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Explore the Cotswolds Distillery’s Guided Tour & Tasting Experience
A visit to the Cotswolds Distillery offers a rewarding journey through the art of spirits making, all wrapped up in a 1 hour 30 minutes experience that costs $34.32 per person. This highly-rated tour, with a 5.0/5 rating based on 424 reviews, is recommended by 99% of participants. It is particularly popular, often booked about 26 days in advance, reflecting its strong appeal.
The tour takes place in Stourton, within the picturesque landscape of the Cotswolds. It includes a comprehensive guided walkthrough of both old and new distillery facilities. Visitors get to witness the still house, warehouses, and production process firsthand, creating an engaging and educational experience. The tasting session features the distillery’s full range of spirits, including whisky and gin, with the added bonus of blending your own gins for a personalized touch.
This experience is ideal for those interested in spirits or looking for a fun, behind-the-scenes look at craft distilling. The tour is accessible to most, with most travelers able to participate, and is capped at 18 guests to ensure personalized attention. It also caters to designated drivers, who can take home tastings to enjoy later, making it a flexible choice for groups.
Key Points
- Duration: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable and engaging outing.
- Price: at $34.32 per person, it presents excellent value considering the guided tour and tastings.
- Highlights: includes visits to old and new distillery sites, spirit tastings, and gin blending.
- Booking: usually filled 26 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended.
- Accessibility: most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 18 guests for a more intimate experience.
- Free cancellation available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.
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Distillery Tour in the Heart of the Cotswolds
The tour begins at the Shipston-on-Stour meeting point in the Cotswolds, where the distillery in Stourton welcomes visitors for an award-winning experience. The guided walk through the facility provides insights into both traditional and modern distilling techniques. Guests see the still house, where spirits are crafted, and peek into warehouses that house aging whisky, giving a sense of the craftsmanship involved.
Throughout the tour, the friendly and informative guides encourage questions, making it a highly interactive experience. The focus on learning about the spirits’ production helps visitors appreciate the detail and effort behind each bottle. The tour’s balance of old and new distillery areas offers a comprehensive view of the process, appealing especially to those with curiosity about spirits craftsmanship.
Whisky and Gin Tastings: A Flavorful Finale
The tasting segment is a key feature of this experience. Visitors sample the full range of spirits produced at the distillery, with generous tastings that satisfy even the most enthusiastic drinkers. A highlight for many is the opportunity to try their hand at blending gin, creating a personalized spirit to take home.
The gin options are especially praised for their variety and quality. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, tastings can be taken away to enjoy in the comfort of home. The tasting experience is set in a relaxed environment, allowing guests to savor the flavors and ask further questions about each spirit.
Food Options and On-Site Facilities
A stop at the cafe provides a chance to enjoy some food and refreshments during or after the tour. This makes the experience more complete, especially for those looking to extend their visit with a meal or snack. The cafe offers a selection of food items that complement the spirits and provide a pleasant break amidst the scenic surroundings.
The shop at the distillery offers a variety of shopping items, including bottles of spirits, branded merchandise, and other souvenirs. The availability of these products allows visitors to purchase authentic Cotswolds spirits as gifts or keepsakes.
Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size
The tour departs from Shipston-on-Stour CV36 5EX, UK, with a return to the same location at the end. The small group size—limited to 18 guests—ensures a personalized and engaging experience. The meeting point is easy to find, and the tour is designed to be accessible for most guests.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended due to the popularity of the tour, and it is advisable to confirm weather conditions, as the experience is dependent on good weather. In case of poor weather, the tour provider offers rescheduling or full refunds.
Value and Customer Satisfaction
The tour’s excellent reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, good value for money, and delicious food and spirits. Many reviewers praise the tremendous amount of information provided, making it the best distillery tour they have experienced. Visitors also appreciate the generous tastings and the opportunity to blend their own gin, adding a personalized touch.
The cost of $34.32 is considered reasonable given the comprehensive guided tour, spirits tastings, and additional activities. The free cancellation policy adds flexibility, allowing cancellation more than 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Final Thoughts on the Cotswolds Distillery Tour & Tasting
This guided distillery tour in the Cotswolds offers a well-rounded and informative experience for spirits enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The combination of historic and modern facilities, spirits tastings, and gin blending activities makes it an engaging outing. The friendly guides and scenic surroundings enhance the overall enjoyment.
While the tour is relatively short, at about 90 minutes, it packs in a lot of value. The small group size fosters a more personal experience, and the inclusion of food options at the cafe makes it suitable for a relaxed afternoon in the countryside.
This tour is an excellent choice for those seeking insider insights into spirits production and a fun tasting experience in the beautiful Cotswolds. It suits adults of all ages and is especially appealing for anyone interested in craft distilling or gin making.
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Guided Tour & Tasting
“Fantastic experience yesterday. All the staff were very welcoming from start to finish. Very informative. The Whiskey and Gin tasting at the end w…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is designed for adults interested in spirits.
Can I take tastings home?
Yes, you can take your tastings away, especially if you are a designated driver or simply want to enjoy the spirits later.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes access to the old and new distillery facilities, spirits tastings, and the opportunity to blend your own gin.
How far in advance should I book?
It is recommended to book about 26 days in advance to secure a spot, as this popular experience fills quickly.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel more than 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is tailored for adults and spirits tasting, so it is best suited for those of legal drinking age.
Are there any food options available?
Yes, a cafe on-site offers food and drinks to complement your visit.
What makes this distillery tour stand out?
Its comprehensive access to distillery areas, generous tastings, gin blending activity, and warm, knowledgeable guides make it a top-rated experience in the Cotswolds.
This distillery tour and tasting experience combines education, flavor, and scenic charm—a memorable outing for anyone interested in the craft of spirits.
