. Was really interesting to hear the history of gin in an amazing location. Well worth a visit !
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed exploring the fascinating story of gin in our hidden underground space, and that Haley's knowledge and enthusiasm helped make the experience so memorable. We love uncovering the rich history behind Scotland's favourite spirits, and it's fantastic to know the setting added to the sense of discovery. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another taste of Edinburgh's past and present.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
D
DayTrip48381224919
September 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Incredible experience
I had a great experience with Mark who was knowledgeable and really nice person. He showed is four different gin bottles and talked over historical references. Loved the whole experience.
Operator response
Thank you for joining us for a gin-filled journey beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town. We’re delighted to hear that Mark’s knowledge and passion helped bring the stories behind each spirit to life, weaving together Edinburgh’s rich history and Scotland’s gin heritage. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed both the tasting and the unique atmosphere of our hidden underground space.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
7
738stewartk
September 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Worth it
Ash was a fantastic host who explained the evolution gin with great enthusiasm
Operator response
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that Ash's enthusiasm and knowledge brought the story of gin to life for you. We hope to welcome you back for another tasting adventure soon. Slàinte, The Lost Close Team.
V
Vizwhizz
August 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Gin experience
Hayley was a fantastic guide, a wonderful experience I would highly recommend this, also the tavern above, very friendly & comfortable.
Operator response
Hi there,
Thank you for the wonderful 5-star review! We're delighted to hear Haley helped make your visit such a memorable one. Each of our storytellers brings their own personality and passion to the experience, so it's great to know that shone through. We're also pleased you enjoyed the tavern upstairs, and we hope to welcome you back to The Lost Close again soon.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
N
nataliestevens1978
August 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Gin evolution tour in the lost close
A unique, interesting and super fun experience! We loved Hayley’s expert knowledge and storytelling, we learnt a lot and felt privileged to see and experience this incredible lost close whilst sipping and learning about the evolution of gin. Amazing to see a glimpse into Edinburgh and wider Scotland during those periods of history. A must do when visiting Edinburgh -5 star experience that we would highly recommend. Thank you Hayley, you are a superstar 🏴🔥🙏🏼
Operator response
Hi Natalie,
Thank you for such a wonderful review. We're delighted that Haley helped bring the stories of Edinburgh, Scotland's gin heritage, and our hidden underground close to life in a memorable and engaging way. Creating experiences that blend fascinating history, exceptional spirits, and a genuine sense of discovery is exactly what we strive for, so it's fantastic to hear it resonated with you. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Haley, who will be thrilled to hear she made your visit so special.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
2
264madm
August 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
First Gin tasting experience
The venue was amazing, very atmospheric and loved all the associated history and our host, Lydia was just lovely. Very knowledgeable and welcoming. It was a small group so easy to chat amongst ourselves.
It was a gift and thoroughly enjoyed doing something different.
We did have an issue with booking online but it was all to do with the Virgin voucher and it's booking process rather than the venue. They were able to sort it all out very efficiently. Loved it.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the unique atmosphere of our underground space and the stories hidden within its history, and that Lydia helped make the experience so memorable with their warm and knowledgeable approach. It's also lovely to know that the smaller group setting made for an enjoyable and relaxed experience, especially as a gift and something a little different to discover. While we're sorry to hear about the voucher booking issue, we're pleased our team could help resolve it smoothly and get everything back on track.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
P
P8756AIjenniferm
August 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fun and interesting
Very interesting to learn about the history of gin distilling. And the lost close was a great venue. Ash was an informative and fun guide throughout the experience. Thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish 😄
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed discovering the fascinating history of gin and that The Lost Close provided such a memorable setting for the experience. Ash has a wonderful talent for combining knowledge, storytelling, and humour, so we're pleased his guidance helped make the tasting engaging from beginning to end. We hope to welcome you back soon for another journey into Edinburgh's hidden past.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
4
479charlag
July 9, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Gin Underground
Such a fun experience and great atmosphere. Very engaging and knowledgeable host with a great sense of humor.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the atmosphere of our underground space and that our host helped make the gin tasting such a fun and engaging experience. Sharing the fascinating story of gin through entertaining storytelling is something we're passionate about, and it's wonderful to know it resonated with you. We hope to welcome you back soon for another spirited journey beneath Edinburgh's streets.
Slainte,
S
sandrahC7631SO
June 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Gin Tasting!!!
I booked this tour on Viator for our small group and had an enjoyable time in the very special Lost Close with Elanor as our guide through some unique gin choices with a ton of history thrown in to make it very interesting as well. Mixers are included as well.
Operator response
Hi Sandra,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted you enjoyed your gin tasting in The Lost Close—it's a special space for uncovering Edinburgh’s hidden stories, and it sounds like Elanor brought that spirit to life beautifully. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to her; she’ll be thrilled to hear she made your experience both informative and memorable. It’s great to know you appreciated the unique gin selections and the history woven throughout.
Slàinte,
The Lost Close Team
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Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hr