To coincide with World Gin Day, Real Mary King’s Close, the five-star visitor attraction located underneath the famous Royal Mile in Edinburgh, is teaming up with local herb and gin experts – The Old Curiosity Distillery – to offer unique gin-tasting tours.

Paying homage to the famous illicit gin trade of 18th century Edinburgh and the plague doctors who used botanical to ward off disease, the late-night tour will be an opportunity 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.

Visitors will learn about why the Dutch traded genever (gin’s precursor), the adventures of local smugglers, and the distilling innovations that led to Edinburgh’s lengthy love affair with this chameleon spirit. They will get the chance to explore the life and times of Edinburgh’s first plague doctor – Joannes Paulitius – to discover why herbs were thought to protect the doctor from deadly plague epidemic and why he wore the distinctive beaked mask.

The late night 1.5 hour guided tours cost £35 and will take place every Wednesday in August and Saturday in September. Accompanied by a gin expert, visitors will be given four gins to taste, including: Apothecary Rose, Lemon Verbena, and Chamomile & Cornflower, followed by a plague doctor inspired Lavender & Echinacea gin cocktail.

The Real Mary King’s Close is a five-star visitor attraction located on Edinburgh’s historic and world-famous Royal Mile. Visitors are taken on a journey into a warren of uniquely preserved 17th century streets, which were once home to a thriving community

Ticket Price: £35pp

Every Wednesday throughout August : Time: 21:45 – 23:15 (1 hour and 30 mins)

Every Saturday throughout September :Time: 21:15 – 22:45 (1 hour and 30 mins)

Dates: The tours start on Wednesday August 7th 2019.

Over 18s only (ID may be required)

Advanced booking is recommended, and tickets can be booked online or at the venue.

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/old-curiosity-gin-tour