Gin tour at Edinburgh Gin Distillery
© Edinburgh Gin Distillery

Edinburgh Gin Business Spotlight

08 May 2025

As spring unfolds in Edinburgh and the city begins to bloom, there’s a renewed appreciation for local flavour; few do it better than Edinburgh Gin . Nestled in the heart of the capital, this award-winning distillery has been crafting premium gins infused with creativity, seasonal inspiration, and a deep love for the city.

More than just a distillery, Edinburgh Gin represents a modern spirit of innovation rooted in tradition. From their iconic London Dry to inventive seasonal expressions, their gins are a toast to the capital’s culture, landscape, and people.

Visitors on a Tour at Edinburgh Gin

We caught up with Distillery Manager Finlay Nicol to discover how the team captures the essence of Edinburgh in every drop.

What inspired you to start a business in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a city that truly knows how to enjoy a good drink. In 2010, it earned the title of the largest consumer of gin per capita in Europe. This impressive statistic inspired us to embark on a journey to create Edinburgh Gin and pursue the perfect G&T. The city’s passion for gin, combined with its rich history and vibrant culture, made it the ideal place to establish a brand that celebrates the spirit of Edinburgh.

What makes Scotland’s capital a great place to do business?

Edinburgh is a city where creativity, history, and innovation converge. The city’s dynamic energy, coupled with its world-renowned festivals like the Fringe, create an environment where ideas flourish. The local community’s unwavering support, combined with Edinburgh’s status as a major tourist destination, ensures a steady stream of new customers and endless opportunities.


In what ways has the local community supported your business growth?

The local community has been the backbone of our success. From the enthusiastic patrons at the city’s great pubs and bars to the unwavering support from local businesses, Edinburgh has wholeheartedly embraced Edinburgh Gin, and we are incredibly grateful for that. The feedback and loyalty from our customers have been instrumental in our growth, and the collaborative spirit of the city’s business community has helped us thrive.

Have you incorporated Edinburgh into the business in any way whether through products, branding or experiences?

Absolutely! Our new distillery on East Market Street is a testament to our commitment to Edinburgh. We try to highlight Scottish botanicals, and our branding reflects the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant culture. Our distillery tours and tasting experiences offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the essence of Edinburgh, blending history with modern innovation.


What is your favourite part of living and working in Edinburgh?

I love so many things about this city. I like walking my dog along Porty beach every day, cobbled streets, excellent pubs and bars, top class restaurants, the festival, Arthur’s Seat, Leith, The Old Town, The New Town, the abundance of local businesses and, of course, the people. There’s not much about this city I don’t like; it’s a pleasure to live and work in.


What does your ideal 24 hours in Edinburgh look like?

I’d start with a big dog walk maybe on the beach or round Arthur’s Seat, followed by lunch probably in Leith. I’ve enjoyed Ardfern a couple of times in recent weeks, or maybe I’d go up to The Palmerston. Then a few of my favourite pubs, possibly a gig in the evening or a BBQ if the weather allows. Then out for a nightcap at Uno Mas or Nauticus before bed.


What is one local hidden gem that you swear by and tell all your clients or friends about?

There’s a few actual hidden gems in Edinburgh, Dr Neils Garden, Dunbar’s Close Gardens, Figgate Park are all beautiful spots for a bit of quiet time or a wee walk. The Waverley Bar, The Barony, The Windsor, Bennet’s and Stagg’s in Musselburgh are pubs that don’t get enough credit for being excellent drinking spots. There’s also Wild West Street in Morningside and the craziest one of all, The Craigentinny Marbles, an elaborate 19th Century Mausoleum amongst the 1930s bungalows. Storrie’s Bakery on Leith Walk is great for late-night pies, and the Sicilian Bakery on Albert Street.

If you could collaborate with any other local business or Edinburgh-based personality, who would it be and what kind of project would you dream up?

We’ve worked with a lot over the years; I’ve always really liked collaborating with local businesses and other producers as well as notable people from the city and further afield. We collaborated with Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Eddie Izzard to raise money for the Fringe Society. We’ve also made gin for Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Botanical Gardens and The Signet Library. If I could do any collaboration with anybody it’d probably be someone like Shirley Manson or Ian Rankin don’t know exactly what… but it’s always fun working with creative people.


What’s one local event or tradition in Edinburgh that you never miss and why?

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is an event I never miss, it’s broadly impossible to miss if you live here to be fair. I love going out to see comedy, music, theatre and eating and drinking outdoors during the long evenings.

Looking ahead, how do you see your business evolving within Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural and economic landscape?

I see Edinburgh Gin continuing to innovate and expand, while staying true to our roots. We’ll keep exploring new flavours and techniques and deepen our connections with the local community. Our new distillery at East Market Street is going to play a big part in that. As Edinburgh grows and evolves, we’ll adapt and find new ways to share our passion for gin with the world.


Group at the Chocolate and Gin experience at Edinburgh Gin
© Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Which Forever Edinburgh initiatives have you been involved with and how have you found it?

We’ve been involved with several Forever Edinburgh initiatives, including Resident Rewards discounts and promotional campaigns. These initiatives have been fantastic for increasing our visibility and connecting us with both locals and tourists.

What would you say to other businesses looking to get involved with Forever Edinburgh?

I would highly recommend getting involved with Forever Edinburgh. It’s a great way to connect with the community, increase your brand’s visibility, and be part of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. The initiatives offer valuable support and opportunities for collaboration that can help your business grow.


Edinburgh Gin Exterior at night with festive lights

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