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Crafting Spirits: A Blend of Science, Creativity & Craftsmanship

Intro
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

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.

Masterclass - Gin Making

Regular price £150.00
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Authentic, Transparent, provenance, wiltshire, downton, salisbury, distillery, copper, still,

Downton, Wiltshire

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Crafting Spirits: A Blend of Science, Creativity & Craftsmanship

Intro
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

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.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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Steve Jones (Yeovil, GB)
Gin Masterclass 18th May 2025

A brilliant day with Hugh Anderson who is a very engaging and knowledgeable host. We came away with a unique bottle of gin which was distilled from botanicals selected with guidance from Hugh and hand crafted on one of his mini stills. We had loads of fun during the day and learned so much about the distiller's art - with many tastings to illustrate the aromas of the different botanicals. It was like a big person's tour of Willi Wonka's distillery! We had a tour of the botanicals garden and vineyard, and Hugh explained the connection to the local area and the Explorers Brand and ethos.
We would definitely recommend this experience.
PS what are you waiting for??

J
Julie Jackson (Waterlooville, GB)
Gin Master Class

Hugh, really knows his Gin process, wonderful detail, and one to one attention, wonderful location (weather helped us tho)..... and a fine Gin produced at the end.

Excellent value for money, a must for the Gin lovers out there.

But don't take my word for it, book up and go yourself.

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