SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

We recently tried something a little different. We went down to Edinburgh to experience a gin tour at The Real Mary King’s Close, located underneath the famous Royal Mile in Edinburgh. We acquired a taste for gin a couple of years ago after receiving a bottle of Tanqueray Gin as a Christmas gift. Since then we’ve tried a few other brands, and very recently ROKU, a Japanese gin which we used to observe the spirit of Hanami celebrations. But I digress.

Naturally, when we got asked to take part in the gin tour, we were very excited especially since we had a lovely time in Edinburgh the last time we visited earlier on in the year.

Upon arriving Edinburgh, we checked into The Waldorf Astoria, a lovely 5 star hotel overlooking Edinburgh Castle. We enjoyed some cocktails and then headed to Old Curiosity Garden to find out more about the various gins we would be having during our stay. The garden was out of this world. There we met Hamish (the owner) and his daughter who told us more about the history of how it came to be over afternoon tea.

“The Secret Herb Garden has over 600 naturally grown and tendered varieties of herbs that have been used in the production of many wonderful natural products: candles, beer, wine, and herbal salts among them. As well as providing top Edinburgh restaurants with unique natural ingredients.

Beginning with Apothecary Rose, an ancient ingredient in tinctures and tonics, Hamish discovered a natural reaction that can only be explained by the magic of nature: a natural colour change, the magical beginning of Secret Garden Gin.”  – The Old Curiosity Distillery.

After we were done at the garden, we headed back to the hotel where we enjoyed some sweet treats and got some rest before having dinner at The Pompadour. A grand hotel restaurant which opened in the 1920s and is modelled on a French salon; a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy good food and wine.

Next stop was our late night guided tour which lasted 1.5 hours. Paying homage to the famous illicit gin trade of 18^th century Edinburgh and the plague doctors who used botanical to ward off disease, the late-night tour was an opportunity for us to learn about the origins of gin production in the city while enjoying a range of exclusive and specially selected Old Curiosity gins, deep underground in the historic city.

In-between the tour, we were given four gins to taste, including: Apothecary Rose, Lemon Verbena, and Chamomile & Cornflower, followed by a plague doctor inspired Lavender & Echinacea gin cocktail. A delicious delight on a historical adventure.

The next morning we went to The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage to enjoy breakfast with a view. Even though it was raining, it was a lovely sight to behold especially over sourdough bread.

It’s safe to say although this was something a little different, we had an amazing time acquiring knowledge over good tasting gin. If you happen to find yourself in Edinburgh in the coming months, be sure to go on the tour. Tickets costs £35 per person and will take place every Wednesday in August and Saturday in September. You can find out more about The Real Mary King’s Close here.

A special thank you to Central Taxis for taking us around this beautiful city.

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