Distilling Class @ Spirited Union Rum Co. (Amsterdam)

Exploring the Spirited Union Rum Co. Distilling Class in Amsterdam — A Hands-On Spirit Adventure

If you’re craving something a little different during your time in Amsterdam, this distilling class at the Spirited Union Rum Co. might just be the perfect pick. It’s not your typical sightseeing day — instead, it offers a chance to roll up your sleeves and create your own botanical rum under expert guidance. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just someone looking for an engaging activity, this experience promises a blend of fun, learning, and a tangible keepsake to take home.

What we particularly love about this tour is how accessible it is — it’s about learning a new skill in a relaxed setting, plus, you get to keep a personalized bottle of rum that you made yourself. The fact that it’s only about an hour and a half makes it manageable even if your schedule is packed. But, a quick heads-up: it’s located about 15 minutes outside the hustle of central Amsterdam, so plan your transport accordingly. This experience is a great fit for curious travelers who want to do something memorable, hands-on, and uniquely Dutch.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Hands-on experience: You’ll operate your own copper still, making this more than just a tasting.
• Personalized souvenir: Walk away with a bottle of your own botanical rum, labeled and ready to enjoy.
• Variety of recipes: Choose from floral, citrus, spiced, or tropical styles to suit your taste.
• Expert guidance: Instructors, like Callum, are praised for being knowledgeable and friendly.
• Location and timing: Situated 15 minutes from central Amsterdam, with a 3:00 pm start.
• Great reviews: Nearly perfect ratings, with many highlighting its fun and informative nature.

What is the Distilling Class at Spirited Union Rum Co.?

This isn’t your average cocktail class or a simple tasting. It’s a distilling workshop where you learn the art of making botanical rum. The class lasts around 90 minutes, during which you get a tour of the distillery and hands-on experience with a copper pot still. The main draw? You’re not just observing — you’re the distiller, creating your own bottle of rum.

The class begins with a brief introduction around the distillery, giving you some context about how spirits are made and what makes their botanical rum special. Then, you get to select from four signature recipes — floral, citrus, spiced, or tropical — which influence the flavor profile of your final product. The whole process is designed to be accessible, so don’t worry if you’re new to distilling; the guides are friendly and clear.

Once you operate the copper still and craft your blend, you’ll bottle and label your own creation. It’s a tangible achievement — and something you can show off back home, or keep as a fun memento of your trip. The experience also includes a complimentary welcome drink at the Union cocktail bar, which sets a relaxed, social tone.

How the Experience Unfolds

The class is structured to be straightforward yet engaging. You’ll start with a quick tour around the distillery, where staff share insights into the distilling process and what makes their botanical rum unique. You’ll then choose one of four recipes, each offering distinct flavors — from the bright, citrusy to the warm, spicy profiles.

Next, you’ll operate the copper still yourself. The guides, often praised for their know-how and friendliness, will show how to handle the equipment safely and effectively. This practical step is what makes the experience really memorable; many reviews highlight how much they enjoyed actually doing the distilling instead of just tasting.

After the creation phase, it’s time to bottle and label your rum. The personal touches — choosing the label and writing your own — make for a souvenir that feels special and authentic. Throughout, you’ll enjoy a relaxed environment, with the opportunity to chat and ask questions. Many reviewers mention how personable and hospitable the staff are, making the experience feel warm and welcoming.

Location and Accessibility

Located at Helicopterstraat 32, about 15 minutes outside of central Amsterdam, Spirited Union Rum Co. isn’t in the thick of tourist hotspots, but it’s well connected by public transport. It’s a smart choice if you want a break from busy city streets and prefer something a little more intimate and focused.

The tour starts promptly at 3:00 pm, so plan your arrival a few minutes early. Since it’s held in a small group setting — limited to 20 travelers — you’ll get personalized attention, which many reviewers appreciate. This set-up ensures your experience feels relaxed, informal, and interactive.

What Do People Say? The Honest Feedback

The rave reviews tell you a lot about what to expect. One participant called it an “amazing experience,” praising the instructor Callum as “very informative, nice, and hospitable.” They appreciated how accessible and fun the class was, especially for someone new to distilling.

Others loved the fun of operating the still themselves, not just watching a demonstration. One reviewer said, “Well worth the money and learned a lot about the distilling process,” highlighting how educational and enjoyable the session is.

The takeaway from many reviews is that guides are knowledgeable and personable, making the whole experience feel warm and engaging. Several mentioned that the final product, a personalized bottle of rum, was a highlight — a souvenir more meaningful than what you could just buy in a shop.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $91.65 per person, this experience offers strong value if you’re interested in spirits, DIY activities, or unique souvenirs. You’re paying not just for the distilled rum but for the chance to learn a skill, get a behind-the-scenes look at a distillery, and leave with a tangible, personalized product.

Considering the time involved and the quality of instruction, many reviewers agree it’s a worthwhile investment. Plus, the small group size ensures you get plenty of individual attention, making it feel more like a fun workshop than a generic tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is perfect if you’re curious about the art of distilling, enjoy hands-on experiences, or want a memorable story to tell. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate spirits and are open to trying something new. While not explicitly family-oriented, older teens or adults who enjoy DIY projects or cocktails might find it particularly engaging.

If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, this makes for a fantastic shared adventure. It might be less appealing if you’re after a quick sightseeing tour or prefer organized group excursions with lots of stops — this is more about quality and interaction than volume.

Final Thoughts

The Spirited Union Rum Co. distilling class in Amsterdam offers a unique blend of learning, fun, and a personal souvenir. It’s an experience that doesn’t just show you things — it involves you directly in the process, making it more memorable than a standard tasting.

The knowledgeable guides and relaxed atmosphere make it accessible to everyone, even those unfamiliar with distilling. For around 90 minutes, you get to craft your own botanical rum, bottle it, and walk away with a tangible reminder of your trip. It’s a genuine chance to do something a little different that adds a flavorful story to your Amsterdam visit.

If you’re looking for an experience that’s engaging, educational, and gives you a keepsake with a personal touch, this class could be just the thing. It’s especially great for spirits lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting an authentic, hands-on activity that’s a bit off the beaten path.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for everyone?
Most likely yes, especially if you enjoy hands-on activities and spirits. It’s a casual class designed to be accessible, but it’s best for those comfortable working with equipment and handling their own bottle.

How long does the class last?
It lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the tour, distilling, and bottling.

Where is the distillery located?
It’s at Helicopterstraat 32, about 15 minutes from central Amsterdam, near public transportation options.

Can I choose the flavor of my rum?
Yes, you can pick from four recipes: floral, citrus, spiced, or tropical, tailoring your final product to your taste.

What’s included in the price?
You get the distilling lesson, a tour of the distillery, your own bottle of botanical rum, and a complimentary welcome drink at the cocktail bar.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, a maximum of 20 travelers ensures a more personal and engaging experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the booking is free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for older teens and adults.

Would I recommend this experience?
Absolutely — it’s fun, educational, and offers a unique souvenir. Many reviewers found it to be one of their favorite activities in Amsterdam.

In all, the spiriting journey at Spirited Union Rum Co. makes for a fantastic, memorable addition to your Amsterdam trip — especially if you’re after something interactive and authentic.