You've climbed to Stirling Castle, wandered the Old Town, maybe paid your respects at the Wallace Monument. Now you fancy something a little more relaxing, and a lot more delicious. Good news: some of Scotland's best gin is made a two-minute walk down the hill, and you can come and taste it.
Here's exactly what to expect on a gin distillery tour at Stirling Distillery, so you know what you're booking before you book it.
Where you'll find us
We're in the Old Smiddy at 9 Lower Castlehill, right below Stirling Castle, Stirling's first legal distillery in more than 150 years, housed in a former blacksmith's forge. It's an easy uphill stroll from the city centre and its car parks. Directions are here, and most visitors happily pair us with a wander up to the Castle.
What happens on the Gin Experience
Our signature Gin Experience runs for around 90 minutes and starts, quite rightly, with a welcome cocktail in hand. From there, your host walks you through the story of Stirling's first legal distillery, the wild nettles and six botanicals behind our gin, and a look inside the still room where it all happens. Then comes the good part: a relaxed, guided tasting of six of our gins and liqueurs. It's from £34 per adult, and it's as much about the stories and the setting as the drams.
Who it's for
Couples, groups of friends, birthdays, hen and stag parties, or a gift for someone who loves their gin: the Gin Experience suits all of them. Under-18s are welcome to come along with an adult, though tastings are strictly 18+. Driving? Grab a discounted Driver ticket and you'll get the full tour and the story, just minus the drams. Booking ahead is wise, especially at weekends.
Make a day of it in Stirling
The distillery sits right in the middle of Stirling's best bits. Combine your tour with the Castle, the Church of the Holy Rude, the Old Town Jail and the Wallace Monument for a proper day out. We've rounded up our favourites in our guide to what to do in Stirling. A morning of history and an afternoon of gin is a very good way to spend a day.
Other ways to visit
Not just here for the gin? We run a Whisky Experience that travels Scotland's whisky regions in one sitting, and the hands-on Gin School where you distil your own bottle to take home. If you're passing and can't book ahead, our walk-in mini tastings (£15) are a lovely quick introduction. See everything on the experiences page.
How to book
Spots fill up, particularly on weekends and over the summer, so we'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your place. You can reserve the Gin Experience online in a couple of minutes, from £34 per adult.
Frequently asked questions
What happens on a gin distillery tour?
A welcome cocktail, the story of Stirling's first legal distillery, a look inside the still room, and a guided tasting of six gins and liqueurs, around 90 minutes in total.
How long is it, and how much?
The Gin Experience runs about 90 minutes and starts from £34 per adult. Discounted Driver tickets are available.
Do I need to book ahead?
Booking ahead guarantees your spot, especially at weekends. We also run walk-in mini tastings when space allows.
Is there a designated-driver ticket?
Yes, Driver tickets include the full tour and story without the tastings, at a discount.
Ready to visit? Book the Gin Experience or browse all our experiences.
