Melbourne: Gin Masterclass & Make-Your-Own Gin Experience

If you’re into spirits or just curious about how that aromatic gin bottle finds its flavor, this Melbourne gin masterclass offers a pretty engaging way to learn and create. It’s hosted at Heres Looking at You Kid Distillery in North Melbourne, and while it’s not a full-day tour, it packs a lot of hands-on fun into just 2.5 hours.

What we really like about this experience is how accessible it is—no prior knowledge of distilling needed—and how it combines education with some tasty tasting sessions. Plus, the chance to walk away with a personalized bottle of gin you crafted yourself makes it a memorable souvenir.

On the flip side, this activity isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s strictly over 18, and if you’re in a wheelchair or prefer a more relaxed, less interactive experience, it might not be the best fit. But if you’re a spirit enthusiast, curious about gin’s craft, or looking for a unique Melbourne activity, this could be right up your alley.

Who is this for?

It’s ideal for adults interested in spirits, curious travelers, couples, or groups who want a fun, interactive activity with a tangible takeaway. It’s especially good for those who enjoy a relaxed, social vibe and love learning about local distilling techniques.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Hands-on involvement: You distill your own gin using a mini still, which is pretty rare in tasting experiences.
• Expert guidance: The host, an experienced distiller, makes the process easy to understand, even if you’re new to spirits.
• Creative freedom: You get to choose your botanicals—native Australian ingredients included—and design a flavor profile you love.
• Tastings: Guided tastings of the distillery’s gins and vodkas help you understand different flavor profiles and distillation styles.
• Personalized souvenir: Your finished gin is bottled and labeled on-site, giving you a custom bottle to take home.
• Relaxed atmosphere: The small group setting makes it friendly and conversational, without feeling rushed.

An Honest Look at the Experience

From the moment you arrive at Heres Looking at You Kid Distillery, the vibe is welcoming and friendly. The setup is straightforward, and the host immediately makes sure everyone feels comfortable—perfect if you’re a bit new to the world of spirits. The whole session runs for about 2.5 hours, which is enough time to get involved, learn some techniques, and leave with your own creation.

The Learning Curve and Engagement

What we loved most is how accessible the process is. The host is a qualified trainer and assessor, meaning they’ve got the skills to explain distillation in an easy-to-understand way. They take you through the role of base spirits, botanicals, and flavor balance step by step. Even if you’re not a spirits expert, you’ll find yourself engaged because the process is broken down into manageable, interesting parts.

Guests have said that the guide’s knowledge made the experience both educational and fun. One guest remarked, “The host was fantastic—very knowledgeable and made everything simple to understand.” The guided smelling and tasting sessions give you a real appreciation of how different botanicals, including native Australian ingredients, influence flavor.

The Botanical Exploration

The distillery offers a diverse range of botanicals, from traditional juniper to native Australian botanicals. This part is particularly fun—learning what makes Australian botanicals unique and how they impact the spirit. You’ll have the chance to smell and taste these ingredients, which adds a sensory element to the experience that’s often missing from tastings at bars or shops.

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Designing Your Perfect Gin

After exploring botanicals, you get to design your own gin recipe based on your flavor preferences. Whether you prefer something botanically bold, citrusy, floral, or more classic juniper-forward, you can tailor your recipe. This step is interactive and allows you to experiment a little—adding botanicals, adjusting proportions—guided by the host’s expertise.

The Distillation Process

Once your recipe is finalized, you’ll distill your gin using a mini still. Watching your creation come to life is surprisingly satisfying. The host explains how flavors are extracted and how cuts are made during distillation to achieve balance. It’s interesting to see the process up close and understand what makes a good gin.

Guests have mentioned that the hands-on element makes this genuinely memorable. One reviewer noted, “Distilling my own gin was a surprisingly satisfying process, and I appreciated how the host explained each step clearly.”

Tasting and Learning

Throughout the session, guided tastings of the distillery’s gins and vodkas help you compare different profiles and see how production techniques influence flavor. This side of the experience is particularly valuable if you’re keen to understand the nuances of spirits.

End Product and Takeaway

After distillation, your personalized gin is bottled, labeled, and ready for collection or delivery. The bottles are a great souvenir, showcasing your own flavor preferences. It’s a thoughtful memento of your time in Melbourne and a fun way to bring home a spirit you crafted.

Practical Considerations

The price of the experience is quite reasonable considering it includes the chance to distill your own gin, guided tastings, and a personalized bottle. It’s best suited for adults over 18, and the private group setting means you get tailored attention, making it a more intimate experience.

It’s worth noting that the activity is not wheelchair accessible, and those with mobility issues might find it challenging. Also, it’s strictly alcohol-free for minors, so this isn’t suitable for children or teenagers.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The small-group format ensures a friendly, social setting. Guests have described it as “relaxed and informal,” with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and interact with the host. This personal touch helps make the experience feel special, rather than just a generic tour.

Flexibility and Cancellation

Booking is flexible—you can reserve and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That’s handy if your plans change unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

This Melbourne gin masterclass is perfect if you’re curious about spirits, enjoy hands-on activities, or want a fun, memorable experience to share with friends or a partner. It strikes a good balance between education and entertainment, with knowledgeable guides and a relaxed vibe.

While it might not be suitable for everyone—especially those with mobility issues or under 18—it offers real value for adults who appreciate craft spirits or are interested in the art of distilling. The chance to create a personalized bottle of gin makes this experience stand out, giving you a tangible reminder of your time in Melbourne.

If you love discovering local flavors, enjoy interactive activities, and want a souvenir you made yourself, this is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The host explains everything step by step, so no prior knowledge of distilling is necessary.

Can I customize my gin recipe?
Yes, you select botanicals based on your flavor preferences, whether you like something citrusy, floral, or bold.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the gin-making activity, guided tastings of gins and vodkas, and your personalized bottle of gin to take home.

How long does the experience last?
It runs for approximately 2.5 hours, providing enough time to learn, craft, and enjoy tastings.

Is the experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so people with mobility challenges may find it difficult.

Can I book a private session?
Yes, private group bookings and bespoke sessions are available.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes are fine, but remember it’s a hands-on activity involving some equipment, so dress appropriately if you want to get a little messy.

How do I get my bottled gin afterward?
Your personalized gin is bottled and labeled at the end of the session. You can collect it on-site or opt for delivery if available.

This review hopefully gives you a clear picture of what to expect. Whether you’re a gin lover or just looking for a fun, interactive activity in Melbourne, it’s a solid choice worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: