What is a gin tasting?
An expert takes you through a flight of craft gins — typically four to six — explaining what goes into each one, how it's distilled, and what you should be tasting. You sample each gin, usually neat first and then paired with a tonic, and by the end you can genuinely tell a London Dry from an Old Tom.
What you'll learn
- Botanicals — juniper, coriander, angelica, citrus peels, and the more unusual ones distillers use.
- Gin styles — London Dry, Old Tom, Navy Strength, contemporary.
- How to taste properly — nose, palate, finish.
- Tonic pairing — why the wrong tonic ruins a good gin, and which to use.
- Garnishing — and why the lime-in-everything approach is a mistake.
What's included
- A guided flight of several gins
- Tonics and garnishes for pairing
- Tasting notes
- Often a gin cocktail to finish
Do you need to be a gin expert?
No — and the hosts assume you're not. Tastings are aimed at curious beginners, and the whole value is in someone knowledgeable explaining what you're drinking. If you already know your Sipsmith from your Sacred, you'll still enjoy it, but you're not the target audience.
Works well solo or in a group
Unlike a bottomless brunch, a gin tasting is genuinely enjoyable on your own — it's structured, hosted, and there's a shared table to chat around. Equally good as a birthday activity with friends.
Practical notes
- Over-18s only, ID may be required.
- Measures are small but they add up — four to six gins is a fair amount of spirit.
- Eat beforehand.
- Many venues sell bottles afterwards if you find one you love.
Ready for a tasting?
Find gin tastings and other food and drink experiences across the UK.
Browse experiences →Frequently asked questions
What happens at a gin tasting?
An expert guides you through a flight of several gins, explaining the botanicals, distilling process and flavour profiles. You taste each one, often neat and then with a paired tonic, learning what to look for as you go.
How many gins do you taste?
Most tastings include four to six different gins, sampled in measured amounts alongside tonics and garnishes. Some sessions include a gin cocktail at the end.
Do you need to know about gin beforehand?
Not at all. Tastings are designed for curious beginners, and the whole point is that the host explains everything. You'll leave knowing considerably more than you arrived with.