Thinking about adding a spirited twist to your trip in Wales? This distillery experience in Newport offers a rare chance to craft your own bottle of gin or rum. While not a typical sightseeing tour, it’s a practical and engaging activity that combines learning, tasting, and a bit of hands-on fun. Whether you’re passionate about spirits or just looking for a memorable activity, this session stands out as an authentic and personal experience.
What we love most? First, the chance to actually make your own drink, not just sample it. Second, the inclusion of a guided tour that explains the process in a friendly way. Lastly, the opportunity to bottle and label your creation, giving a real sense of achievement. On the flip side, a minor consideration might be the limited availability on Fridays and Saturdays, so planning ahead is essential. This experience suits those who want a practical, interactive activity—perfect for spirits enthusiasts, couples, or small groups wanting a unique souvenir.
Good To Know
- Hands-on experience of distilling gin or rum from scratch
- Create a personalized bottle to take home
- Includes a welcome drink, tasting, and a cocktail made from your own creation
- Available only on Fridays and Saturdays, with limited start times
- Ideal for small groups of 1 or 2 people, with expert guidance
- No transportation included, so plan your arrival accordingly
An Engaging Distillery Experience in Newport
This make-your-own spirits activity takes place in a well-equipped Welsh distillery, renowned for producing both gin and rum. The experience lasts about 2.5 hours, with two available sessions each day—at 2 pm and 4 pm—making it easy to fit into your travel plans.
The experience starts with a welcome drink from the bar, setting a relaxed tone. From here, you’ll receive a brief guided tour that introduces you to the distilling process. Expect to learn about the botanicals used in gin or the ingredients behind rum, combined with a tasting session that helps you understand the nuances of each spirit. Visitors have found this part particularly insightful, appreciating how approachable the guides are, such as one reviewer noting that the guide “explained everything in a friendly way” and made the process clear even for first-timers.
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Creating Your Own Spirit
The core part of this experience involves selecting botanicals or ingredients and distilling your own batch. Using the copper stills designed for small groups, you’ll get a chance to participate actively—adding botanicals, controlling the distillation, and filtering your spirit. The process is designed to be accessible, with plenty of guidance from the staff, and is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced enthusiasts.
Once distilled, your spirit is bottled and labeled with a wax stamp, giving it a professional touch. You’ll also have the opportunity to design a label with your own name or message, making it a truly personalized souvenir.
Tasting and Finishing Touches
Before the final bottling, you’ll enjoy a cocktail crafted from your own creation—a satisfying way to see your efforts come to life in a drink. The experience highlights the importance of flavor balance and quality, with reviewers mentioning how fun it was to see their spirit transform into a drink. A helpful bonus is a discount voucher offering 10% off additional drinks or cocktails, which many find tempting to extend their visit.
Practical Details and Value
This activity is priced for the small group experience, and given the hands-on nature, it’s quite good value. Creating your own bottle means you walk away with a genuine product—something you can’t get from typical tastings or tours. The price also includes all ingredients, the guided process, and the personalized label, making it an immersive and worthwhile activity.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyWhat Sets This Experience Apart?
Beyond the core activity, the setting is quite charming. The distillery’s copper stills are visually impressive, and the staff’s enthusiasm makes learning about distilling enjoyable. Guests consistently remark on the friendly, approachable guides who keep the atmosphere relaxed and informative.
While some reviews mention the limited availability, the scheduled sessions at 2 pm and 4 pm allow for easy planning, especially if you are staying nearby or on a Wales-focused trip. Just keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there—though the location in Newport makes it accessible from many parts of South Wales.
The experience is not suitable for children under 18, emphasizing its adult-oriented focus on spirits and the distillation process. Also, the session’s duration is manageable—just enough time to learn, create, and enjoy without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Right for You?
This distillery activity in Newport offers a practical and memorable way to get hands-on with spirits production. It’s perfect for adults who enjoy tasting, experimenting, and personalizing, especially if they’re curious about how gin or rum is made. It’s also great for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a unique activity that produces a tangible souvenir.
The focus on interactive learning and personal creation means you’ll leave with not just a bottle but a story—crafted by your own hands. Given the stunning views of the copper stills and the friendly guides, it’s a fun, engaging experience that adds a local touch to your Wales adventure.
If you’re someone who appreciates quality, authenticity, and a bit of craft, this activity is worth considering. It’s a rare chance to take home a piece of Wales’ spirits and learn the art behind the bottle in a relaxed setting.
FAQs
Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The process is designed to be accessible, with guidance suitable for newcomers wanting to learn about distilling a spirit.
How long does the activity last?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, enough time to learn, distill, and bottle your spirit without feeling rushed.
Can I choose between gin or rum?
Yes. The activity offers options for either gin or rum, so you can pick your preferred spirit before the session.
Are the sessions available on weekdays?
No, the sessions are only available on Fridays and Saturdays, at 2 pm and 4 pm.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the distillery in Newport.
Can I customize the label on my bottle?
Yes, you can design a label, making your bottle a personalized gift or keepsake.
Is there an age restriction?
Yes, the experience is not suitable for children under 18 years.
What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the guided tour, ingredients, all distillation equipment, a cocktail made from your spirit, a bottled and labeled product, and a 10% discount voucher on drinks.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.
This make-your-own gin or rum experience in Newport offers a rare blend of learning, creativity, and fun. Whether you’re a spirits aficionado or just looking for a unique activity to remember, it guarantees a memorable piece of Wales to take home.
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