Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen

Two hours, lots of gin lessons. In Aberdeen, you get a guided tasting led by the head distiller, with Dan and Alan helping you make sense of every sip. I like the small group feel that keeps questions flowing, and I also like how the lesson trains your palate with single distillates instead of vague tasting notes. One drawback to consider: it is a focused class, not a long behind the scenes distillery walk, so plan to come for learning and tasting, not a huge facility tour.

At City of Aberdeen Distillery and Gin School, you start at Arch 10, Palmerston Rd, Aberdeen, AB11 5RE around 2:00 pm. You will use a mobile ticket, and the event caps at a maximum of 20 people, which helps keep it interactive.

Then the class moves fast in a good way. You taste Aberdeen Gin expressions, build a simple flavor vocabulary, blend your own version, guess a mystery botanical, and finish with time for Q&A. If you enjoy food and drink classes that leave you with practical skills, this one is worth your afternoon.

Key points to know before you go

• G&T on arrival to get you in the mood, then structured tasting rounds
• Single distillates first so you can recognize flavors as they change
• Botanical training using components from a London Dry style gin approach
• You blend your own gin like a mini mixologist during the class
• Mystery botanical challenge that tests what you learned, not what you guessed
• Plenty of questions at the end with a Q and A session

Entering the City of Aberdeen Distillery Gin School

If you have ever stood in front of a gin shelf and felt lost, this class is designed to fix that quickly. The City of Aberdeen Distillery and Gin School sets up a guided format where you learn what to look for while you taste, not after you have already finished your glass.

I like that the experience is led by the people who care about the details, including the head distiller guiding the tasting process. Dan and Alan are part of the teaching team, and the vibe stays friendly, chatty, and easy to follow, even if you are brand new to gin tasting.

The group size matters. With a maximum of 20 travelers, you are not stuck shouting over anyone, and you actually get time to ask why certain botanicals hit a certain way. If you are the type who asks too many questions at dinner, this is one of the rare experiences that can handle it.

Double G&T to start, then single distillates to sharpen your palate

The opening sets the tone: you begin with a double G&T on arrival. From there, the masterclass focuses on a smart idea, tasting individual expressions before you taste the finished blends. That is how you learn, not just what you liked, but why you liked it.

You will sample a range of Aberdeen Gin expressions, and you will also taste different single distillates. The goal is to help you recognize flavors by their components, like learning which notes feel bright, which feel herbal, and which feel more floral or citrusy. Instead of vague impressions, you start building a mental map of what is going on in your glass.

You will also learn a method for noticing flavor changes. As you move from one distillate to the next, you practice distinguishing aromatics, taste impressions, and the finish. It is the kind of training that makes shopping easier later, because you can compare a new bottle to the flavor patterns you just tasted.

One practical tip if you want to get the most out of it: slow down for the middle rounds. The class moves along at a nice pace, but your memory sticks best when you pause and compare what you are tasting now with what you tasted five minutes ago.

Botanicals and London Dry style, without the gin mumbo jumbo

One of the most useful parts of this experience is how it connects botanical flavors to the classic London Dry style approach. The lesson starts with the idea that botanicals found in traditional London Dry gin can be individually distilled. That means you can taste components separately and then understand how they work together in the final gin.

This is where you go from random enjoyment to actual skill. You learn how to recognize flavors and how to link aroma to taste. You start asking questions that make sense, like what juniper tastes like in a more direct form, and how other botanicals change the overall profile.

And yes, you will have time to ask about rules and myths around gin. If you have wondered questions like whether London Dry gin must be made in London, or what to look for when buying gin, the Q and A at the end is set up to handle that kind of curiosity.

The mixologist moment: blending your own gin and learning on the fly

After the tasting rounds, you switch roles. You move into mixologist mode, where you blend the distillates together to create your own glass of gin. This is not just a fun activity, it is part of the learning.

Why it matters: blending forces you to think like a maker. You stop tasting passively and start making choices. If one botanical felt too strong, you can balance it with something that felt softer. If you loved a specific note, you can try to bring it forward.

It also helps you learn the logic of balance. Gin is built on harmony, not a single note dominating the whole glass. When you blend, you feel how small changes can shift the aroma on the nose and the impression on the palate.

If you are worried you will get it wrong, good. Getting it wrong is part of the lesson. The point is to understand what you are doing, not to win a competition.

The mystery botanical challenge, then sampling Aberdeen Gin from demi-johns

Next comes a fun test: a mystery botanical. You taste it as a single distillate and try to guess which botanical it is based on flavor. This is the kind of exercise that turns your memory into a tool. Instead of forgetting what you tasted earlier, you are forced to recall and apply it.

