Edinburgh: Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting

Summary

Leith’s gin stories, hands-on bottling and a Gimlet you make yourself

You’ll step into Leith’s historic distilling world with a local guide, sip Lind & Lime’s signature gin & tonic right from arrival, try your hand at bottling your own mini to take home, then settle in for a self-mixed Gimlet cocktail as stories unfold around you. The little details—the smells, laughter, even your own wonky label—stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never really thought about what goes into a bottle of gin until we walked into the Lind & Lime Gin Distillery in Leith. There was this sharp, citrusy smell right away—like someone had just zested a whole crate of limes—and it kind of woke me up after the tram ride from Edinburgh city centre. Our guide, Jamie, handed us these tall glasses with their signature gin & tonic (double measure, not shy about it), and suddenly I felt like I was part of something local. Jamie joked about how the Scottish weather keeps you honest—maybe that’s why their gin tastes so clean.

We got to hear some wild stories about old Leith and the people who made this district famous for spirits. I liked that Jamie didn’t sugarcoat anything; he talked about the tough bits too, not just the fancy history. Then came my favorite part: we each took a turn at this capsule spinner thing on the bottling line. It’s harder than it looks—my label ended up crooked but hey, I bottled my own 5cl Lind & Lime Gin to take home. There was something satisfying about feeling the glass in my hand and knowing I’d actually helped fill it.

The light inside was soft and kind of golden by the time we sat down to mix our own Gimlet cocktails. Mine wasn’t perfect (too much lime maybe?), but sipping it while Jamie told us more stories felt oddly comforting. Someone tried to say “slàinte mhath” and butchered it; everyone laughed—including one of the staff who said even locals mess it up sometimes. On the way out, I caught this faint scent of juniper lingering on my sleeve, and honestly, I still think about that moment when everything just slowed down for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lind and Lime Gin Distillery Tour

• Arrive and enjoy gin and tonic
• Hear origins of Lind and Lime Gin
• Fill and label mini gin bottle
• Mix your perfect Gimlet cocktail
• Enjoy Gimlet and listen to stories
• Taste more delights in the shop

Top questions

How long does the Lind & Lime Gin Distillery tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Is transportation included from Edinburgh city centre?

No transport is included but you can reach Leith by tram or bus in 20 minutes, taxi in 10 minutes or walk in about 40 minutes.

Can I bring children on the Lind & Lime Gin tour?

Children aged 7-17 are allowed if accompanied by an adult; children under 7 (including babies) are not permitted for health and safety reasons.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and public transport options nearby are also accessible.

Do I get to taste gin during the tour?

Yes, your tour includes a double gin & tonic on arrival plus a Gimlet cocktail at the end (or soft drinks if preferred).

Will I be able to bottle my own gin?

Yes, you'll fill and label your own 5cl mini bottle of Lind & Lime Gin to take home as part of the experience.

Are tours conducted in English?

Yes, all tours are conducted in English only; translations are not available.

What’s included

Your visit includes a double measure Lind & Lime gin & tonic when you arrive, all guided storytelling throughout Leith’s historic distilling district by your local guide Jamie or another host, hands-on bottling where you fill and label your own mini bottle to keep as a souvenir, plus mixing and sipping your own Gimlet cocktail before heading out—soft drinks available if you don’t drink alcohol.