Blend Your Own Gin Experience in Banff

Blend Your Own Gin Experience in Banff: A Detailed Look

When it comes to unique activities in Banff, the Blend Your Own Gin tour offered by FREE Craft Distillery Tours & Experiences definitely stands out. This one-hour session combines a behind-the-scenes look at a working distillery, a tasting of craft spirits, and an opportunity to craft a personalized bottle of gin. It promises both fun and education — perfect for spirits lovers and curious travelers alike.

From engaging guides and a small-group setting to the chance to customize your own gin with botanicals, there’s a lot to love here. It’s also a surprisingly affordable experience considering what’s included. The only thing to keep in mind is that booking requires planning since cancellations are only free if made 24 hours in advance.

This tour appeals most to those interested in spirits, hands-on activities, and local craftsmanship. Whether you’re a dedicated gin fan or just looking for a memorable activity in Banff, this experience offers a genuine taste of the region’s distilling scene with a personal touch.

Good To Know

• Authentic Distillery Tour: Get an inside look at how spirits like gin and vodka are made from a knowledgeable guide.
• Personalized Experience: Blend your own gin by selecting botanicals, then label and take home your creation.
• Great Value: For around $55, you get a distillery tour, four craft spirit samples, a full 750ml bottle of PARK Vodka, and your custom gin.
• Intimate Group Size: Limited to six travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Ideal for Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who want a deeper connection to local spirits and enjoy crafting their own drinks.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience, offering peace of mind.

An In-Depth Review of the Experience

The Setting and Meeting Point

Starting at 219 Banff Ave, this tour is conveniently located in the heart of Banff. The proximity to public transportation makes it easy to access without renting a car. The small group size, capped at six participants, means you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention, making the experience feel more like a private class than a big tour.

The Distillery Tour and Tasting

Right from the beginning, you’re welcomed into a working distillery. The guide — in this case, one named Annie — is praised for her energy and knowledge, which helps keep the tour lively and informative. Expect to learn about the process of making vodka and gin, including the distillation methods and the importance of botanicals.

Reviewers like Tamara_S mention that this tour is a balanced mix of education and entertainment: “We learned a lot, laughed along the way and got to design our own bottle.” The tasting session features four samples of craft spirits, allowing you to compare different flavors and gain a better understanding of the distillery’s offerings.

Crafting Your Own Gin

The highlight is undoubtedly the personalized blending session. Using a variety of botanicals, you’ll choose your ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind gin. The process is interactive and fun, with detailed guidance from the guide. As Laura_D notes, “Our tour guide Annie was so full of energy, it made the whole experience so exciting.”

After blending, you’ll label your bottle, which becomes a keepsake of the experience. The bottle is a generous 750ml PARK Vodka, included in the package, so you’re leaving with a tangible reminder of your creativity.

The Value and Additional Perks

For just over $55, this experience offers excellent value. You’re getting a distillery tour with insightful commentary, a craft spirits tasting, and a custom bottle plus botanicals for infusion. Reviewers like Scott_A mention how interesting it is “to hear how they make their gins and vodkas,” and appreciate the chance to make their own bottle.

The tour also includes a custom label, adding a touch of personalization. Many reviewers recommend staying afterward for dinner, noting that the food and service are top-notch, which makes the whole visit feel like a well-rounded outing.

What to Expect in Terms of Timing and Group Size

Clocking in at about an hour, the tour is a nice, digestible experience without overextending your day. The small group setting creates a more intimate environment for questions and interaction, making it ideal for travelers who prefer personalized attention over large crowds.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for spirits enthusiasts, especially those interested in gin or craft distilling. It also appeals to travelers looking for a hands-on activity that’s both educational and fun. Perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want to meet like-minded people in a relaxed setting.

If you’re keen to take home a unique souvenir and learn about local distilling methods, this experience hits all the marks. It’s especially enjoyable if you appreciate guides who are engaging, knowledgeable, and energetic, like Annie was praised for.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price: At $55.60 per person, it’s a reasonable cost considering everything included.
• Duration: Just under an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Meeting Point: 219 Banff Ave, within walking distance of most accommodations.
• Group size: Limited to 6 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Cancellation: Free if canceled more than 24 hours in advance — a good backup plan if your plans change.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Since it involves alcohol tasting and blending spirits, it’s best for adults, typically 18 and over.

How long does the blending process take?
The entire experience lasts about an hour, including the tour, tasting, and gin blending.

Can I customize my gin with specific botanicals?
Yes, you’ll be selecting botanicals to create your signature gin, making each bottle unique.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point is near public transit options, and the location is easily accessible.

What spirits are sampled during the tour?
You’ll taste four samples of craft spirits, including gin and vodka.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, with full refund provided you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is there any food included?
Food isn’t included in the tour, but many reviewers recommend staying for dinner afterward due to great local cuisine.

Will I get to take my own bottle home?
Absolutely — you’ll leave with your custom-blended gin and a personalized label.

Final Thoughts

The Blend Your Own Gin Experience in Banff offers a perfect mix of education, hands-on activity, and local craftsmanship. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of spirits while creating a memorable keepsake. The small-group setting, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to craft something personal make this tour stand out.

Whether you’re a gin lover, a curious traveler, or someone looking for a unique activity in Banff, this experience delivers good value and genuine fun. It’s a chance to step behind the scenes of a distillery, learn about the craft, and walk away with a bottle that’s truly your own.

If you’re after an authentic, engaging, and memorable part of your Banff trip, this tour is an excellent choice — especially if you want a fun story to tell and a craft gin to enjoy long after you leave Alberta.