If you’re someone who appreciates good spirits and enjoys learning about the craftsmanship behind them, this Elephant Gin distillery tour is worth considering. Situated on the outskirts of Hamburg, in the peaceful town of Wittenburg, this experience offers more than just a peek into gin production—it’s a chance to connect with a story that combines craftsmanship, conservation, and a touch of Africa right in Germany.
What we love about this tour is how engaging it is, especially if you’re into the details of botanical selection and distillation processes. The opportunity to create your own personalized Elephant Gin bottle adds a fun, memorable touch, and the virtual reality experience bringing you into the African wilderness is genuinely unique.
One thing to keep in mind is that at about 2.5 hours, the tour isn’t overly long, but it’s enough to feel immersive without overstaying your welcome. It’s best suited for adults and older teens, especially those who appreciate spirits or are curious about craft distilling. If you’re after an experience that combines learning, tasting, and a bit of adventure, this one fits the bill.
Key Points
- Engaging guided tour that covers gin-making from botanicals to distillation
- Tastings of signature and special edition gins that satisfy various palates
- Opportunity to touch, smell, and learn about African botanicals in a dedicated setting
- Create and personalize your own bottle of Elephant Gin to take home
- Unique virtual reality experience that transports you to the African wilderness
- Beautiful location with a wild garden and African-inspired bar, perfect for relaxing after the tour
A Closer Look at the Elephant Gin Distillery Tour
This distillery tour offers a chance to go behind the scenes of a craft gin producer that’s passionate about quality and storytelling. Located in Wittenburg, the distillery isn’t just about making spirits; it’s about sharing a philosophy of sustainability and African conservation efforts. The experience lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes, which feels just right—enough time to dive into the details without feeling rushed.
Planning more time in Mecklenburg Vorpommern? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins at EG Spirits GmbH, the home of Elephant Gin, where you’ll meet your guide—who, from reviews, is described as knowledgeable and engaging. The first part of the tour involves exploring the distillation process, giving you a clear understanding of how the botanicals are selected, prepared, and transformed into gin. Expect to see, touch, and smell various botanicals, including those sourced from Africa, which are central to Elephant Gin’s identity.
Following this, you’ll move into a tasting session featuring the signature Elephant Gin, along with some special edition varieties. The tasting is appreciated for being both informative and delicious, giving you a chance to understand how different botanicals influence flavor profiles. Many reviews highlight that the gin itself is quite good, especially for those who value craft spirits.
The highlight for many is the opportunity to design your own personalized bottle of Elephant Gin. For a small extra touch, you can have your bottle personalized, turning it into a memorable souvenir or gift. This adds a layer of craftsmanship and personal connection that many find appealing.
Unique Features and Experiences
One of the standout features is the Africa Virtual Reality experience. It’s a clever way to virtually transport you to Africa’s wilderness, giving context to the botanicals and the brand’s story. The reviews mention this as a “cool” addition that enriches the overall experience.
The distillery itself is set in an idyllic setting, complete with a wild garden that reflects Elephant Gin’s African inspiration. After the tour, you can relax in their African-inspired bar—a perfect place to unwind and reflect on what you’ve learned.
What Travelers Say
The feedback from visitors is predominantly positive, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from nine reviews. Many mention it as a “great product and great experience”, praising the attention to detail in both the distillery and the tour presentation. One reviewer called it “an absolute recommendation for gin lovers,” highlighting the depth of information provided and the delicious tastings.
Another reviewer appreciated the handcraft nature of the distillery, noting that Africa meets made in Germany, which lends a sense of unique craftsmanship. The personalized bottle seems to be a highlight for many, described as “the highlight of the tour” by one guest.
Practical Details and Value
The tour is priced at around $63.05 per person, which we consider quite fair given the inclusions. For this, you get a guided tour, multiple tastings, a personalized bottle, the VR experience, and some snacks—namely homemade cake and coffee. The small group size (maximum 15 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction.
The tour is booked, on average, 62 days in advance, indicating that it’s popular, particularly among those seeking a niche, crafted experience. It’s also convenient for travelers as the meeting point is near public transportation, making access straightforward.
Downsides and Considerations
While the experience is well-rounded, it’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to plan your transportation. If you’re not a gin enthusiast, some parts may feel somewhat niche, but overall, the tour offers enough variety—tasting, touching botanicals, VR—to appeal to a broad audience.
Also, at 2 hours 30 minutes, it’s not a very long experience, so if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or something more physically active, this might not be the best fit. And if you’re traveling with children or younger teens, be aware that the content is geared toward adults, especially with the tasting and alcohol-focused aspects.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is ideal for adults who enjoy spirits or are curious about the craft of gin-making. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, informative outing that combines a bit of education with tasting and fun activities like bottle personalization. It appeals especially to travelers interested in African-inspired brands or those with an appreciation for craftsmanship and storytelling in their drinks.
It’s less suited for families with small children or anyone looking for a highly physical or outdoor activity. But if you’re looking for a distinctive, well-organized experience that blends culture, taste, and a touch of adventure, this tour offers plenty of value.
Wittenburg: Elephant Gin’s Distillery Tour near Hamburg
“The tour was very informative and the Elephant Gin Distillery was designed with great attention to detail. Is an absolute recommendation for gin lo…”
FAQ
Is this distillery tour suitable for families?
This experience is geared more toward adults, particularly those interested in spirits and craft distilling. Kids and young teens may not find it as engaging, especially since tasting is involved.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which includes the walk-through, tastings, and bottle creation. It’s a comfortably paced experience without feeling rushed.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, tastings of Elephant Gin and special editions, a personalized bottle of gin, the VR experience, and snacks like homemade cake and coffee.
Are there any transportation options?
You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the distillery, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The location is near public transit.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance or changes made within that window won’t be refunded.
Is the experience accessible for most travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 15, which helps ensure a more personalized experience. However, those with mobility issues should check directly with the provider.
In sum, if you’re after a thoughtfully curated experience that combines craftsmanship, storytelling, and a bit of fun, Elephant Gin’s distillery tour near Hamburg offers a memorable day out. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate quality spirits, enjoy learning about their origins, and like a touch of the exotic with their drinks.
