Shared Gin, Vodka & Rum Making Experience at Nelson’s Distillery

Shared Gin, Vodka & Rum Making Experience at Nelson’s Distillery

If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own spirits, this five-hour hands-on experience at Nelson’s Distillery in England is a delightful way to learn and create. For around $213.94 per group (up to two people), you’ll spend the day with expert distillers, crafting your own 70cl bottle of gin, vodka, or rum. This is a shared experience, so it’s perfect for couples, friends, or family who want to get a taste of the art behind your favorite spirits.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized approach—you’ll choose from an extensive selection of botanicals, fruits, and spices to develop your unique blend. Second, the interactive process—distilling, sealing, and labeling your bottle right there on site. From start to finish, you’re involved in a craft that’s both educational and fun, with a friendly guide leading the way. One thing to consider: transportation is recommended as the tastings during the day can add up.

This experience works best for curious travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, a good dose of history, and delicious food. If you’re a spirit lover or looking for a memorable gift, it’s also a great choice. The high praise from previous guests—rated a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 64 reviews—speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of the experience.

Key Points

• Personalized spirit creation — craft your own gin, vodka, or rum with a wide selection of botanicals and spices.
• Expert guidance — learn from knowledgeable distilling professionals, gaining insights into the science and history behind the spirits.
• All-inclusive day — enjoy coffee, tea, lunch, snacks, and tastings included in the price.
• Memorable souvenir — leave with a custom 70cl bottle, sealed and labeled by you.
• Ideal for enthusiasts — perfect for those who appreciate craftsmanship, history, or want a fun, hands-on activity.
• Transportation advice — plan ahead to arrange transport due to the tastings involved.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Location and Setting

Starting at Nelson’s Distillery & School in Grindley, near Uttoxeter, this experience offers a cozy, well-organized environment. The setting is friendly and professional, creating an atmosphere that balances education and enjoyment. It’s perfect for those who appreciate authentic, small-scale distilling rather than large commercial operations.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins around 10:00 am, with a warm welcome and refreshments such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. During the initial phase, you’ll receive a comprehensive introduction from your guide—likely David, given his glowing reviews—covering the history of gin, vodka, and rum, and the science of distilling. The storytelling aspect adds context and makes the process more engaging.

Once warmed up with background info, you move on to selecting botanicals, fruits, and spices. This part is where your personal taste comes into play—crafting a blend that suits you. The guides are praised for their knowledgeable advice and friendly approach, making even beginners feel confident.

The heart of the experience is the distilling process. You’ll operate the still, which involves carefully measuring ingredients, controlling the heat, and managing the process of turning liquid into spirit. This hands-on activity is the highlight, creating a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

After distillation, you’ll wax seal and label your bottle, ensuring it’s ready to take home. Some reviews mention the sense of pride in your creation, and many guests describe the process as fun and educational.

Tasting and Food

Throughout the day, guests enjoy a variety of tastings, including sampling Nelson’s own spirits and learning how to appreciate different styles. The included lunch is described as a varied buffet, providing a well-deserved break and fueling your creativity. Snacks like biscuits accompany the tea and coffee, making the day comfortable and relaxed.

The Atmosphere and Guides

Multiple reviews highlight the entertaining and knowledgeable host, often David. Guests mention his ability to answer questions thoroughly and keep the mood light with humor and anecdotes from the distilling world. This personal touch turns what could be a technical process into a memorable experience.

Group Size and Duration

With a maximum of 28 travelers, the group remains intimate enough for personalized attention, but large enough to create a lively, social environment. The five-hour duration allows plenty of time for learning, hands-on work, tasting, and relaxing without feeling rushed.

Value and Recommendations

While $213.94 might seem steep for some, the value lies in the personal involvement and takeaway: a hand-crafted bottle, knowledge, and memories. Many guests say it’s worth every penny, especially since they walk away with a unique spirit they created themselves.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is transportation—since the experience involves tastings, arranging transport is advisable. The experience is also non-refundable, so if you’re unsure of the date, plan accordingly.

Who Should Book?

This experience suits spirit enthusiasts, those interested in small-batch craftsmanship, or anyone looking for a unique, memorable activity. It also makes a fantastic gift for someone curious about how their favorite drinks are made. If you enjoy hands-on learning and want a personalized souvenir, this is a perfect fit.

Authentic Insights from Guests

Guests frequently praise the friendly guides—notably David—for making the process lively and informative. Many reviewers share that they’ve been to similar distilling experiences, but Nelson’s stands out because of the attention to detail, the friendly atmosphere, and the delicious food.

One guest called it a “fabulous day out”, emphasizing the relaxed environment and expert hosting. Others appreciate the high-quality lunch and the opportunity to create a spirit just how they like it, describing it as “worth doing again”.

The repeated visits from some guests highlight the lasting impression Nelson’s leaves—proof of a well-organized, genuinely enjoyable experience.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a fun, educational activity that results in a tangible souvenir, Nelson’s Distillery offers just that. It’s a hands-on journey into the world of spirits, guided by passionate professionals who love sharing their craft. The experience suits spirits lovers, curious travelers, and those seeking a memorable day out in England.

While the cost is not insignificant, the personal involvement, quality of guidance, and takeaway bottle make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the included lunch and tastings add to the value, making this more than just a workshop—it’s a true taste of artisan distilling.

This experience is perfect for those who want to understand the craft, enjoy good company and food, and leave with a spirit they made themselves. If that sounds appealing, don’t hesitate—this is one experience you’ll remember long after the bottle is empty.

FAQ

Can I make a different type of spirit during the tour?
Yes, the experience is designed for guests to choose between gin, vodka, or rum, with rum being un-aged in this session.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a varied buffet lunch is part of the experience, along with tea, coffee, biscuits, and soft drinks.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 28 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, engaging atmosphere.

Should I arrange transportation?
Yes, because tastings are part of the day, it’s recommended to plan for transportation to and from the distillery.

Can I customize my bottle?
Absolutely, you pick the botanicals and flavors to create a blend that matches your taste, and you label and seal your bottle yourself.

Is the booking refundable?
No, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

This hands-on spirit-making day at Nelson’s Distillery offers a genuine, enjoyable, and educational experience for anyone curious about what goes into your favorite drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, you’ll leave with a memorable souvenir and a new appreciation for craft distilling.