Making Your Own Gin: A Practical Guide to Salt Lake City’s Hands-On Experience

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to create your own signature spirit, this distill-your-own gin class in Salt Lake City offers a rare chance. Priced at $130 per person, this roughly two-hour experience puts you in the driver’s seat — literally controlling a nano still to craft a personalized bottle of gin. Led by knowledgeable instructors, you’ll explore a wide array of botanicals, sample your evolving creation, and leave with a bottle that’s uniquely yours.
What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s one of only a handful of gin schools in the country where you can develop and distill your own gin from start to finish. Second, the small group setting — maximum of six participants — ensures a personalized, fun, and engaging atmosphere. On the flip side, it’s an adults-only activity, so if you’re traveling with kids or looking for a family-friendly outing, this isn’t the one.
We especially appreciate how this experience combines learning and tasting with a creative twist—no boring lecture here. It’s ideal for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone looking to discover the art behind a classic cocktail ingredient. If you’re the type who loves hands-on activities and enjoys exploring local flavors, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Salt Lake City trip.
Key Points

- Unique Hands-On Experience: You get to distill your own gin using a nano still, making it both educational and memorable.
 - Small Group Intimacy: With only six spots per session, the class feels cozy and personalized.
 - Botanical Exploration: You can choose from a diverse selection of citrus, herbal, floral, and spice botanicals.
 - Includes Tasting and Labeling: Sample your gin throughout the process and bottle it with your custom label.
 - Educational Guidance: Expert instructors help you craft and understand the nuances of gin-making.
 - Value for the Price: For just over two hours and a personalized product, the experience offers genuine value for spirit lovers.
 
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Salt Lake City
Detailed Review of the Salt Lake City Gin Making Class
What’s Included and How It Works
Starting at 1846 S 300 W, the class begins promptly at 2:00 pm, making it a perfect early afternoon activity. The session lasts about two hours, during which you’re guided by instructors from Simplicity Spirits Co.. The experience is all private for your group, meaning no strangers to share the fun with, which creates an intimate learning environment.
You’ll step into a micro lab setup — a space designed for hands-on spirits crafting. The core activity involves controlling one of their nano stills to distill your own gin. Before the distillation, you’ll choose botanicals from a wide range of options—citrus peels, herbs, floral elements, and spices—giving you a chance to customize your flavor profile.
The Botanical Selection and Creativity
One of the most enjoyed parts of this experience? The exploration of botanicals. Guests are encouraged to experiment, combining different flavors while receiving guidance from instructors. As one reviewer notes, “Very cool experience. Fun to select the various botanical inclusions and taste and smell the product developing throughout the process.” This hands-on approach not only teaches you about gin ingredients but also allows you to understand how each botanical influences the final taste.
The Distillation Process and Tasting
During distillation, you get to sample the evolving product, which is both fascinating and educational. Watching your gin take shape through the still’s process helps demystify spirits production and reveals the craftsmanship behind the drink. After successfully distilling, you’ll bottle and label your own creation—a keepsake of your effort and creativity.
While in Salt Lake City, here are other experiences we've covered
The Social and Relaxed Atmosphere
The reviews highlight the cozy and fun environment. With just six participants, everyone gets personalized attention. Participants particularly appreciated the helpful guidance from Chris, who made the process approachable even for beginners. The inclusion of gin & tonics and charcuterie along the way adds a relaxed, social dimension, making this more than just a class — it’s a mini celebration.
Price and Value
For $130, you’re not just paying for the gin, but for an experience that combines education, creativity, and craftsmanship. Considering that the outcome is a personalized bottle of gin, this price provides a tangible, memorable souvenir from your trip. Plus, the limited group size and expert guidance elevate the value beyond just a casual tasting.
Possible Drawbacks or Considerations
Since the experience is adult-only, it’s not suitable for children or families. Plus, it’s a book in advance experience, often booked about 29 days ahead, so planning is necessary if you’re eager to participate. Also, the activity’s duration and setup mean it’s best suited for those with a couple of hours to spare in the afternoon.
Who Will Love It?
This tour is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and creative travelers. If you enjoy DIY projects or are curious about how your favorite cocktails are made, you’ll find this both fun and illuminating. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy small-group experiences and want something memorable and unique—rather than a generic city tour.
Final Thoughts
In essence, this gin distillation class offers much more than just a tasting. It’s a chance to learn about the craft of spirits, experiment with flavors, and leave with a personal bottle of gin that’s all your own. The program strikes a commendable balance between education and fun, all within a cozy setting that keeps the experience intimate and engaging.
The price reflects the hands-on nature of the activity and the personalized result, making it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking something more meaningful than a standard city tour. Whether you’re a spirits aficionado or simply looking for a distinctive activity in Salt Lake City, this class delivers genuine value and a memorable story to tell.
FAQs
Is this experience suitable for someone with no prior knowledge of distilling?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be approachable, with expert guidance to help you understand each step, even if you’re new to spirits making.
How long does the class last?
It takes about two hours from start to finish, including botanical selection, distillation, tasting, and labeling.
Can I customize my gin recipe?
Yes. You’ll have a selection of citrus, herbal, floral, and spice botanicals to experiment with, allowing you to craft a flavor profile that suits your taste.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the distillation process, botanical exploration, tastings, and your personalized bottle of gin with a label you create.
Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point at 1846 S 300 W is near public transportation, making it accessible without a car.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, you must be 21 or older to participate, and children are not allowed.
What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. Since there’s some handling of botanicals and possibly light splashes, wear clothes you’re okay with getting a little dirty or stained.
This gin-making class in Salt Lake City offers a delightful mix of education, creativity, and relaxation. Whether you’re a cocktail lover, a curious traveler, or simply looking for an experience that’s a little different, this activity promises a memorable afternoon—and a bottle of your own gin to take home.
More Workshops & Classes in Salt Lake City
More Private Tours in Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) to Park City UT – Round-Trip Private Transfer
 - Private Half-Day Scenic Drive Through Salt Lake’s Best Canyons
 - Private Tour in Spiral Jetty and Pink Lake
 - Private Transfer from SLC to Park City UT
 - Park City Hotels to Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) – Departure Private Transfer
 - Private Antelope Island & Great Salt Lake Tour
 
More Tour Reviews in Salt Lake City
More Salt Lake City experiences we've covered
- Salt Lake Ghosts and Hauntings Tour By US Ghost Adventures
 - Salt Lake City Bar Crawl Let’s Get Salty
 - Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Adventure
 - Full Day VIP Group Ultimate Park city & Salt Lake City Adventure
 - Salt Lake City Haunted Old Town Tour
 - Salt Lake Scavenger Hunt with Tacos and Drinks
 - Salt Lake City Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
 - Junior Snowboard Rental Package for Salt Lake City – Cottonwood Resort
 - Great Salt Lake Safari – Discover Antelope Island
 - Scavenger Hunt in Salt Lake City by Crazy Dash
 - Junior Ski Rental Package for Salt Lake City – Cottonwood Resorts
 - Salt Lake City Historical Walking Tour of the City of Zion
 
