How Edinburgh Became a Gin Capital
Edinburgh has always been a city with a taste for the curious. Where science meets art, where trade meets tradition, and where centuries of ideas have been distilled - sometimes quite literally - into something wonderfully drinkable.
So, it’s no surprise that gin has left such a lasting mark on the capital. From the days of apothecaries and merchant ships to the modern craft movement, Edinburgh’s gin story is one of ingenuity, flavour and a healthy dose of local spirit.
Today, the city is recognised as one of the UK’s great gin capitals. But how did we get here? Pour yourself a measure and settle in.
A City Built on Trade, Spice and Storytelling
Long before craft distilleries dotted the map, Edinburgh was bustling with trade. Its position as a key maritime hub meant one thing: access to botanicals. Ships docking at Leith brought treasures from across the world: juniper, citrus, coriander seed, cardamom, cinnamon and more.
These imports ended up in the hands of Edinburgh apothecaries, medics and curious flavour-chasers who experimented with distillations for “medicinal purposes”. Some of these concoctions tasted suspiciously enjoyable. And thus, the city’s appetite for gin began.
Edinburgh’s famously intellectual character also played a part. The same minds that filled lecture halls and operating theatres were just as interested in testing flavour combinations as they were in testing medical theories. Gin fit right in.
The Rise, Fall and Very Welcome Return of Gin
By the Victorian era, gin had woven itself firmly into Edinburgh’s social fabric. From genteel drawing rooms to less-than-genteel taverns, it was the drink of choice for many. But like all trends, it ebbed and flowed. Whisky took centre stage for much of the 20th century, and gin, at least the quality kind, was pushed to the sidelines.
Then something changed.
In the early 2000s, a new wave of distillers across the UK began to rethink what gin could be. Edinburgh, with its heritage of botanicals, science and storytelling, was perfectly placed to lead the charge.
Craft producers embraced small batches, quality ingredients and bold flavours. People wanted to know the story behind the bottle again, who made it, how they made it, and why.
And just like that, gin was back.
Why Edinburgh Gin Tastes the Way It Does
There’s something distinctive about Edinburgh-made gin. It’s bright, structured and full of character, just like the city itself. A few reasons why:
1. Access to exceptional botanicals
Trade remains essential. Even today, Scottish distillers import spices from the same global routes that fed Edinburgh’s early apothecaries.
2. A natural talent for distilling
Scotland knows a thing or two about spirits. Precision, patience and craft run deep in the country’s DNA.
3. Crisp, clean water
The same soft water that helps create world-class whisky brings clarity to gin.
4. A culture of innovation
Edinburgh has never been afraid of trying something new. Whether it’s flavour experimentation or fresh twists on tradition, the city nurtures creativity.
The Modern Gin Renaissance And Our Place In It
Fast-forward to today, and Edinburgh boasts a thriving gin scene. Distilleries big and small have helped cement their place on the world gin map. Bars champion creative cocktails; festivals celebrate local makers; visitors travel specifically for gin tours.
At Summerhall Distillery, we’re proud to play our part in this modern chapter. From the heart of an old veterinary school campus, we carry forward Edinburgh’s long-standing love of botanicals, flavour and spirited experimentation. Every bottle we make is rooted in that heritage, shaped by the city’s history but crafted for today’s drinker.
The Story Continues
Edinburgh didn’t become a gin capital overnight. It’s a title earned through centuries of trade, craftsmanship, creativity and the city’s unshakable love of a good story (preferably shared over a well-made drink).
And the best part?
This isn’t the end of the tale. Gin in Edinburgh is still evolving, still surprising, and still very much worth exploring, one sip at a time.