Then you shift to tasting Aberdeen Gin itself. You sample from the range, served directly from beautiful French glass demi-johns. That presentation may sound like a small detail, but it matters. When the setup looks and feels special, you pay closer attention, and the tasting becomes more intentional.

You sample both London Dry and fruit gin styles. That is a useful mix because it helps you understand how botanical structure changes when a profile leans more classic and juniper forward versus when it becomes fruitier and lighter.

At the end, you choose your preferred gin from the range and enjoy a final G&T as the class wraps. That gives the lesson a satisfying landing point, because you walk away with a bottle style you actually want, not one you picked randomly to match a label.

Q and A time: questions you will actually care about

The masterclass ends with a Q and A session. This is where you get answers to the kinds of questions that matter when you are buying gin or storing it at home.

You may find yourself asking practical things, like how long gin can keep once purchased, what to look for when buying, and what makes a style count as London Dry. You can also ask about whether it is possible to make your own gin at home.

Even if you already know a bit, this Q and A helps you fill gaps fast. You get direct answers in the context of what you tasted, which makes the advice stick.

I also appreciate the pacing here. You are not forced to cram every question into the tasting moments. The class builds your confidence, then gives you time to ask anything that connects to the flavors and to real world buying and storage.

Price and value: is $108.71 per person fair?

At $108.71 per person, you are paying for more than drinks. You are paying for guided tasting instruction, tasting rounds with single distillates, a blending activity, a mystery botanical challenge, and a final G&T plus Q and A time.

If you have only tried gin through casual bar tastings, you might not realize how much value comes from structured learning. Tastings at a bar often give you variety, but they do not teach you how to identify flavor components. This class gives you that training, so the value shows up later when you shop or taste at home.

The other value point is group size. Because it is capped at 20, your questions are less likely to be brushed off. That makes the experience feel less like a lecture and more like a conversation.

There is also a purchasing opportunity. The class includes a selection of things you can buy, and it is especially useful if you want options for long haul travel. If you plan to take gin back as a gift, having access to bottles and related items right after you learn what you like can save you from buying the wrong style.

Who should book this gin tasting masterclass in Aberdeen?

This is a great fit if you want a practical, hands on tasting class. You enjoy learning how flavors work, and you like activities where you get to do something, not just watch.

It is also a strong choice if you are traveling with a partner or friend who wants something slightly different from the usual food stops. The small group vibe makes it easy to chat without feeling awkward.

You might also love it if you are a gin drinker who wants a more organized way to order. After this, you will not just pick what sounds fun. You will have a personal flavor vocabulary built around botanicals and style.

If you are someone who dislikes tasting events or does not enjoy alcohol based experiences, this may not be your best match. Also, if your main goal is a long distillery tour, this class is probably more about the tasting lesson than a full on facility deep visit.

What to bring and what to expect on the day

Plan for a two hour afternoon session starting at 2:00 pm. Wear comfortable clothes and expect to taste several gin expressions during the class. If you are sensitive to alcohol, consider how you pace your sips. The experience includes G&T on arrival, plus additional tastings and a final G&T, so bring a plan for enjoying the lesson without rushing.

Because it is near public transportation, you can likely fit it into an itinerary without a complicated commute. Mobile ticketing makes arrival straightforward.

Good weather matters here. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Finally, go in with a curiosity mindset. The class is designed for you to ask questions while you are tasting. If you wait until after the final glass, you may miss the chance to connect your question to the flavor you are experiencing in the moment.

Should you book the Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen?

Book it if you want to learn gin flavors in a structured, enjoyable way. I think this is one of those rare classes where the teaching matches the tasting. You start with double G&T, you train with single distillates, you blend your own gin, you guess a mystery botanical, then you finish with Q and A and a final drink. That is a lot of learning wrapped in a fun, social format.

Skip it only if you mainly want a long distillery sightseeing tour or if you know you do not enjoy alcohol based tastings. Otherwise, the combination of guided instruction, small group size, and hands on blending makes it a solid value for a two hour experience.

If Aberdeen gin and learning how it works is your kind of travel, this is an afternoon that pays you back every time you taste gin later.

FAQ

How long is the Gin Tasting Masterclass in Aberdeen?

The experience runs for about two hours.

Where does the masterclass start?

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

Is there a mobile ticket for this experience?

Yes, it includes a mobile ticket.

What language is the class offered in?

The masterclass is offered in English.

What is included in the tasting?

You get G&T on arrival, single distillates, gin samples, and a final G&T to order. The class also includes Q and A time.

Do you blend gin during the masterclass?

Yes. You become a mixologist and blend the distillates together to create your own glass of gin.

Is there a mystery botanical activity?

Yes. You will taste a mystery botanical as a single distillate and try to guess what it is based on flavor.

How big are the groups?

The experience has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.