Gin tasting in Aberdeen is oddly fun and surprisingly educational.

You start with a double G&T and a friendly crew led by the distillery team, and it quickly turns into a guided “taste with a purpose” session. I like that you get to try multiple single distillates and learn what different botanicals bring to the final gin, instead of just sampling drinks.

Two things I especially like: the head-distiller style guidance that makes flavor easier to recognize, and the chance to ask questions while you are still mid-sip. One possible drawback to think about is that it is about learning and tasting, not a party. If you want a long bar crawl vibe, this will feel more classroom than celebration.

Key Points at a Glance

• Double G&T on arrival to get you comfortable fast
• Head distiller-led tasting with single distillates and flavor recognition tips
• Blend-your-own moment where you combine distillates to build your glass
• Mystery botanical challenge that trains your palate to guess what you are tasting
• Aberdeen Gin samples across London Dry and Fruit styles, served from French glass demi-johns
• Q&A at the end with practical gin questions like storage and buying tips

Aberdeen Gin, Up Close: What Makes This Masterclass Worth Your Time

If gin feels like one big flavor to you, this is the fix. The masterclass breaks gin down into parts, so you can start picking out what you actually taste. Instead of staring at a menu and hoping for the best, you learn how botanicals show up in aroma and flavor.

The other big reason this works is the pacing. You are not just drinking. You are tasting, learning, blending, and then testing yourself with a mystery botanical. That rhythm keeps the session from turning into passive sipping.

And you are in Aberdeen, not a gin theme park. This is tied to the City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School, so the focus stays on the craft and the local bottles.

Meeting at City of Aberdeen Distillery: Arrive Ready to Taste

You meet at the City of Aberdeen Distillery (Arch 10, Palmerston Rd, Aberdeen, AB11 5RE). The start time is 2:00 pm, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Plan on arriving a few minutes early, because the session kicks off right away. You start with a double G&T, which is great, but it also sets the tone: expect to taste through several rounds.

This experience is capped at 20 travelers. That matters more than it sounds. A smaller group means you can actually hear guidance, ask questions, and keep the lesson moving at a human pace. If you hate crowded tours, you will likely appreciate this one.

Your First Pour: The Double G&T and Why They Start Here

Starting with a double G&T might look like an indulgent opener, but it is also smart teaching. It helps you get your palate “awake” before the lesson turns technical.

You will be tasting single distillates after that first glass, so having something balanced in your hand early gives you a reference point. When the flavors shift, you notice faster. That is the whole point of a palate training format like this.

Also, gin and tonic makes aroma easier to track. Cold temperature and tonic’s crisp bite help you separate juniper impressions from other botanical notes. You will likely find yourself smelling the glass more than you usually do. That is where the real learning starts.

Single Distillates and Botanicals: How This Lesson Trains Your Nose

Here is the heart of the masterclass: you explore a range of expressions of Aberdeen Gin made from individual botanical distillations. The session starts with a London Dry style foundation, where each botanical is individually distilled so you can learn what it tastes like on its own.

This is where you pick up practical skills you can use later. You learn to recognize flavor families and identify how botanicals build together. For example, when you notice a crisp, piney direction versus something sweeter or more citrus-leaning, you are no longer guessing. You are comparing.

If you have ever bought a bottle and thought, I cannot tell why I like it, this helps. You start to connect aroma to ingredient behavior.

And yes, you still get to enjoy the drinks. The difference is that you are tasting with a goal, so each pour feels like it teaches something instead of just refreshing you.

Mixologist Skills, Without the Pretend: Blend Your Own Gin

Next comes the part people tend to remember: you get to become a mixologist and blend these distillates together to create your own glass of gin.

This is not just a fun step. It is a real palate exercise. Once you have tasted distillates separately, you start understanding balance. Add too much of a bold botanical and the glass can feel harsh. Choose the right combo and it smooths out.

What I like about this approach is that it turns flavor recognition into a hands-on decision. You learn what happens when you change the recipe, even if you are only working with the options provided in class.

When you build your blend, you also get a stronger sense of personal preference. You stop thinking in terms of good versus bad gin. You start thinking in terms of what you like.

The Mystery Botanical Challenge: Testing Your Instincts

Then you try the challenge: a mystery botanical presented as a single distillate. Can you guess what it is based on flavor?

This is a brilliant way to lock in learning because it forces you to trust your senses. Before this, you can look for cues. After this, you have to make a call.

If you are the type who worries about doing things wrong, this part is still fun. The point is not perfection. It is training your palate to make better guesses over time.

Also, it gives you a clear takeaway you can use at home. Next time you taste a gin, you can ask yourself the same question: what could this be, and what does that flavor remind me of?

Aberdeen Gin Tastings from French Demi-Johns: London Dry to Fruit

After the blending training, you move into the broader tasting section with Aberdeen Gins. You sample from both London Dry and Fruit Gin styles.

A small but fun detail: the samples are served directly from French glass demi-johns. That kind of vessel makes the tasting feel more “real distillery,” not like a generic bar pour. It also keeps presentation simple and practical.

The London Dry tastings give you a baseline for structure, juniper direction, and dryness. The Fruit Gin side helps you understand how botanicals can shift the entire flavor profile toward something brighter or softer.

This mix of styles is also a nice way to broaden your buying instincts. A lot of people get stuck in one lane. After tasting both categories, you will probably feel more confident branching out.

Q&A Time: Questions You Can Actually Use

The session ends with a Q&A. This is where you can slow down and ask the stuff that matters when you are back home with a bottle.

The kinds of questions you can ask include how long you can keep gin, what to look for when purchasing gin, whether London Dry Gin is only from London, and whether you can make your own gin at home.

This is valuable because gin is full of casual myths. A good Q&A helps you separate marketing language from real-world expectations.

It also gives you permission to get personal. If you prefer a certain style, you can ask what to try next without wasting money on bottles that do not match your taste.

Small Group Energy: The Team and the Vibe

One reason this masterclass gets strong marks is the feel. The group stays small, and the vibe is relaxed enough that people chat and laugh while tasting.

You will be led by the distillery team, and the session runs with real enthusiasm. In particular, guides Dan and Alan are noted for making the experience feel welcoming and lively, not stiff or scripted.

For me, that matters. Flavor education works best when you feel comfortable. If you are nervous about getting it wrong, you stop paying attention. When the tone is friendly, you listen harder.

Also, there is usually a decent selection of things you can purchase for later. If you are thinking about gifts or you want a few bottles or travel-friendly items to bring along, this is the kind of stop that can make your suitcase feel more fun.

Price and Value: Is $108.71 a Good Deal for 2 Hours?

At about $108.71 per person for roughly 2 hours, you are paying for more than drinks. You are paying for structured tasting, guidance, and an experience that actively trains your palate.

If you have done tastings that are basically, try a few gins and good luck, this is different. Here you get:

• A guided approach using single distillates
• A hands-on blend-your-own section
• A mystery botanical test
• A built-in moment for questions and practical advice

So the value comes from learning plus sampling, not just the cost of the liquids. Also, the small group size helps you feel like the time is actually yours.

If you love spirits and want a memorable, high-signal activity in Aberdeen, this price can feel fair. If you only want a casual drink with no learning angle, it might feel a bit steep for what you get.

Who Should Book This Gin Masterclass in Aberdeen?

Book it if you:

• Like learning through taste, not just reading about it
• Want a structured way to explore London Dry and Fruit Gin
• Enjoy interactive activities like blending and guessing botanicals
• Have questions about gin buying, storage, or style labels

Consider skipping if you:

• Want a long nightlife-style evening
• Do not enjoy tasting lots of flavors in one sitting
• Prefer unguided, self-led drinking (this is instruction-led)

It is also a nice fit for couples or small groups who want something more personal than a big tour. The max 20 group size helps.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Eat beforehand if you can. You will be tasting through multiple pours, starting with a double G&T.
• Come with curiosity, not expectations. You do not need to know anything about botanicals to enjoy this.
• Be ready to smell. A big part of the skill is aroma recognition.
• If you have mobility needs, service animals are allowed, and the venue is near public transportation. That said, plan for typical distillery surroundings and seating during tastings.

Should You Book This Aberdeen Gin Tasting Masterclass?

Yes, if you want an activity that is equal parts fun and useful. I like this format because it turns gin from a mystery bottle into a set of flavors you can name, compare, and recreate. The double G&T opener helps, the distillery-led tasting keeps it grounded, and the blend plus mystery botanical sections make it stick.

If your idea of travel is mostly passive sightseeing with minimal participation, you might find the learning focus a mismatch. But if you enjoy hands-on experiences, this one is a strong bet for a 2-hour stop in Aberdeen.

FAQ

How long is the Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen?

The experience runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the masterclass start?

It starts at City of Aberdeen Distillery, Arch 10 Palmerston Rd, Aberdeen AB11 5RE, UK.

How much does it cost?

The price is $108.71 per person.

Is the masterclass offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is there a limited group size?

Yes. The experience has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What happens at the beginning of the session?

You start with a double G&T on arrival.

Do you taste different types of Aberdeen Gin during the class?

Yes. You sample a range of Aberdeen Gins, including London Dry and Fruit Gins.

Can you ask questions during the experience?

Yes. The session includes a Q&A at the end, and you can ask gin-related questions such as storage, buying tips, London Dry labeling, and making gin at home.

Is there a hands-on blending activity?

Yes. You blend the provided distillates to create your own glass of gin.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance, the amount paid is not refunded.