Paris: Gin-Making Workshop with Tasting & Bottle in English

Exploring Paris Through Its Gin: A Hands-On Workshop in the Heart of the City

Imagine spending two hours becoming a distiller in a cozy, micro-distillery tucked away in Paris. For $129 per person, you’ll learn the secrets behind gin production, select your own botanicals, and craft a personalized bottle to take home. Guides, often knowledgeable locals or professionals, lead small groups of up to 8 participants through this engaging process, making it both intimate and educational.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to get hands-on, distilling your own gin and customizing its flavor profile. The guidance from professional distillers ensures you’re not just following a recipe but truly understanding the art of botanical selection and distillation techniques. Plus, the tastings of homemade cocktails add a delicious touch, giving you a taste of what you’ve just created.

However, a potential consideration is that this workshop is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18, and there’s a strict no-pets policy. Also, since it’s held in a small, urban distillery, travelers expecting a large, touristy setup might find it more authentic and intimate than flashy. It’s best suited for adventurous spirits enthusiasts eager to make their own gin and learn the craft from professionals.

If you’re a fan of small-group experiences, hands-on activities, and authentic local craftsmanship, this workshop fits the bill perfectly. It’s an ideal choice for spirits lovers, curious travelers, and those who enjoy a memorable, interactive activity in Paris.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Make your own gin on a tiny copper still under expert guidance.
Personalized Touch: Choose your botanicals and design your own label for your bottle.
Educational: Learn about gin history, styles, and distillation secrets.
Tasting: Enjoy tastings of homemade cocktails and various gins.
Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
Value: You leave with a 70cl bottle of your own creation, adding a memorable souvenir.

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A Closer Look at the Gin-Making Workshop

Location and Venue

This workshop takes place in a micro-distillery at 52 in Paris, marked by its large blue door. Once inside, you’ll find yourself in a charming courtyard leading to the distillery space. The intimate venue is a significant part of the experience—it’s not a touristy chain but a genuine spot where craft spirit-making happens, adding authenticity to your visit.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Arrival and Introduction: The session begins with a warm welcome from your guide, likely Charlotte or another knowledgeable professional, who will introduce the basics of gin history and distillation. Expect a friendly, informal atmosphere where questions are encouraged.

Botanical Selection: You’re given the opportunity to select botanicals—herbs, spices, plants—that will influence your gin’s flavor. This part of the process is where your creativity can shine; whether you prefer citrus notes, floral hints, or spicy undertones, your choices shape your final product.

Distillation Process: Using a tiny copper pot still, you’ll watch as your selected botanicals are distilled. This is the core of the experience—seeing and understanding how distillation separates flavors and creates the spirit. The professionals guide you through this process, ensuring safety and clarity.

Tasting and Sampling: Throughout the workshop, you’ll sample different gins and cocktails. Participants have raved about the quality of the tastings and the diversity of flavors. One reviewer called it “top notch,” emphasizing the delicious drinks and the knowledgeable guidance.

Creating Your Recipe: With expert input, you’ll finalize your botanical blend, ensuring your gin has a balanced and pleasing profile. This is a hands-on, collaborative process, making the final product genuinely your own.

Label Design and Bottling: Before bottling, you’ll craft a personalized label, adding a fun, creative touch. Your finished gin—a 70cl bottle—is yours to take home, a tangible souvenir of your Parisian adventure.

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The Quality and Authenticity

The workshop is highly praised for its professionalism and depth of knowledge. Multiple reviews mention the friendly guidance and the quality of the experience, with one noting it was “not a tourist trap” but a genuine craft session. The small group size ensures plenty of individual attention, and the guides’ expertise makes complex processes accessible and engaging.

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The Tasting Component

Sampling is a key part of the experience. Expect to taste a variety of homemade cocktails and different gin styles, which helps you understand the nuances between various gins and how botanicals influence flavor. Many reviewers highlight the delicious cocktails and the educational value of learning about different gin styles.

The Value for the Price

While $129 might seem steep for a two-hour activity, the value lies in the hands-on experience, expert guidance, and the personalized bottle you leave with. Plus, tasting sessions and the chance to customize your gin amplify the value, transforming it from a simple tour into a memorable craft activity.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This workshop is ideal for adventurous spirits enthusiasts eager to go beyond tastings and learn how gin is made. It’s perfect for small groups or couples who enjoy interactive experiences. Craft cocktail lovers will appreciate the tasting component, and those curious about the craft of distillation will find it enlightening.

Travelers who prefer authentic, hands-on activities over large, scripted tours will find this workshop a highlight of their Paris trip. It’s also well-suited for those who want a custom souvenir—their very own bottle of gin—to remember their visit.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, the workshop is not suitable for children under 18 years old, as it involves distillation and alcohol.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, pregnant women are advised not to participate due to the nature of alcohol distillation and tasting.

How long is the workshop?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to learn, distill, taste, and create your own gin.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the workshop, guidance from professional distillers, tastings of cocktails and gins, the distillation of your chosen botanicals, your personalized 70cl bottle, and a custom label.

Where exactly is the distillery located?
It’s at number 52 in Paris, recognizable by the large blue door. After entering, go straight through the courtyard to reach the distillery space.

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

Is there any food provided?
A small snack is offered during the workshop, but no full meal is included.

Final Thoughts

For those who find joy in crafting their own spirits, this gin-making workshop offers a rare chance to learn from professionals while creating a personalized souvenir. It’s a great way to see a different side of Paris, away from the busy tourist spots, in a setting where craftsmanship and authenticity take center stage.

This experience is best suited for adults who love spirits, social activities, and hands-on learning. If you’re after a unique, high-quality activity that combines education with fun, you’ll find this workshop a memorable highlight. Whether you’re a dedicated gin fan or simply looking for an unusual Parisian activity, this workshop delivers a personal, authentic taste of French craftsmanship—literally.