Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distillery

Start with a Unique Twist on Welsh Spirits: Making Your Own Gin or Rum in Newport

If you’re visiting Wales and have a penchant for spirits, this distillery experience in Newport offers a chance to craft your own bottle of gin or rum in just over two hours. For around £70 per person, you’ll get to follow the entire process—from selecting botanicals or ingredients to distilling, filtering, bottling, and even branding your personal creation. The sessions run on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 pm and 4 pm, and with a length of about 2.5 hours, they fit neatly into a day’s itinerary.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get hands-on involvement in creating your own spirit, which is rare among distillery visits. Second, the opportunity to taste and enjoy a cocktail made from your own creation before bottling makes it both educational and fun. We especially appreciate this as it turns a simple tour into an engaging, memorable experience.

A potential consideration? The experience is not suitable for children under 18, so families with young kids will need to plan accordingly. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to arrange your own way there.

This experience is perfect for adventurous spirits enthusiasts or anyone curious about how their favorite drinks are made, especially if you enjoy a bit of DIY and want a unique souvenir to take home. If you’re looking for a differently memorable activity that combines learning, tasting, and creating, this could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Hands-On Experience: You actively participate in making your own gin or rum.
• Authentic Learning: A guided tour introduces you to the production process and offers tastings.
• Personalized Bottles: You bottle and label your creation, making it a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
• Duration & Flexibility: Each session lasts about 2.5 hours, with specific times on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Inclusive of a Welcome Drink & Cocktail: Enjoy a drink from the bar and a cocktail made from your spirit.
• Discount Voucher: Receive 10% off drinks or additional cocktails, adding extra value.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

Located in Newport, Wales, the Spirit of Wales Ltd distillery offers a charming setting for this hands-on experience. Although the exact surroundings aren’t described as scenic in the promotional material, the focus here is on the craftsmanship and process—making it a cozy, engaging environment for those interested in spirits and local manufacturing.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Arrival and Welcome: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink from the bar. This initial sip sets the tone, offering a preview of the quality to come and getting everyone comfortable before the activity begins.

Introduction to Production: The first part of the tour involves a brief guided tour with tasters, where the guide explains how gin or rum is made—from selecting botanicals or ingredients to the distillation process. This segment is both informative and satisfying for those curious about the craft. One reviewer appreciated the clarity of the guide’s explanations, noting, “We loved the way the guide broke down the distilling process into simple steps.”

Creating Your Spirit: The core of the experience involves using a copper still to craft your spirit. For 1 or 2 people per still, you’ll start from scratch—choosing botanicals or ingredients, then distilling and filtering. This part is where you get your hands dirty, quite literally, as you watch your mixture transform into a spirit. The process takes about 2-3 hours, which is enough time to enjoy the craft without feeling rushed.

Bottling & Branding: Once your spirit has been distilled, you’ll bottle it, apply a wax stamp, and create a label for your bottle. This part makes the experience highly personal—you’ll leave with a unique, professionally bottled product bearing your own label and stamp. Several reviewers mention how satisfying it is to produce something tangible and personal.

Tasting & Cocktail: Before sealing your bottle, you’ll enjoy a cocktail made from your own spirit. This is a highlight for many, as it allows you to appreciate your creation in a real-world setting, adding a layer of enjoyment to the process.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Value of the Experience

The price point of around £70 may seem steep at first glance, but when you consider it covers expert guidance, all materials, a personal bottle, and a cocktail, the value becomes clearer. The ability to take home a custom-made bottle is a tangible souvenir that many find worth the cost.

What Travelers Say

One guest summed it up: “It’s not just a tasting; it’s a true brewing experience. Creating my own gin was both fun and educational.” Others appreciated the relaxed pace and the professional yet friendly guidance, making it suitable for newcomers and spirits aficionados alike.

Practical Tips

• Transportation: Since it’s not included, plan your route—public transport or a designated driver are advisable.
• Group Size: Likely small, intimate groups to ensure personalized attention and safety.
• Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve in advance with free cancellation up to 24 hours, adding flexibility if your plans change.

Who Will Love This?

This activity appeals most to adults who enjoy spirits, hands-on projects, or local craftsmanship. It’s particularly suited for couples, friends, or small groups looking to add a fun, interactive element to their Welsh trip.

Why This Experience Works for Travelers

This distillery experience offers much more than just a tour; it’s a chance to understand the art of spirit-making firsthand. The personalized bottle makes for a memorable keepsake, and the guided instruction demystifies the process, making it accessible for novices. The cocktail component provides immediate enjoyment, tying the whole experience together.

You’ll leave with not only a bottle of your own creation but also a deeper appreciation of Welsh craftsmanship and distilling traditions. If you’re someone who values authenticity, hands-on activity, and distinctive souvenirs, this is a solid pick.

The Sum Up

For those interested in spirits, craft, and a bit of DIY fun, this Make Your Own Gin or Rum experience in Newport hits the sweet spot of engaging, educational, and memorable. It’s especially suitable for adult travelers who appreciate the process behind their favorite drinks and want a tangible, personal memento of their trip. The quality of the guidance, the chance to create something unique, and the opportunity to taste your own spirit make this a worthwhile addition to your Welsh adventure.

While it might not suit families with young children or those looking for a sightseeing tour, it perfectly suits curious, spirited travelers eager to learn and craft in a friendly, supportive environment. If you want an activity that combines learning, tasting, and making, this experience delivers all three with style.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the session is designed to be accessible for all, with clear guidance and explanations. No prior knowledge of distilling is needed.

How long does the activity last?
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including tasting, creating, and bottling your spirit.

Can I make gin or rum?
You can choose to make either gin or rum, depending on availability on the day.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not part of the experience, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there.

What is included in the price?
Your price covers a welcome drink, guided tour, the distillation process, a cocktail made from your spirit, bottling, labeling, and a 10% discount voucher for additional drinks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I leave with a tangible souvenir?
Absolutely. You will take home a personalized bottle of your own gin or rum, complete with a label and wax stamp.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s intended for adults over 18.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve now and pay later, allowing you flexibility while booking.

Embark on this spirited journey and leave with more than just memories—take home your own handcrafted bottle of Welsh spirit, made with your own hands.

You can check availability for your dates here: