Distillery Tour

Getting a taste of Welsh gin has never been easier or more enjoyable than with the Distillery Tour at Silver Circle Distillery. Priced at $27.43 per person, this 45-minute experience offers an engaging look into the art of gin making, packed with tastings and insights into local ingredients. The tour departs from Upper Meend Farm in Monmouth, deep in the stunning Welsh Wye Valley, making it an ideal outing for those exploring the scenic countryside.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the hands-on approach: visitors observe how artisans craft unique gins, learn about the use of foraged botanicals, and sample a variety of artisanal gins along the way. With a perfect rating of 5.0 from 38 reviews, this activity is highly recommended, especially for foodies, drink enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed yet informative experience. Keep in mind that most bookings are made about 5 days in advance, and the tour is accessible for most travelers, with non-alcoholic options for designated drivers.

Key Points

• 45-minute distillery tour showcasing Welsh gin craftmanship
• Includes multiple gin samples and a generous G&T during tasting
• Learn about foraged botanicals used in the gin production
• Price of $27.43 per person, with full bottles available for purchase
• Tour departs daily at 11:00am from Upper Meend Farm, Monmouth
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 38 reviews

The Location and Setting of Silver Circle Distillery in Monmouth

The Silver Circle Distillery is situated in the Welsh Wye Valley, offering visitors a chance to enjoy stunning countryside views while exploring the gin-making process. The distillery’s location makes it an excellent add-on activity for those touring Wales’ scenic Wye Valley or nearby areas. The natural surroundings contribute to the overall charm, with many appreciating the quaint farm setting as a backdrop for the tour.

Travelers can arrive by car comfortably since the distillery is designed for visitors arriving by vehicle, and the meeting point is clearly designated at Upper Meend Farm. The tour begins promptly at 11:00am, with the experience ending back at the starting point. The relaxed pace and beautiful setting add to the appeal, making it an ideal choice for a half-day outing.

Exploring the Distillery Process at Silver Circle

During this 45-minute tour, visitors get an up-close look at how artisan gin is handcrafted. The guides lead you through each stage, explaining the distillation process and how locally foraged botanicals influence the flavor profiles. The emphasis on small-batch, artisanal methods ensures a personal and detailed experience.

The distillery’s use of locally foraged ingredients is a highlight, with guides sharing stories about how these botanicals are collected and integrated into the gin. Visitors witness the distillation in action, which many describe as fascinating and well explained, especially by guides with clear passion and expertise.

The Tasting Experience and Samples

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the generous sampling session. Guests taste multiple gins, with the opportunity to enjoy a full-sized G&T in the tasting room. Smaller samples are also available, allowing for a variety of flavors to be explored without rushing.

Designated drivers are not left out; they are appreciated with a miniature Wye Valley Gin bottle to take home as a token of thanks. The quality and variety of the gins impress most visitors, with reviews highlighting the deliciousness of the samples and the knowledgeable staff who explain each flavor’s origin and unique qualities.

The Guides and Hosts at Silver Circle

The guides at Silver Circle Distillery receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and passion. Patrick, in particular, is noted for his humor and approachable style, making the tour both informative and fun. Many reviews mention the host’s welcoming attitude, with some describing their experience as “more fun than Bombay Sapphire” due to the relaxed atmosphere and engaging storytelling.

Guests appreciate the ability to ask questions freely, with guides sharing insights into both the science of distillation and the flavor subtleties of the different gins. The personal touch and hospitality of the staff are often highlighted as key reasons to recommend this tour.

Making Your Own Gin During the Tour

Beyond simply tasting, visitors have the option to make their own gin as part of the experience, which many find particularly memorable. Watching the small copper still in action and selecting botanicals adds an interactive element to the visit.

Some reviews mention that creating your own gin and sampling the final product provides a fun, hands-on experience that enhances appreciation for the craft. Guests often leave feeling more knowledgeable about gin and with a personal bottle of their own creation.

The Value and Purchase Options

At $27.43 per person, the tour offers excellent value, especially considering the multiple tastings and the insights into local ingredients. Full bottles of artisanal gins are available for purchase at the end, allowing visitors to bring a piece of Wales home with them.

Many guests remark that the quality of the gin and the personalized experience make this tour a worthy investment. The tour’s intimate size—with a maximum of 30 travelers—ensures a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged and attention is personalized.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour welcomes most travelers, with service animals allowed. The group size is capped at 30 visitors, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience. The meeting point is easy to find, and the tour runs rain or shine, with the possibility of rescheduling or full refunds if weather conditions disrupt the experience.

Designated drivers have the added bonus of a small bottle of gin to enjoy without consuming alcohol during the tour. This makes the experience suitable for groups with mixed preferences, including those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

Reviews and Guest Satisfaction

Every review in the data is positive, with a perfect rating of 5.0 from 38 reviews. Many highlight the expertise and friendliness of the staff, with Patrick and Duncan frequently praised for their knowledge and hospitality.

Visitors consistently mention enjoying the informative nature of the tour, the delicious gins, and the opportunity to learn about local foraged botanicals. Several reviews state the experience is “more fun than formal”, emphasizing the relaxed atmosphere and hands-on activities like making gin.

The Best Time to Book and Planning Tips

Given that most bookings are made about 5 days in advance, it’s advisable to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons. The 11:00am start time fits well into a morning schedule, leaving the afternoon open for other explorations in the Wye Valley.

Guests should remember that cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, so it’s wise to confirm arrangements early. The tour’s small group size and popularity suggest booking early to secure a spot.

Final Thoughts on the Silver Circle Distillery Tour

The Silver Circle Distillery Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience into the world of Welsh gin. For $27.43, visitors enjoy a personal tour, sampling multiple gins, and seeing the distillation process up close. The friendly guides and beautiful countryside setting elevate this activity beyond a simple tasting.

This tour is especially suited to foodies, gintasting enthusiasts, and those interested in local Welsh produce. It’s a great way to deepen appreciation for the craft, with the added bonus of buying authentic Welsh gin to take home.

While the experience is informal and relaxed, it is rich in detail and delivers excellent value. The only consideration is that it lasts about 45 minutes, so it fits best as a half-day activity — perfect for those exploring the Wye Valley or nearby areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this distillery tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for designated drivers.

How long before the tour should I book?
It is recommended to book about 5 days in advance, as most bookings are made around that time.

Can I buy full bottles of gin at the end of the tour?
Yes, full bottles of artisanal gins are available for purchase after the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the tour conducted rain or shine?
Yes, the tour runs in most weather conditions, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund if canceled due to poor weather.

Are guides knowledgeable and friendly?
Absolutely. Reviews consistently praise the guides, especially Patrick, for their expertise, hospitality, and engaging style.

What makes this distillery tour stand out?
The combination of local foraged botanicals, hands-on gin making, and the stunning Wye Valley location makes this experience particularly memorable and authentic.

How long does the tasting last?
The tasting lasts around 30 minutes, with guests often staying longer to enjoy the environment and conversation.

Is there parking available?
Yes, the distillery is accessible by car, and the meeting point at Upper Meend Farm is easy to find.

Would this tour suit someone interested in the science of distilling?
Definitely. Guests often mention the fascinating explanations of the distillation process and controls involved, especially from guides with engineering backgrounds.