Crafting Spirits: A Blend of Science, Creativity & Craftsmanship

The art of spirit recipe creation is a delicate balance of science, creativity, and craftsmanship. It requires a deep understanding of the distillation process, flavour profiles, and ingredient interactions, ensuring that each spirit is refined, balanced, and enjoyable. Every spirit has its own unique character, influenced by the botanicals, distillation method, and careful blending that shape its flavour, texture, and strength.

This one-on-one class is led by our international award-winning distiller, Hugh Anderson, who will guide you through the foundations of flavour, distillates, and the essential components needed to create a spirit. You’ll gain hands-on experience in recipe development, distillation techniques, and ingredient selection, ultimately crafting your own bespoke spirit to take home.

The Course

• The course begins with an introduction and tasting session, where you'll learn the philosophy behind our spirits and explore the art of botanical blending.
• You’ll sample a variety of distillates, gaining an understanding of how botanicals interact to create depth and complexity.
• You’ll explore a diverse range of botanicals, including juniper, citrus peels, coriander, and spices, learning how each contributes to the aroma, taste, and final character of a spirit.
• With your custom botanical blend in hand, you’ll move on to the distillation process, where you’ll operate a small copper still and witness the extraction of essential oils and flavours.
• You'll also learn about cut points, ensuring you capture only the finest spirit.
• Once distilled, your gin is cut, bottled, and labelled, ready to take home.
• Finally, you'll have the opportunity to compare gins, savour your handcrafted creation, and celebrate the craft of distillation.

This hands-on, immersive experience is perfect for gin enthusiasts, creative minds, and anyone eager to explore the world of spirits. 

Cost: Two stills are run (£150 per still) / 4 people only. 

Duration: 4hrs / dates can also be organised directly with Hugh.

Please note:

• Bring valid ID with you as we operate a challenge 25 policy.
• Copy of your receipt for the tour (proof on the phone is fine)
• You will be required to walk around the grounds, so sensible footwear should be worn.
• As the distillery has no heating, please bring warm clothing during the winter months.

Where to eat post event:

• Both the Goat and Wooden Spoon serve great food and drinks.

Need a Taxi?

• JCS Taxis - 07786 036525 based in Downton & Nomansland.

Have a Tour Gift Card?

Your gift card will have a code, which you enter at checkout.

They are availble here, select the tour type that you would like.

Our gift cards are in the form of E-Vouchers which make great presents to any gin lover.

• Select 'I want to send this as a gift'.
• Enter the details and add to basket.
• The voucher will be sent to them, on the date you picked.
• The invoice / receipt will be sent to yourself.
• E-Vouchers can also be emailed to yourself.
• E-Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

• If you have been given a voucher you can make a booking by selecting your preferred date and time on our website.
• Enter the voucher code number on the checkout page (where it says “Discount Code or Gif Card”).
• The value of the voucher will be deducted from the total price of experiences booked.

• Gift cards are valid for 12 months from the date purchased. The expiry date expiry date is shown on the voucher.

• We understand that circumstances can change so we’re happy to re-arrange an experience that you’ve booked.
• Please contact us a week before the date of that experience by calling 07825 528255
• Regrettably, with less than a week’s notice, we can't guarantee to re-arrange your date, and we don't issue refunds on experiences.
• If the voucher is not used within the year, it automatically expires.

We can offer private tours for up to 21 people. We can also offer off-site events, please contact us for more information.

• Our distillery is fully accessible for wheelchair users with a ramp at the entrance and the floor is all on one level inside.
• We have a disabled toilet.
• We just kindly ask that we are informed this is required at the time of booking so we can ensure it is set up ready. Contact Us