If you’re a spirit lover or just someone curious about how gin is made, this workshop in Paris offers a pretty engaging hands-on experience. While I haven’t personally done it, plenty of travelers rave about the opportunity to become a mini-distiller for a couple of hours, learn about gin’s history, and walk away with a personalized bottle.

What really catches the eye about this experience is the chance to choose your own botanicals and actually distill them yourself—something that’s rare outside of professional distilleries. Plus, it’s held in a cozy micro-distillery right in the city’s heart, making it a fun, relaxed break from sightseeing.

One thing to keep in mind is that this workshop isn’t suitable for everyone—no kids under 18 or pregnant women allowed. But if you’re into spirits, innovative experiences, or simply want a memorable souvenir of Paris, this might be right up your alley.

Who will enjoy this?

This experience is perfect for adults who appreciate good gin, are curious about the distillation process, or want a fun, unique activity in Paris. It also works well for groups wanting a more intimate, educational outing rather than a crowded tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Personalized Gin Creation: You select botanicals and distill your own unique recipe.
Expert Guidance: Learn from professional distillers in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Tasting & Cocktails: Enjoy tastings of homemade gins and crafted cocktails during the workshop.
Memorable Souvenir: Leave with a 70cl bottle of your personalized gin and a custom label.
Small, Intimate Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
Accessible Price Point: At $129, it offers a hands-on experience with a tangible, custom product.

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What You Can Expect from the Workshop

This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a full hands-on distilling session that makes you feel like a real spirit creator for a couple of hours. You’ll start by learning about gin’s journey—how it evolved, what makes different styles distinct, and the basics of distillation. The guide, a professional distiller, makes complex processes accessible and fun, often sharing stories that bring the craft to life.

Next, the real magic begins. You’ll choose botanicals—herbs, spices, plants—to craft your own signature gin. This is where your personal taste comes into play, and you’ll get to smell, compare, and decide on your unique mix. The guide will help you balance flavors and ensure your recipe is both enjoyable and distinctive.

Once your botanicals are selected, you’ll distill your mixture on a tiny copper pot still. Watching the process unfold, you realize just how much craftsmanship goes into every bottle of gin. The distillation itself is fascinating; it’s a delicate process that requires patience and attention, especially when you’re doing it yourself.

While your gin is being distilled, you’ll taste different gins—comparing styles from around the world and learning how different botanicals influence flavor. There’s also an element of fun and socializing, as many reviews mention the friendly, knowledgeable hosts making the experience enjoyable.

Finally, you’ll customize your own label, making it a perfect gift or keepsake. After bottling your 70cl of gin, you leave with a professionally made product that’s uniquely yours—a rare souvenir to take home from Paris.

Price and Value

At $129 per person, this workshop offers a lot for those genuinely interested in spirits and DIY experiences. Think of it as paying for the hands-on distillation, guidance from professionals, tastings, and a personalized bottle all wrapped into one package. Compared to other activities in Paris, it’s a bit of a splurge but well worth it if you’re looking for an authentic, memorable experience that combines education with fun.

Some reviews highlight the quality of the drinks and the friendly atmosphere, which adds to the perceived value. Plus, creating your own gin and label is something you won’t find in typical tourist options, making it a unique keepsake.

The Venue and Logistics

The distillery is located at number 52, identifiable by a large blue door—easy to spot in a busy Paris street. Inside, you’ll find a small, welcoming space where the workshop takes place. The setting feels intimate, perfect for questions and personalized attention.

The workshop lasts roughly 2 hours, providing a good balance of learning, activity, and tasting. It’s capped at 8 participants, which means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and guides can give you individual tips.

Booking is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. This makes it an easy addition to your travel plans, especially if you’re trying to keep things flexible.

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The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Knowledgeable, friendly guides who make complex processes accessible.
– The chance to create a truly personalized product—your own gin.
– Tasting a variety of gins and cocktails, adding flavor to the experience.
– Small group setting for a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.
– Unique souvenir to bring home—your own bottle with a custom label.

Cons:
– Not suitable for children or pregnant women, so it’s limited to adults.
– The workshop does not include meals, only snacks, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry.
– The process is fun but can be a bit technical—if you’re not keen on small details, keep that in mind.

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Reader Insights from Past Participants

Reviewers consistently praise the expert guidance and the quality of the drinks. One pointed out that it wasn’t a tourist trap—”the whole thing was so top notch.” Another mentioned how they loved the social vibe and learned a lot, calling the host “fantastic.” The highlight for many was the personalized experience—distilling their own gin and designing a label.

A common theme is that this is an authentic, engaging activity that’s both educational and fun. The ability to create and taste your own gin, then leave with a bespoke bottle, hits the sweet spot for many travelers looking for more than just sightseeing.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This?

If you’re someone who appreciates good spirits, enjoys hands-on activities, or wants a unique souvenir of Paris, this gin-making workshop hits the mark. It’s especially appealing for adults eager to learn something new and have fun in an intimate setting. The price is reasonable considering the guided distillation, tastings, and personalized bottle—think of it as an experience rather than just a tour.

However, if you’re traveling with children, pregnant, or seeking a more passive activity, this experience might not be suitable. Also, if you’re not particularly interested in spirits or don’t enjoy small group settings, it might not be the best fit.

All in all, this workshop offers a memorable, educational, and delicious way to spend a couple of hours in Paris, and it’s likely to be a highlight for spirit enthusiasts or those looking to try something different.

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Paris: Gin-Making Workshop with Tasting & Bottle in English

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for non-English speakers?
No, the workshop is conducted in English, so a basic understanding will help you get the most out of it.

How long does the workshop last?
It runs for about 2 hours, giving enough time to learn, craft, and taste without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, offering flexibility for your trip.

Will I leave with a real bottle of gin?
Absolutely. You will bottle your own 70cl of gin, complete with a personalized label.

Are snacks or meals provided?
Yes, a small snack is included during the workshop, but there are no full meals offered.

Is there a minimum age for participants?
Yes, participants must be 18 or older; children and pregnant women are not allowed.

Where exactly is the distillery located?
It’s at number 52, easily recognizable by the large blue door; follow the instructions to go straight through the door and to the end of the courtyard.

Do I need to have prior knowledge of distilling or gin?
Not at all. The guides will explain everything in a friendly and accessible way, suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

This gin-making experience offers a rare glimpse into the craft of distillation, combined with the pleasure of tasting and creating something uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned gin drinker or just looking for a fun, interactive activity in Paris, it’s worth considering for a memorable addition to your trip.