Toronto: Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting

Imagine stepping into a small, stylish distillery in Toronto’s West End, ready to learn about crafting spirits, taste some exceptional drinks, and leave feeling a little more like a mixologist yourself. For just $25 a person and about an hour of your time, the Nickel 9 Distillery offers an engaging glimpse into the art of distilling, wrapped in friendly hospitality and authentic flavors. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines education, tasting, and a dash of fun.

What we love about this tour is how approachable it is—no pretentious atmosphere here, just a passionate team sharing their craft. The welcome cocktail sets a relaxed tone, inviting you to unwind before diving into guided tastings of Northern Temple Vodka and Hidden Temple Gin. Plus, the insider look at the fermentation and distillation process gives you a genuine appreciation for the skill behind every bottle. We also enjoyed the Ni9 Bitters class, which adds a layer of hands-on understanding to the tasting experience.

One minor consideration is that the tour, at just an hour, is nicely paced but might leave some wanting more in-depth exploration. Also, since it’s a small group limited to 10 participants, booking in advance is a good idea, especially during busy times.

This experience will suit those who enjoy discovering local artisans, want to boost their knowledge of spirits, or are looking for a unique activity in Toronto’s vibrant Junction neighborhood. Perfect for couples, friends, or curious travelers eager to taste quality spirits and learn some mixology tricks.

Key Points

• Authentic Craftsmanship: The tour highlights the art of small-batch distillation with personalized attention.
• Flavor-Focused: Tastings of award-winning spirits like Northern Temple Vodka and Hidden Temple Gin showcase local ingredients and quality.
• Educational: Learn about the fermentation and distillation process, plus how Ni9 Bitters are made and used.
• Fun and Relaxed: The experience is approachable, with a friendly guide and engaging class, ideal for casual groups.
• Affordable: At $25, it offers good value for an hour of guided education and tastings.
• Location: Situated in Toronto’s Junction, it’s easy to combine with other neighborhood explorations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Nickel 9 Distillery Experience

Setting the Scene in Toronto’s West End

Nickel 9 Distillery is a relatively small operation—more like a neighborhood treasure than a large commercial enterprise. Its location in Toronto’s vibrant Junction neighborhood makes it a perfect stop if you’re exploring this lively area, known for its boutique shops, street art, and laid-back vibe. The building itself has a cozy, inviting feel—not clinical or overly commercial, which helps set the right tone for a genuine craft experience.

What to Expect on the Tour

The experience begins with a welcome cocktail, often a refreshing amuse-bouche that immediately relaxes the crowd. From there, a knowledgeable guide (we’ll call him Scotty based on reviews) takes you behind the scenes. Expect to see the fermentation tanks and stills—these are the heart of the operation—giving you a real sense of the craft that goes into each bottle.

The guided tastings are particularly enjoyable; you’ll sample Northern Temple Vodka, which is described as award-winning, and Hidden Temple Gin—both made from locally sourced ingredients. The emphasis isn’t just on drinking but understanding what makes each spirit special. You’ll want to pay attention to the tasting notes and ask questions if you’re curious; the guides are friendly and well-informed.

The Bitters Class: Elevating Your Mixology Skills

One of the standout parts of the tour is the Ni9 Bitters class. Here, you’ll learn how bitters are crafted and how they can enhance your cocktails. This hands-on segment is both educational and practical—you might even walk away with a new ingredient to try at home. The class adds a creative dimension to the tour that sets it apart from standard tastings.

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The Value of the Experience

For $25, you get a full hour of guided insight, tastings of high-quality spirits, and a bitters-making lesson. The reviews highlight its value: one traveler called it “amazing,” praising the fun group atmosphere and delicious drinks. Another appreciated the knowledgeable, friendly guidance of Scotty, which made the experience feel personalized.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While the tour is well-paced, it’s a relatively brief introduction—if you’re a hardcore spirits enthusiast or looking for an in-depth workshop, you might wish for more time. It’s best suited for adults over 13 due to alcohol being served, and as a small-group experience, booking ahead is advisable, especially during peak times.

Why This Tour Works Well for Travelers

If you’re interested in exploring Toronto’s local craft scene, this tour is a perfect short activity. It’s especially good for those who appreciate authentic, small-batch spirits and enjoy learning about the process while tasting quality drinks. Couples seeking an easy date, friends wanting a shared experience, or even solo travelers looking to meet friendly guides will find it a rewarding stop.

The location in The Junction also makes it easy to combine with other neighborhood activities, such as exploring local cafes, shops, or street art. It’s a compact, authentic taste of Toronto’s burgeoning craft spirits scene.

Final Thoughts

The Nickel 9 Distillery Tour offers a compelling mix of education, flavor, and casual fun—a smart choice for those wanting to deepen their appreciation for craft spirits without a hefty price tag. The guided tastings paired with the bitters class give it a multidimensional appeal, blending learning with tasting.

We believe it’s especially suitable for anyone curious about how small-batch spirits are made, or for travelers craving an authentic, hands-on experience that goes beyond just sipping a cocktail in a bar. The friendly atmosphere and local focus make it a memorable part of any Toronto trip.

If you’re a fan of good drinks, engaging guides, and discovering local artisans, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s a little gem in Toronto’s craft scene that offers genuine value and a fun, relaxed vibe.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is designed for adults over 13 due to alcohol consumption.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but in-depth experience.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, guided tastings, an insider look at the distillation process, and a bitters class.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, because the group size is limited to 10, booking ahead ensures your spot.

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

Is there parking nearby?
While not specified, the distillery’s location in Toronto’s West End suggests there are nearby street parking options or public transit.

Is the tour appropriate for people interested in mixology?
Absolutely. The bitters class and tasting experience make it especially appealing to those wanting to learn about cocktail ingredients and techniques.

Can I learn about the distillation process in detail?
Yes, the guide gives an insider’s look at the fermenting and distillation process, explaining how the spirits are crafted.

Are the spirits tasted available for purchase afterwards?
The tour description doesn’t specify, but many distilleries offer bottles for sale, so you might find your favorites to take home.

Is it easy to reach the distillery from downtown Toronto?
Yes, the location in The Junction makes it convenient for visitors exploring Toronto’s west side.

In sum, the Nickel 9 Distillery Tour is a well-balanced experience that offers genuine insight into Toronto’s craft spirits scene, along with a fun, social atmosphere. Whether you’re a spirits novice or a seasoned enthusiast, it provides a rewarding snapshot of local distillation artistry and flavor.

You can check availability for your dates here: