Our Story
How it Started
In 2013, armed with an inherited 1947 gin recipe and a shared love of a good G&T, we built Summerhall Distillery from scratch in the heart of Edinburgh.
The first exclusive gin distillery to open in the city in over 150 years.
With no distilling background and plenty of sceptics, we experimented, perfected and persisted. And so began the story of the Pickering's Gin.
Lest's take a trip down memory lane
Pickering's Gin was born! Did you know that the first bottle of Pickering's Gin was sealed with Babybel wax?
Pickering's Navy Strength Gin hit the shelves in July, becoming The Official Gin of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
We proudly introduced Pickering's Original 1947 Gin alongside The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, while simultaneously spreading our wings internationally.
Who could forget November's frenzy as our Pickering's Gin Baubles flew off the shelves in a mere 82 seconds!
Just in time for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we launched Pickering's Gin with Scottish Botanicals, clad in tartan to celebrate our first-ever Scottish Gin.
We proudly opened Beijing's first-ever Gin Bar, spreading Pickering's magic to distant lands.
Our new bottle refill scheme gets the green light, allowing Ginfriends to replenish their Pickering's Gin bottle(s) from our refill tanks.
During a worldwide lockdown, we were able to spend time improving our tours. We built our very own workshop filled with special and unnecessary projects.
Expanding into Europe, we continued to spread the Pickering's legacy far and wide across Holland, France and Spain.
August ushered in the release of Pickering's Gin & Tonic Cans, released for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Just in time for The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we launched a brand-new Speakeasy Experience, transporting visitors back to the roaring 20s!
Pickering's Gin turned 10 years old! As you can see, a LOT has been achieved in its first decade.
Pickering's Gin Recipe
Based on an original Bombay recipe, dating from 17 July 1947. Kept as a family secret for over 66 years, it only resurfaced when we began distilling in Edinburgh.
Our Botanicals
Our award-winning Pickering's Gin is engineered from 9 botanicals: juniper, coriander, cardamom, angelica (cinnamon in Pickering's Original 1947 edition), fennel, anise, lemon, lime, and cloves.
Made in Edinburgh
Every bottle of Pickering’s Gin is hand-crafted, bottled and packed right here in Edinburgh, distilled in small batches at Summerhall Distillery and finished by hand, just as it should be.
Why a Peacock?
Our peacock logo is a nod to the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, which used to be at Summerhall, and is India's national bird, where our recipe is from.
Pickering's Gin Tours
Pickering's Gin Jolly
Our signature gin distillery tour in Edinburgh, where we open the doors to the fascinating and quirky world of Pickering's Gin. See the original Indian recipe written down in 1947 and learn how we make our delicious small batch gins.
Cocktail Craft Masterclass
Guests will explore various spirits each week, ranging from rich whiskies to artisanal gins. Joined by our expert mixologists, you'll learn the intricacies of flavour pairing, crafting three signature cocktails, and the techniques that elevate your drinking experience.
Cheese & Cocktail Masterclass
Guided by our expert mixologist and cheese enthusiast host, you’ll embark on a journey full of flavours that excites the senses and immerses you in the rich local heritage of Edinburgh's Food Scene with both locally crafted spirits and cheese.
The Scottish Explorer
Savour the best of Scotland’s larder in the heart of Edinburgh, from rich, locally smoked salmon and hand-crafted cured meats to traditional farmhouse cheeses. Each bite is perfectly paired with drams of Scotch whisky, locally brewed beers, and small-batch gins