If you’re into spirits and love a bit of hands-on fun, this Make Your Own Gin or Rum experience in Newport, Wales, is one to consider. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but from what we gather, it’s a genuine opportunity to get behind the scenes of craft distilling, then walk away with a bottle you made yourself. For those curious about how your favorite spirits are born or wanting a memorable activity while exploring Wales, this experience could tick a lot of boxes.
What really catches our eye is the chance to customize your own bottle, from choosing botanicals or ingredients to bottling it with a wax stamp and label—imagine taking home a truly one-of-a-kind spirit. Plus, the included cocktail from your creation sounds like a fun way to toast your handiwork. On the downside, it’s not suitable for under-18s, so it’s more for adults who appreciate a good drink-related experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of taste and craft and want to learn about distilling in a relaxed, informative setting.
All in all, this tour seems best suited for adults with an interest in spirits, DIY projects, or unique local experiences. If you’re keen on trying your hand at making alcohol, or just a lover of good whisky and rum, it’s worth considering. Now, let’s unpack what makes this experience stand out—and what you should keep in mind before booking.
Key Points
- Hands-on crafting: You’ll create a personal bottle of gin or rum from scratch, which means a real sense of achievement.
- Expert guidance: Includes a guided tour with tasters, so you get some insight into the distilling process.
- Inclusive experience: It’s a 2.5-hour activity, perfect for those with a few hours to spare and wanting a memorable local activity.
- Limited availability: Held only on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 pm and 4 pm, so plan ahead.
- Additional perks: Includes a cocktail from your own creation and a 10% discount voucher, adding extra value.
- Not family-friendly: Under 18s are not permitted, making this a pure adult activity.
The experience in detail
Stepping into the Spirit of Wales Ltd distillery, you’re greeted with a warm welcome and an invitation to get hands-on. The experience starts with a brief guided tour, where you’ll learn about the basics of spirit production, the different botanicals or ingredients used, and how the distilling process shapes the final product. The mention of tasters during the introduction hints that you’ll get an authentic taste of some of the distillery’s offerings, setting the scene for your own creation.
The core of the experience involves using the copper stills—these beautiful traditional pieces of equipment are part of what makes the process so visually appealing. For one or two people, you’ll help craft your own spirit by choosing botanicals (for gin) or ingredients (for rum), then watch as your mixture is distilled, filtered, and bottled. This isn’t just a demo; it’s a full participation activity that takes roughly 2-3 hours.
What’s especially charming is the final personal touch—your spirit gets a wax stamp and a label that you design. It’s a small detail, but it makes your bottle feel genuinely yours. Before sealing it up, you’ll enjoy a cocktail made from your own creation, giving you a taste of your handiwork in a social, relaxed setting.
The experience doesn’t end there. You walk away with a bottle of your own spirit, ready to enjoy at home. To sweeten the deal, you also get a discount voucher for 10% off drinks or additional cocktails at the distillery, encouraging you to explore their other offerings after your session.
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What makes this experience stand out?
Authentic craftsmanship: The chance to make your own gin or rum from scratch isn’t something you find everywhere. It’s a real hands-on process, not just a demonstration, and it’s clear that a lot of care goes into guiding you through each step. The use of traditional copper stills adds a visual flair, making the process feel authentic and special.
Learning and tasting: The brief guided tour and tasters help you understand what makes a good spirit. Plus, the tasting session offers a nice insight into the distillery’s craft, even for those who aren’t seasoned spirits connoisseurs.
Memorable take-home: Creating a personalized bottle that you design yourself adds a level of personal connection to the experience. It’s not just a souvenir—it’s a spirit you helped craft with your own hands, perfect for gift-giving or for enjoying yourself.
Practical considerations
The activity runs for about 2.5 hours, making it suitable for a relaxed afternoon activity. It’s offered only on Fridays and Saturdays at two different times—2 pm and 4 pm—so it’s relatively easy to fit into a weekend itinerary. Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll want to plan how to get there, especially if you’re relying on public transport or taxis.
The price point isn’t specified here, but understanding the value involves considering the craftsmanship, the guided experience, and the take-home bottle. For a couple of hours of engaging activity plus a personalized spirit, it feels like a solid choice for those who want more than just a tasting or a quick tour.
The experience is not suitable for children under 18, which is important if you’re traveling with family or young ones. It’s a mature activity designed for adults who want to learn and create.
Additional details that matter
The activity is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, which is helpful if your plans shift. Reserving now and paying later offers some flexibility, a bonus for spontaneous travelers or those booking ahead for a trip.
While the experience is comprehensive in its craft and education, it doesn’t include transportation, so consider how you’ll get there, especially if you’re staying in more rural parts of Wales or relying on public transit.
More Great Tours NearbyWho will love this?
If you’re a spirits enthusiast curious about the distilling process, this experience offers a rare hands-on opportunity to understand and create your own gin or rum. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or friends looking for something different and memorable. It’s also a good pick for those keen on local craft industries and enjoying a relaxed, social activity with a tangible reward—your own bottle of bespoke spirit.
That said, it’s not suitable for kids or anyone looking for a quick, passive tour. If craft-making and tasting are your vibe, this will deliver.
Final thoughts
This distillery experience in Newport offers a solid mix of education, craft, and fun. You get to see the process firsthand, learn about the ingredients, and finish with a bottle that’s entirely your own. The setting, with its traditional copper stills, lends an authentic feel that adds to the overall charm.
For anyone interested in spirits, DIY projects, or just wanting a distinctive activity during their Wales visit, this experience ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a chance to learn something new, enjoy some great company, and walk away with a truly personalized souvenir. Just remember, it’s a grown-up activity—no kids allowed—and you’ll need to organize your transportation.
If this sounds like your kind of thing, it’s well worth considering. It combines learning, creativity, and taste into a compact, memorable package. And, for lovers of great views and local craftsmanship, it’s a chance to get closer to Wales’s vibrant spirit scene.
Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distillery
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults over 18 since it involves distilling spirits and alcohol-related activities.
How long does the activity last?
The session takes about 2.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for creating your spirit, tasting, and bottling.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.
What’s included in the experience?
You’ll receive a welcome drink, a guided tour with tasters, the chance to create your own gin or rum, a cocktail from your creation, and a bottle to take home. Plus, a 10% discount voucher.
Are there any available times?
Yes, sessions run on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 pm and 4 pm—be sure to check availability and book early.
Do I need to arrange transportation?
Transportation is not included, so plan accordingly to get to the distillery.
To sum it up, this make-your-own spirit experience is a delightful blend of learning and crafting that offers a real sense of achievement. Whether you’re a spirits lover, a curious traveler, or just after a unique Wales activity, it’s a chance to make some memories—and perhaps even a new favorite tipple.
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