Distill Your Own Gin In Our Private Hands-on Class

What’s this gin-making tour all about?

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into crafting a bottle of gin, this experience offers a rare chance to actually make your own. Hosted by Simplicity Spirits Co. in Salt Lake City, this distill-your-own gin class stands out because it’s one of only a few similar offerings in the country. It’s designed for those who love spirits and want a more hands-on, personalized approach to their favorite drink, rather than just tasting it.

What really catches our eye about this tour is how intimate and educational it feels — with a maximum of just six people per session, you get plenty of guidance without feeling rushed. Plus, the opportunity to pick from a wide array of botanicals while watching your own creation take shape is pretty special. That said, this isn’t a family-friendly activity — you’ll need to be 21 or over — and it’s a fairly focused experience, so if you’re not into spirits or don’t enjoy hands-on activities, it might not be your thing.

One thing to keep in mind: the price of $130 per person is reasonable when you consider that you leave with a customized, bottled gin. But it’s definitely an experience best suited for those genuinely interested in the process and tasting some of the science behind gin-making. If you love craft spirits or are looking for a unique activity during your Salt Lake City trip, this could be a fun, memorable choice.

Key Points

• Unique hands-on experience: You get to distill your own gin, not just taste or learn about it.
• Small group setting: Max 6 participants, making the experience more personalized.
• Wide botanical selection: Explore citrus, herbal, floral, and spice botanicals to craft your recipe.
• Expert guidance: Instructors help you navigate the distillation process and recipe creation.
• Includes drinks and charcuterie: Enjoy gin & tonics and snacks during the session.
• Location and timing: Starts at 2:00 pm at 1846 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, and lasts around 2 hours.
• Age restriction: Must be 21+; no children allowed.
• Booking and cancellation: Bookings are made about 29 days in advance on average; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

A Detailed Look at the Gin Class

Experience really matters when it comes to making your own spirits, and this class seems to understand that well. The setting is described as a micro lab, where you’ll take control of a nano still to produce your personalized bottle. This hands-on approach transforms the process from a simple tasting to an educational journey, giving you insight into what makes gin special and how botanicals influence flavor.

The process begins with selecting your botanicals. The class boasts a diverse range of ingredients, from citrus peels to floral and spicy herbs. This variety lets you get creative, whether you want a zesty, fruity gin or something more herbal and complex. It’s worth noting that the reviews highlight how fun it is to explore these options. One reviewer mentioned, “Very cool experience. Fun to select the various botanical inclusions and taste and smell the product developing throughout the process.” That sensory engagement is a real highlight.

Throughout the session, you’ll be guided by instructors who help you understand each step. You might worry about making the right choices, but one review reassures: “There were a ton of botanicals to choose from. I was worried I’d get stuck with all my choices, but Chris was awesome and helped.” This suggests you’ll get solid support, especially if you’re new to distilling or just unsure about your flavor combinations.

The actual distillation process is where the magic happens. Watching your gin take shape in real time adds a layer of satisfaction many don’t get from buying spirits off a shelf. Plus, sampling your product during the process means you can adjust flavors on the go. The final step is bottling and labeling your own creation, turning it into a true keepsake. The experience culminates in you leaving with a bottle of your own uniquely crafted gin.

At the end of the session, you can enjoy a couple of gin & tonics, which gives you a chance to taste your creation alongside others. These social elements, combined with the opportunity to bottle your own gin, make it feel more like a mini celebration of craft and chemistry.

The value for the price

At $130, the class isn’t cheap, but considering you leave with your very own bottle of gin — plus the educational experience — it offers good value for anyone interested in spirits. It’s an activity that caters to enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a memorable story to tell. The intimate setting enhances the feeling that this isn’t just a generic tasting but a true DIY project led by professionals.

The reviews reinforce this, with one saying, “The class has a max of 6 spots each session so it feels cozy and fun,” and another noting how the instructor helped guide their choices. For those who love hands-on activities and personalized experiences, this class checks a lot of boxes.

Meeting points, timing, and practical details

The class begins at 2:00 pm at 1846 S 300 W in Salt Lake City. It lasts about two hours, making it easy to slot into an afternoon without it taking up your whole day. The activity is only available to those 21 and over, so it’s not a family affair, but that’s typical for spirits tastings and distillation classes.

Public transportation is nearby, which makes it convenient for travelers staying in different parts of the city. Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, adding to the relaxed, personalized vibe. When booking, keep in mind that you’ll want to reserve at least a month in advance — bookings are typically made about 29 days ahead on average.

Cancellation policies are flexible — you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the class, which is handy if your plans change unexpectedly.

What the reviews say

The few reviews available are glowing, which is encouraging. One reviewer said, “Very cool experience. Fun to select the various botanical inclusions and taste and smell the product developing throughout the process. The drinks and charcuterie along the were also very nice. I would recommend doing this with a friend.” That captures the social, sensory aspect of the class well.

Another called it, “Highly recommend!!” They appreciated the cozy group size and the extensive botanical options, along with the instructor’s helpful guidance. The shared sentiment is that it’s a fun, educational, and unique activity perfect for spirits lovers or those curious about the science behind gin.

Who should consider this experience?

This tour is ideal for adults who enjoy spirits, particularly gin, and are interested in how it’s made. If you’re someone who likes to get hands-on and learn through doing, you’ll love the process of selecting botanicals, distilling your own gin, and taking home a personalized bottle. It’s also a great activity for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a memorable, exclusive experience.

However, if you’re not into spirits, or prefer more relaxed, sightseeing-oriented activities, this might not be the best fit. It’s quite focused on the craft of distilling, so it appeals most to those with a genuine curiosity about the process or a penchant for DIY projects.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for children? No, participants must be 21 or older, as it involves alcohol and distillation.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled class.

How long does the class last? Expect about two hours from start to finish.

Where does the class take place? It begins and ends at 1846 S 300 W, Salt Lake City.

Is the experience private? Yes, it’s a private activity — only your group will participate, making it feel more personalized.

What is included in the price? You’ll get expert guidance, the opportunity to craft and distill your gin, and enjoy gin & tonics and charcuterie during the session.

What botanicals can I choose from? The class offers a broad selection including citrus, herbal, floral, and spice botanicals.

Is the class suitable for groups? Yes, small groups of up to six people work best for the cozy, interactive setting.

How far in advance should I book? It’s best to reserve around 29 days ahead, as spots fill up early.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for an experience that combines learning, creativity, and a bit of science, this distill-your-own gin class hits the mark. It’s a rare chance to get your hands dirty (figuratively, of course) in the art of gin-making, with personalized guidance and immediate tasting. Plus, leaving with your own bottle makes it a memorable souvenir from Salt Lake City.

It’s best suited for curious spirits aficionados or anyone wanting to try something different, memorable, and fun. If you’re comfortable with a bit of taste testing and enjoy activities that involve a touch of craftsmanship, this class is a smart pick. Just remember, it’s a fairly intimate, adult-only activity that’s best booked well in advance.

If you’re after a unique, educational, and tasty experience in Salt Lake City, this gin-making tour could be just the ticket — a fun, flavorful way to spend an afternoon and create a one-of-a-kind souvenir.