Tamborine Mountain Distillery: Spirit Making Class

If you’re heading to Queensland and want to add a unique, hands-on experience to your trip, the Spirit Making Class at Tamborine Mountain Distillery offers a memorable way to learn about distillation while creating your own signature spirit. For $122 per person, this 2.5-hour class combines a guided tour, tasting, and a chance to craft your personal bottle of rum, gin, brandy, vodka, or schnapps.

What excites us most is the opportunity to get up close and hands-on with the process, guided by a professional distiller who makes sure every participant understands and participates. Plus, the inclusion of a grazing board to share makes it not just instructive but also a very social experience.

A potential downside? The class is limited to just 8 participants, which is perfect for those who want intimacy, but might feel a little crowded during peak times. Still, if you’re eager to learn in a small group and leave with a personalized 500ml bottle of your own creation, this experience hits the sweet spot.

This tour is best suited for adventurous spirits—both literally and figuratively—who enjoy hands-on activities, want to deepen their understanding of spirits, and appreciate small-group, personalized experiences.

Key Points

• Hands-on Spirit Crafting: Create your own bottle of gin, rum, or other spirits with expert guidance.
• Guided Tour & Tasting: Enjoy four samples during a comprehensive distillery tour.
• Personalized Experience: Choose botanicals and ingredients from an extensive apothecary.
• All-Inclusive Setup: Equipment, guidance, grazing board, and a 500ml bottle to take home.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants for an intimate, engaging atmosphere.
• Value for Money: Includes tastings, guidance, a bottle of your spirit, and discounts on liquor.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Spirit-Making Experience

Imagine walking into the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, greeted with a complimentary beverage, immediately setting a warm, welcoming tone. This experience isn’t just about tasting spirits—it’s about learning the art from a seasoned distiller, who guides you through each step with patience and expertise.

The Guided Tour and Tastings

The experience kicks off with a guided distillery tour, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how spirits are made. We loved the way the guide explained the distillation process in a clear, approachable way, making it accessible even if you’re new to spirits. During the tasting, you’ll sample four different spirits, gaining insight into the flavors, aromas, and nuances that define each type.

Crafting Your Own Spirit

What makes this class stand out is the opportunity to design your own spirit. With a selection of botanicals and ingredients sourced from the distillery’s apothecary, you can tailor your spirit to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a spicy gin, a smooth rum, or a fragrant brandy, the options are wide-ranging.

The expert distiller, usually a friendly and knowledgeable guide, will assist you in selecting botanicals, explaining their effects on flavor, and operating the distillation equipment — all hands-on. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way our guide explained everything so clearly, making us feel like real distillers for a day.”

The Final Product

Once your spirit is distilled, it’s bottled in a 500ml bottle with your custom label. The process is designed to be interactive and fun, ensuring everyone leaves with a sense of achievement. Many participants find this to be the highlight, as it’s rare to get such a personal, handcrafted product as a souvenir.

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Additional Inclusions & Atmosphere

The experience also includes a grazing board, perfect for sharing during the session — a thoughtful touch that encourages conviviality. You’ll receive a 10% discount on liquor purchases, allowing you to stock up if you fall in love with a particular flavor.

The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning, making it an ideal way to start a day exploring the Tamborine Mountain area.

Practicalities and What You Should Know

The class is wheelchair accessible, and all equipment needed for distillation is provided, so you don’t have to bring a thing. Just remember to bring ID (a copy is fine), as proof of age is required. The experience is in English, and, due to nature of the activity, not suitable for children under 18.

If you’re concerned about alcohol consumption, it’s worth noting that intoxication is not allowed during the class, which makes sense for safety reasons. Cancellations are flexible, with a full refund available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Experience?

This class is perfect for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone who wants a more interactive and personalized experience. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about production processes firsthand, as well as those seeking a unique souvenir to take home.

If you’re traveling with a small group or partner, the intimate setting encourages conversation and shared discovery. Plus, the cost of $122 provides a comprehensive experience—including tastings, guidance, your own bottle, and a grazing board—making it a good deal compared to other more passive tasting tours.

Final Thoughts

The Tamborine Mountain Distillery Spirit Making Class offers a rare chance to get your hands dirty in the world of spirits. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances education, activity, and social interaction, all wrapped into a compact 2.5 hours. The personalized spirit you leave with is a meaningful reminder of your trip and a fantastic conversation starter at home.

Most travelers who enjoy crafting, tasting, and learning will find this class rewarding. It’s particularly ideal if you appreciate small-group experiences and want to connect with local craftsmanship on a deeper level. Just remember, this is a learning experience—not just a tasting—so if you’re eager to see how spirits are made, you’ll love the detailed guidance from the distiller.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, whether you’re a complete novice or a spirits aficionado, the class is designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone.

What spirits can I choose to craft?
You can craft your own bottle of rum, gin, brandy, vodka, or schnapps, with plenty of botanicals and ingredients to pick from.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, usually in the morning, providing enough time to learn, taste, and create.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the class is limited to 8 participants, ensuring individual attention and an intimate atmosphere.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers a guided tour, four tastings, all distillation equipment, a grazing board, a 500ml bottle of your spirit, and a 10% discount on liquor purchases.

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

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is accessible for wheelchair users.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your ID (a copy is fine). Everything else needed for the distillation process is provided.

Are children permitted?
No, children under 18 are not allowed due to alcohol restrictions.

Embarking on this spirit-making journey at Tamborine Mountain is not just about tasting—it’s about connecting with the craft and leaving with a truly personalized souvenir. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a craft enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun, authentic experience, this class offers genuine value and a story to tell long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: