56Scottish gin and cheeses takes you on a fun journey around Scottish gin styles.  We give you an understanding of how gin is made, how to pair with great mixers and discuss how to garnish your drinks.  The class is full of useful gin brand information and helps both the novice and the experienced gin lover who has an interest in the ever growing Scottish gin scene.  We sample 8 different gins ranging from the classic to the newly more established to the tiny craft brands. Everything is paired with premium mixers and stunning cheese boards for the group.  Run-time is around 90-120 mins. 

56Our stunning copper pot stills are located in the bar and we take you on a journey through our production.  We cover botanicals, distilling, equipment and bottling.  You get a G&T on arrival of our signature South Loch Gin.  During the tasting you get to try three gins made on our stills.  We end with a sparkling cocktail made with one of our distillery liqueurs.  This class is superb for anyone wanting to understand more about production as well as see a working gin still up close.  Run-time is around 60-90 mins.

56 New for 2020, our regional gin tastings cover the very best of Scottish Gins.  We cover botanicals, distilling, fokelore and most importantly tastings.  You get a South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic from on arrival which is our own signature gin.  During the tasting you get to six gins from a region of Scotland.  We have “Local Heroes” which is based on the hub which is Edinburgh and some of the cities best distilleries.  “Highland” covers some of the distilleries based in the wilds of Scotland.  “Seafarers and Islands” covers seaside and gins made in some of the most remote and interesting Scottish islands.  Run-time is around 60-90 mins.

We regularly hold tastings, gin experiences and masterclasses at 56 North.  These classes are at fixed times but run regularly, with availability showing in real time when you click the button below

• Book any of our classes at set times online
• Timings of sessions are on the booking page
• Costs per ticket/person are on the booking page
• Availability of tickets shows in real time
• No minimum number of guests
• You can buy and redeem digital gift vouchers

We hold tastings, gin experiences and masterclasses for private groups from 8 guests upwards. This gives you more flexibility as to timings for your friends or colleagues.

• Pick a time which suits you.
• Minimum groups sizes apply for private sessions (normally 8 guests)
• Prices on some class styles will vary downwards based on increasing number of guests attending the class
• All private bookings are subject to availability of our team so please check with us before paying – masterclass@fiftysixnorth.co.uk 

56has always been built on our great guests and staff.  We believe people matter more than anything!  Out gin team, is just that, a team, with a passion for great gin and most importantly helping guests discover them!

James Sutherland

Gin Gent Director
Owner of 56 North, founding the bar back in 2008.  The vision was to launch Scotland’s first gin bar, way before the current gin craze started.  During the subsequent period, gin has grown, new brands have matured and developed.  James has a passion for gin which focuses on traceability, flavours, and production. He is a driving force for good in gin within Scotland with regular appearances on TV, radio and in the press.  He is always seeking new ideas and products and aiming to grow and drive gin forwards.  His enthusiasm and knowledge of producers and products is second to none.  James is also Gin tasting judge for the industry leading Scottish Gin Awards.

Gary Bradley

Gin Gent General Manager
Has been with us at 56 North from the very start!  Gary helped mastermind the opening and growth of the bar since 2008.  Being Northern Irish he is often found promoting products from over the water.  He is a fountain of knowledge on the more unusual products we have in the bar and is always good for an interesting recommendation from left of field.  He is the a keen distiller and is the mastermind behind lots of the ideas we make on our gin stills.  If you have any interest in the distilling side corner him for a chat!

Neil Colquhoun

Gin Gent Gin Manager
Has been a key member of our team for over 7 years.  Neil is more than partial to a “Nealtini” his precise way of enjoying a Martini, he will more than happily explain all when asked!  Neil has a passion for great gin but also loves helping guests so is a core member of our masterclass team as a result.  Neil helped the Isle of Harris Gin as a brand ambassador when they first launched so is known to many Scottish gin lovers already.  His passion for learning, teaching and helping is second to none. Corner him for some fun ideas you may have never thought of trying!

56As the original home of Scottish gin we get regular requests for TV, Radio, guest speaking, brand consultancy, help and more.  Our team has experience working on a variety of projects and is always happy to assist brands and Press.  We have worked with BBC One, Radio Scotland, STV, NHK, NBC, Scotsman, Craft Gin Club, Independent documentary makers and more! Please contact our administrative coordinator Paul who will be delighted to assist – masterclass@fiftysixnorth.co.uk