Cologne: Gin Tasting at The Bär with Welcome Cocktail

Discover Cologne’s Favorite Hidden Gin Spot with a Guided Tasting

The Cologne gin tasting at The Bär offers an intimate experience in a cozy, candle-lit bar located in Ehrenfeld. For just 1 hour, visitors get to enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by tasting 3 carefully selected gins from around the world. This tour is perfect for those looking to explore gin in a relaxed, friendly environment with expert guidance.

This experience is designed for small groups, limited to 12 guests maximum, ensuring personalized attention and a warm, engaging atmosphere. The bar itself exudes charm, with a living-room style ambiance, good music, and friendly faces. A surprise signature cocktail caps off the tasting, making this outing both fun and memorable.

While no food is included beyond small snacks, the full experience of learning about botanicals, flavors, and gin stories is what really makes this tour stand out. The duration of one hour fits nicely into a busy sightseeing day, offering a relaxed yet enriching activity for lovers of spirits and social drinkers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Intimate setting in Cologne’s cozy, candle-lit bar.
• Includes a welcome gin cocktail upon arrival.
• Tastes 3 unique gins from around the world, including a local house infusion.
• Educational and fun, with explanations about botanicals and flavor profiles.
• Personalized experience with small groups of max. 12 guests.
• Ends with a surprise signature cocktail made just for the tasting.

Step Inside The Bär: Cologne’s Hidden Gin Bar

Located in Ehrenfeld at Thebäerstrasse 10, The Bär is known as a local favorite for gin enthusiasts. It’s easy to find, situated between the Piusstraße tram stop and the Rewe supermarket, with the black entrance featuring a golden bear logo signaling its spot. The bar opens Wednesday through Saturday from 19:00, making it a perfect evening activity.

The venue’s interior impresses with a living-room style, candle-lit ambiance that creates an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The small group size, capped at 12 guests, ensures everyone gets personal attention from the guides and can comfortably enjoy the tasting experience without feeling crowded.

The Welcome Cocktail: Setting the Tone for the Tasting

The tour begins with a welcome gin cocktail served in this cozy setting. This initial drink sets a friendly tone, warming guests up for the tasting session ahead. The bar’s warm lighting and soft music enhance the experience, allowing participants to settle in and begin exploring gin in a laid-back environment.

The welcome cocktail acts as a perfect introduction to the flavors and botanicals that will be discussed throughout the session. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes every guest feel valued from the start.

Tasting 3 International Gins in a Cozy Environment

Participants enjoy guided tastings of 3 different gins, each chosen for its unique style, botanical composition, and origin. One of the gins features a local house infusion, offering a chance to sample a house-infused gin that highlights regional flavors.

The tastings are relaxed, with guides providing fun facts about botanicals and flavor profiles, making the session accessible without any pretension or snobbery. The focus remains on sharing enthusiasm and knowledge, making even newcomers feel comfortable and curious.

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Learning About Botanicals and Flavors Without Formality

Throughout the tasting, the guides share entertaining stories and insights about gin, botanicals, and flavor combinations. This approach ensures the experience is both educational and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions or simply savor the drinks.

The explanations are kept no-nonsense and passionate, avoiding technical jargon. This approach appeals to anyone interested in understanding what makes each gin special, whether they’re seasoned spirits fans or new to the world of gin.

The Surprise Signature Cocktail: A Delicious Finale

After sampling the three gins, guests are treated to a surprise signature cocktail, crafted specifically for this experience. This personalized drink adds an element of excitement and makes the evening feel exclusive. It’s a fitting way to conclude the tasting and perhaps even inspire a new favorite cocktail.

Guests leave with a small souvenir or bonus gift as a thank-you, encouraging a return visit during their stay in Cologne.

Logistics and Practicalities: Easy and Accessible

The meeting point at The Bär is easy to find, with clear signage and accessibility options. The tour begins promptly at doors opening at 18:00, so arriving 5 minutes early helps ensure a smooth start. The activity is wheelchair accessible and conducted in both English and Spanish, accommodating a diverse range of visitors.

Transportation is straightforward, with trams 3, 4, 5, and 13 stopping nearby. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making it convenient for further exploration of Cologne’s vibrant Ehrenfeld district.

Pricing and Cancellation Policies

The price of this tour covers the welcome cocktail, the guided tasting of 3 gins, the surprise cocktail, and the small souvenir. It offers the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later, ideal for flexible travel plans.

Though no food beyond small snacks is included, the bar remains open afterward for those who wish to continue enjoying drinks or chat with friends.

Who Will Appreciate This Gin Tasting?

This tour suits adults aged 18 and over who enjoy spirits or are curious about gin. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a personal, relaxed activity in Cologne’s Ehrenfeld neighborhood. The informal, passionate atmosphere makes it especially appealing to those who want to learn without feeling overwhelmed or out of place.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18, and it does not include meals or food beyond light snacks.

The Unique Charm of The Bär’s Gin Experience

What sets this tour apart is its personalized, friendly approach within an intimate setting. Visitors appreciate the delicious gins, the informative yet fun explanations, and the cozy ambiance. The local house infusion adds a regional touch that makes the experience memorable.

The surprise signature cocktail and the small gift for a return visit** enhance the feeling of exclusivity and appreciation. This is a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend an hour in Cologne, especially for those who love spirits or want a taste of local hospitality.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy spirits, cocktails, or simply want a memorable night out in Cologne, this gin tasting at The Bär offers great value. Its small-group format, friendly guides, and focus on fun make it ideal for social drinks and learning in a relaxed environment.

However, those seeking a full meal experience or longer, more comprehensive tastings might find this tour a bit brief. Still, as an intimate starter or evening activity, it hits the mark perfectly.

Cologne’s Hidden Gem for Gin Lovers

The gin tasting at The Bär delivers an authentic, warm, and personal experience. It highlights international gins and regional infusions in a setting that feels like a friend’s living room. With just an hour, visitors gain knowledge, taste, and fun stories, making it a worthwhile stop during any Cologne visit.

This activity balances educational content and social enjoyment, making it a delight for casual spirits enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. The small group size and surprise cocktail add a special touch that elevates the experience above typical bar visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the gin tasting last?
The tour lasts around 1 hour, starting at 18:00, with the activity ending back at the meeting point.

Is the activity suitable for non-English or Spanish speakers?
The experience is offered in English and Spanish, making it accessible for speakers of either language.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the welcome cocktail, guided tasting of 3 gins, a surprise signature cocktail, and a small souvenir or bonus gift.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity begins.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed to participate?
No, participants must be 18+; pregnant women and children are not permitted.

What should I wear or prepare?
Smart casual attire is fine; arrive 5 minutes early for a prompt start. No special preparation needed.

Can I buy additional drinks after the tasting?
Yes, drinks beyond the included ones can be purchased afterward in the bar.

Is food provided?
No, only small snacks are included, but the bar remains open for further dining or drinks.

Where exactly is The Bär located?
It’s at Thebäerstrasse 10, Ehrenfeld, between the Piusstraße tram stop and the Rewe supermarket. Look for the black entrance with a golden bear logo.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
Its personalized, relaxed atmosphere, the inclusion of a local house infusion, and a surprise cocktail make it a distinctive and enjoyable choice for gin lovers in Cologne.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby