Craft Your Own Gin Experience for Two in Stornoway

Craft Your Own Gin Experience for Two in Stornoway: A Hands-On Journey into Gin Making

This 3-hour gin-making experience in Stornoway offers an engaging blend of education and creativity, designed specifically for two people sharing a single still. Priced at $178.13 per group, this activity delivers a personalized distilling adventure guided by an expert, making it ideal for gin enthusiasts or couples seeking a unique shared experience. The tour begins at Stornoway Distillers Co., located at 3 Cromwell St, and includes a full gin tasting, the chance to craft and bottle your own 70cl gin, and a welcome Landfall G&T. The experience is well-suited for those who want to learn about botanicals, design their own flavor, and take home a custom bottle.

While the 3-hour duration allows for a thorough introduction to gin distilling, the limited group size of 6 travelers ensures a more intimate and personalized session. Keep in mind that this experience is for adults only, and booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot. The ability to modify the experience to include driver options adds flexibility, especially if you prefer a non-drinking participant or are planning to drive afterward. This tour is a great choice for genuine gin lovers eager to create their signature flavor in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Key Points

• Personalized gin distilling experience for two people sharing one still
• Includes a full gin tasting and a welcome Landfall G&T
• Design your own flavor profile using over 50 botanicals
• Take home a full 70cl bottle of your handcrafted gin
• Duration of approximately 3 hours at Stornoway Distillers Co.
• Maximum group size of 6, ensuring a personalized environment

Starting at the Heart of Stornoway: Stornoway Distillers Co.

The activity begins at 3 Cromwell Street, the home of Stornoway Distillers Co. This central location makes it easy to find and accessible via public transportation. The experience kicks off at 12:30 pm with a welcome drink of Landfall Gin, setting the tone for a relaxed yet informative session. The premises are designed to facilitate a hands-on approach, with a focus on safety and comfort while engaging in the distilling process.

The Full Gin Tasting and Landfall Gin Introduction

After the initial welcome, the session offers a full gin tasting, where participants learn about key botanicals and the development of multi-award-winning Landfall Gin. This part of the experience not only introduces the flavors but also provides insight into how different botanicals influence the final product. We appreciate how the guide explains the nuances of each ingredient, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable.

Designing Your Unique Gin Flavor Profile

The core of the experience is building your own flavor profile. Guided by the expert distiller, the participants choose from over 50 botanicals to craft a recipe that reflects their preferences. This process involves weighing ingredients and experimenting with different combinations—an engaging step that invites creativity while learning about botanical effects on flavor. The guidance ensures that even beginners feel confident in developing their signature taste.

Distilling Your Custom Gin on Mini Copper Stills

Following the flavor design, the participants proceed to distill their recipe using mini traditional copper pot stills. The process is supervised by the distiller, ensuring safety and quality control. The distillation results in a full-sized 70cl bottle of your own gin, which you will label and finish during the session. This hands-on step emphasizes the craftsmanship behind gin production and leaves you with a personalized bottle to take home.

Taking Home Your Handcrafted 70cl Gin Bottle

Once the distillation is complete, the labeling and finishing process allows for personal touches on the bottle, adding a memorable element to the experience. The full 70cl bottle contains your unique recipe, crafted during the session, and is ready to enjoy or share. The hand-labeled bottle is a tangible reminder of your creative effort, making it a special souvenir from your time in Stornoway.

Optional Driver and Non-Alcoholic Options

Participants can opt for a driver option, which replaces alcohol tastings with soft drinks and mini bottles of Landfall Gin and premium tonic to take home. This flexibility accommodates those who prefer not to drink or plan to drive afterward. It is important to advise at least 24 hours in advance to modify the experience, ensuring smooth coordination and a tailored visit.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour accommodates up to 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate setting with plenty of personalized attention. The experience is structured to keep the group small, fostering a friendly atmosphere where questions are encouraged. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with no additional transportation required, making it a convenient and straightforward outing.

Accessibility and Practical Details

Service animals are allowed during the tour, and the location is near public transportation, increasing accessibility options. The experience is for guests over 18 years old, with some participants possibly asked to provide ID if they look under 25. Since the gin tasting measures are poured in advance for efficiency, changing an attendee to driver requires 24 hours’ notice.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The booking process is simple, with confirmation provided immediately unless booked within one day of travel, in which case confirmation is subject to availability. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly. We recommend confirming your participation well in advance to secure your preferred date and time.

An Honest Reflection on the Experience’s Value

This gin crafting experience stands out for its personalized approach and the opportunity to design a flavor from a broad selection of botanicals. The expert guidance and hands-on distillation make this more than just a tasting; it’s an educational journey into gin production. The full-size bottle to take home adds genuine value, especially for those interested in gourmet spirits or DIY projects.

However, the cost of $178.13 per group could be a consideration for casual visitors or those who prefer less interactive activities. The limited group size and duration strike a good balance, but it’s best suited for those eager to participate actively rather than observe.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals most to gin lovers, DIY enthusiasts, and couples looking for a meaningful shared activity. It suits those who enjoy learning about botanicals, crafting products, and taking home personalized souvenirs. The small group size fosters a relaxed environment, perfect for anyone wanting a personalized, memorable experience in Stornoway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the number of people in my booking?
No, the experience is set for 1 or 2 people sharing a single still, with a maximum of 6 travelers in total.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the activity is for guests over 18 only, and children or babies cannot participate.

What should I wear?
While no specific attire is required, comfortable clothing suitable for a hands-on activity is recommended.

Can I opt out of alcohol tastings?
Yes, the driver option allows participants to skip alcohol tasting and receive soft drinks and mini bottles of gin and tonic to take home instead.

How do I confirm my booking?
Bookings are confirmed immediately unless made within one day of travel, in which case confirmation is issued as soon as possible.

What happens if I need to cancel?
The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so please plan accordingly.

Is the location easy to find?
Yes, 3 Cromwell Street in Stornoway is easy to locate, with nearby public transportation options.

Can I bring my service animal?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the experience.

How long in advance should I advise to change to driver?
At least 24 hours’ notice is required to switch to the driver option.

What makes this experience stand out from other gin tours?
The personalized distilling process, the opportunity to design your own flavor, and the full-sized bottle to take home distinguish this as a unique, hands-on experience tailored for small groups.

Is the experience accessible?
Yes, the venue is near public transportation, and service animals are permitted.

This Craft Your Own Gin Experience for Two in Stornoway offers a engaging, educational, and memorable opportunity to learn about gin, create your signature flavor, and take home a personalized bottle, making it a worthwhile choice for spirits enthusiasts and adventurous couples.