Craft Your Own Gin Experience for Two in Stornoway

Craft Your Own Gin Experience for Two in Stornoway: An In-Depth Review

If you’re dreaming of mixing a little creativity with your love of spirits, the Craft Your Own Gin Experience in Stornoway offers just that. This hands-on workshop is designed for couples or friends who want to get behind the scenes of gin making and leave with a bottle of their own creation. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it sounds like a well-organized, engaging, and authentically rewarding experience.

What really stands out? First, the chance to craft a personalized gin with over 50 botanicals to choose from. Second, the opportunity to distill your own recipe on traditional copper stills—an experience that’s both fun and educational. And third, the inclusion of a full-sized 70cl bottle to take home, making this not just a tasting but a memorable souvenir. A potential downside? The tour is strictly for over-18s and non-refundable, so it’s best suited for those who are sure about their schedule and love a good, hands-on activity.

This experience suits gin enthusiasts, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone curious about the art of distilling. If you’re after a unique, immersive activity that blends learning with fun, this might be right up your alley.

Good To Know

• Personalized Experience: Design your own gin recipe from over 50 botanicals.
• Educational & Fun: Guided by an expert distiller, you’ll learn about botanicals and the distillation process.
• Takeaway Keepsake: Leave with a full 70cl bottle of your homemade gin.
• All-Inclusive Tasting: Includes a Landfall G&T and a full gin tasting for flavor development.
• Small Group: Max group size of 6 ensures personalized attention.
• Cost & Value: At $178.13, it offers a memorable experience for gin lovers willing to invest in a handcrafted souvenir.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect

Meeting Point & Arrival

The tour begins at Stornoway Distillers Co., 3 Cromwell St, a straightforward location in the heart of Stornoway. The experience typically starts at 12:30 pm, making it a convenient midday activity. The venue is accessible by public transportation, and service animals are allowed, making it inclusive for many travelers.

Welcome & Introduction

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a Landfall G&T—a crisp, refreshing start that sets the tone for the next three hours. This welcome drink is not just a cocktail but also a chance to familiarize yourself with the gin brand being featured, as Landfall Gin is multi-award-winning. The friendly guide, Gez, is noted for being both professional and easygoing—a perfect combination for a relaxed learning environment.

Gin Tasting & Botanical Deep Dive

Next, you’ll indulge in a full gin tasting where you’ll sample Landfall Gin along with other botanicals, learning about their roles in flavor profiles. The review from a past participant highlights how informative and well-organized the session was, with Gez sharing insights that made the science behind gin approachable and engaging. Expect to hear about key botanicals and how they influence taste, which adds depth to your understanding of gin.

Designing Your Own Gin

This is the core of the experience. Under expert guidance, you’ll choose your botanicals from over 50 options, weighing and mixing ingredients to craft a recipe that suits your palate. The distiller will help you build your flavor profile, giving you a taste of what professional gin makers do when developing new spirits.

Distillation & Bottling

Once your recipe is finalized, you’ll move on to the exciting part: distilling on a mini copper still. The process is hands-on, with you actively involved in weighing and loading botanicals. This step is where your spirit actually comes to life. After distillation, you’ll bottle your gin into a full-size 70cl bottle, then personally label and finish it—adding a truly personalized touch.

Final Touches & Takeaway

The experience wraps up with you taking home your handcrafted bottle. If you opt for the driver’s package, you’ll enjoy soft drinks during the session and mini bottles of Landfall and tonic to take away instead of alcoholic samples. The entire process is designed for a small group, ensuring plenty of time for questions and personalized guidance.

Why It Offers Great Value

While the price of $178.13 per group might seem steep, you’re paying for a bespoke, educational experience that results in a tangible keepsake. Crafting your own gin is not just about drinking; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship, selecting botanicals, and actively participating in the process—elements that elevate this beyond a simple tasting.

From the review, it’s clear that Gez and the team take care to make participants feel comfortable and informed, which adds to the overall value. Plus, the opportunity to learn about the development of Landfall Gin, a multi-award-winning brand, adds credibility and interest.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Around 3 hours, making it a perfect midday activity or a relaxing afternoon plan.
• Group Size: A maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Age Restrictions: Over 18s only; bring ID if you’re under 25.
• Booking & Cancellation: Confirmed at booking, but non-refundable—so plan carefully.
• Transportation: Easy to find location, near public transit, with a driver option available if needed.

What Past Participants Say

A reviewer praised Gez’s easygoing yet organized style, noting how straightforward it was to book and how enjoyable the session was. Another mentioned the experience as “very informative and easy going,” highlighting Gez’s approachable manner. These insights suggest that even newcomers to distilling will find the session accessible and fun.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This gin-making experience is best suited for those who enjoy interactive, craft-based activities. If you’re a fan of spirits, love tasting, or want a memorable gift for a loved one, this hands-on session hits the mark. It’s particularly ideal for couples, small groups, or friends wanting a shared adventure with a personal touch.

It’s not suited for children or those looking for a quick, superficial tour—this is a genuine, hands-on experience. Also, since it’s non-refundable, it’s best to book only if your plans are firm.

FAQs

Can I change from a non-driver to a driver after booking?
Yes, but you need to advise the tour provider 24 hours in advance. They prepare the tasting measures beforehand, so this ensures a smooth experience.

Is this experience suitable for someone without gin knowledge?
Absolutely. The guide, Gez, is described as easygoing and well-organized, making the process accessible even for beginners.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, providing ample time for tasting, learning, and distilling without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get a welcome Landfall G&T, a full gin tasting, your own distilled gin in a bottle you label, and the opportunity to craft a recipe with over 50 botanicals.

Can I take my own gin home?
Yes, you leave with a full 70cl bottle of your own creation, personalized with your labels.

Is this experience suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The tour is focused on gin and botanicals, but it’s best to specify any concerns in advance to ensure your needs are accommodated.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be over 18, and may need ID if under 25.

Final Thoughts

The Craft Your Own Gin Experience in Stornoway promises more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to understand the art and science behind one of Scotland’s most beloved spirits. You’ll walk away with a custom bottle, new knowledge, and plenty of stories to share. It’s a fantastic activity for anyone curious about craft spirits, seeking a hands-on adventure, or looking to create a personalized souvenir from their trip.

The intimate size, expert guidance, and focus on personal creativity make it a memorable, valuable experience. Whether you’re a gin novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this workshop offers a blend of education and fun that’s hard to beat.

In summary, this experience is best for those who want a meaningful, engaging, and memorable activity in Stornoway. It’s ideal if you’re eager to learn, craft, and take home a truly personalized drink. Just remember, it’s a non-refundable booking, so plan ahead and fully enjoy this one-of-a-kind journey into gin making.