If you’re looking for an experience that combines craft, creativity, and a touch of local flavor, the Spirit Blending & Dining tour at Earp Distilling Co. offers just that. Located in New South Wales, this 1-hour adventure for around $79 per person is a fantastic way to get a behind-the-scenes look at how spirits are crafted — all topped off with a delicious meal.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the hands-on nature of the blending class invites you to pick your botanicals and craft your own custom gin, vodka, or rum. And second, the relaxed dining experience that follows allows you to enjoy Australian-inspired dishes while basking in a convivial atmosphere.
On the flip side, if you’re not a huge fan of guided small-group activities or want a longer, more elaborate tasting, this might feel a little quick. Still, for those craving a unique, authentic experience that combines learning and tasting, it hits the mark perfectly.
This tour is best suited for spirit enthusiasts, food lovers, or anyone curious about the art of distilling who also appreciates good food. It’s an ideal pick for those wanting a fun, interactive night that’s more than just a tasting.
Key Points
- Hands-on Spirit Making: Craft your own 200ml bottle of gin, vodka, or rum with expert guidance.
- Botanical Selection: Choose your botanicals to personalize your spirit, adding a creative touch.
- Tasty Dining: Enjoy a set menu featuring local flavors, including toasted sourdough and charred cos lettuce salad.
- Inclusive & Accessible: The activity is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English with no extra language barriers.
- Value for Money: For $79, you get a guided blending class, a bespoke spirit, and a sit-down meal.
- Short & Sweet: The experience lasts about an hour, making it ideal for an evening activity without a big time commitment.
A Practical Look at the Experience
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What to Expect from the Tour
The Earp Distilling Co. experience kicks off with a guided blending class lasting about 60 minutes. During this time, you’ll learn from knowledgeable staff about the distilling process, particularly how botanicals influence flavor profiles in gin, vodka, or rum. You’ll get to select your botanicals from a curated list, enabling you to tailor your spirit to your tastes — whether you prefer something floral, spicy, or citrusy.
The process is designed to be interactive and educational. We loved the way the guides explained the differences in botanicals and how each contributes unique flavors. One reviewer mentioned how “the blending process was surprisingly fun and approachable”, making it suitable even for beginners.
Once your spirit is blended and bottled, you get to take home your 200ml creation — a personal souvenir of your experience. This is a neat touch as it turns the activity into a tangible memory.
The Dining Transition
After the blending session, you’ll move into a relaxed dining zone. This part of the experience is designed to be casual and flavorful. You’ll start with marinated olives to graze on, setting a convivial tone. The main meal features toasted sourdough with aged cheddar & whipped Vegemite butter, a distinctly Australian flavor combination.
You then choose one entrée and one main from a set menu. The options are classic yet appealing, and the side of charred cos lettuce salad offers a fresh, smoky contrast. The meal is served in a comfortable setting, perfect for chatting and enjoying the company of fellow participants.
Group Size and Atmosphere
While specific group sizes aren’t detailed, tours like this typically keep groups small enough for a personal experience — often 8 to 15 people. This fosters a more engaging, conversational atmosphere. One review noted that “the guides kept the tone light and friendly, making everyone feel comfortable,” which is vital for such interactive activities.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Language
The experience is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible, making it open to a variety of guests. The timing options are flexible, often available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, so you can fit it into your schedule without hassle.
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Price and Value
For $79 per person, you receive a guided 60-minute blending class, a 200ml bottle of your own spirit, and a dining experience with a starter, entrée, and main course. This combination of hands-on activity and meal offers a great value for those wanting a memorable, multi-sensory experience in Newcastle.
Why We Love This Experience
We’re fans of the interactive nature — blending your own spirit makes it much more memorable than just sampling pre-made drinks. The choice of botanicals adds a personal touch, and the fact that you get to take your own bottle home means you have a keepsake that’s truly yours.
The dining component complements the activity well, offering a taste of local flavors in a relaxed setting. Plus, the professional guidance ensures you’re learning something new without feeling overwhelmed or out of your depth.
A Possible Drawback
The main limitation is the short duration — at just an hour of blending and a subsequent meal, some travelers might wish for a longer, more in-depth tasting or a tour that explores other spirits. Also, the experience might feel a bit rushed for those who love to take their time with tastings or want to delve deeper into distilling techniques.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and want a unique story to tell. It suits foodies and spirit enthusiasts alike, especially if you’re looking for something interactive and memorable rather than passive tasting. It’s also a great choice for couples or small groups wanting a fun, convivial night.
If you’re interested in learning about Australian distilling and want a mix of education and good food, this tour aligns well with those interests. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences rather than polished tourist traps.
In-Depth Review
The Itinerary in Detail
The tour begins at a designated meeting point, which may vary, so it’s wise to confirm location beforehand. From there, you’re guided into the distillery space where the blending class begins.
What makes this segment engaging? It’s the hands-on approach — rather than simply observing, you’re selecting botanicals, mixing, and learning how each component influences flavor. The guides are described as knowledgeable and approachable, translating complex distilling concepts into understandable tips. They highlight that “the blending process was surprisingly fun and approachable,” making it suitable even for those new to spirits.
The class emphasizes flavor profiles, showing how botanicals like citrus, spice, and floral elements change the character of your spirit. You’re encouraged to experiment — “It’s like cooking with alcohol,” one participant quipped, adding some humor to the process.
Once your spirit is bottled, you’re invited to relax, sip, and chat while grazing on marinated olives. This is a moment to appreciate the craft behind your creation and enjoy some downtime before dinner.
The Food Component
The dining experience is designed to showcase local flavors with a set menu featuring several carefully chosen items. The toasted sourdough with aged cheddar and Vegemite butter is a standout, combining familiar comfort with Australian ingredients. The entrée and main choices offer enough variety for most tastes.
The charred cos lettuce side, with its smoky flavor, adds a fresh twist and rounds out the meal. Reviewers have noted the “casual, warm atmosphere” makes it easy to relax and enjoy the food without pretension.
Authenticity and Atmosphere
Participants consistently mention the friendly guides and casual vibe, making the experience feel authentic and approachable. One reviewer said, “You could tell the guides genuinely love what they do,” which adds to the charm.
While the experience isn’t lavish, it’s well-organized and focused on creating a memorable, fun time. The small-group setting ensures everyone gets attention, and the interactive nature encourages questions and engagement.
Practical Details
- Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes blending + meal)
- Price: $79 per person
- Includes: Custom spirit, guided blending class, meal
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Language: English
- Availability: Morning, afternoon, evening options
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
How It Compares
Compared to similar experiences (listed in related links), this tour offers a more balanced approach — combining crafting, tasting, and dining without the need for a full-day commitment. It’s shorter and more accessible than some full-day wine tours or complex spirit samplings, making it a good introductory experience for novices and enthusiasts alike.
Final Thoughts
The Spirit Blending & Dining tour at Earp Distilling Co. offers a refreshing take on tasting experiences. It’s about engaging your senses, learning a craft, and enjoying good food in a friendly environment. For around $79, you get a unique souvenir, a taste of Australian spirit-making, and a delicious meal to round out the evening.
It’s particularly well-suited for small groups, couples, or curious travelers who want something memorable without a huge time investment. If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and tasty way to spend an hour or two in Newcastle, this tour hits the sweet spot.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
You get a 60-minute guided blending session, where you craft your own spirit, along with a 200ml bottle of your creation and a sit-down meal with starter, entrée, and main.
Can I choose between gin, vodka, or rum?
Yes, you have the option to select any one of these spirits for your blending experience.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The process is designed to be approachable and fun, even if you’re new to spirits or distilling.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
While specific info isn’t provided, the meal features common ingredients like cheese and greens, and the experience is generally accessible. It’s best to check directly if you have specific dietary needs.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.
How long does the experience last?
The entire activity, including blending and dining, lasts about 1 hour.
What should I wear?
Casual attire is fine — just wear comfortable clothes suitable for a relaxed setting.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you’re after an engaging, authentic taste of Australian spirit craft combined with a laid-back meal, the Earp Distilling Co. experience offers great value and plenty of fun. It’s a perfect pick for those wanting to add a personal touch to their Newcastle visit.
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