Lancaster Spirits Co Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience

Discovering Lancaster Spirits Co: A Hands-On Whisky Journey

If you’re looking for a way to get a closer look at what makes British spirits special, the Lancaster Spirits Co Discovery Tour and Tasting might be exactly what you need. This one-hour experience promises to take you behind the scenes of Lancaster’s first single malt distillery, which is pretty exciting if you’re into whisky or craft spirits in general. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the reviews and details paint a picture of an engaging, informative experience suited for both seasoned whisky fans and newcomers alike.

What really caught our eye are the expert guides who seem to share a lot of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, and the chance to sample a variety of spirits—from gins and vodkas to a cask-drawn single malt. One thing to keep in mind: this tour is strictly for adults, and it’s a compact, 60-minute activity, so it’s perfect if you’re after something quick but meaningful. The price feels fair for the depth of insight and tasting you get, making it a solid choice for a fun, educational afternoon in Lancaster.

One possible drawback? With only an hour to cover both brewery and distillery, some may find it a bit rushed—especially if you’re eager to really savor each sample or soak in every detail. Still, this quick pace seems intentional, making it suitable for those who want a concise but thorough introduction to whisky-making processes. Overall, if you enjoy learning about spirits and appreciate knowledgeable guides, this tour will probably tick all the boxes.

This experience suits travelers who are genuinely interested in spirits, are in Lancaster or nearby, and want a guided, intimate look at the craft behind whisky, gin, and vodka production. It’s definitely worth considering if tours with approachable guides and local craftsmanship appeal to you.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: The tour lasts about an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy day.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviewers highlight the approachable, informative guides who make complex processes easy to understand.
• Tasting variety: Guests get to sample different spirits, including gins, vodkas, and a real cask-matured single malt.
• Exclusive insight: The tour includes a look at both a brewery and a distillery, which is rare and adds extra context.
• Adult-only experience: You need to be 18+ with ID; this is strictly a spirits tour, not family-friendly.
• Fair value: At just over $30 per person, it offers a good mix of education and taste for the price.

A Closer Look at the Lancaster Spirits Co Discovery Tour

If you’re like us, your curiosity is piqued when it comes to spirits, and this tour offers a chance to peek into a craft distillery that’s making its mark as Lancaster’s first single malt producer. Let’s walk through what to expect and why it might be a highlight of your trip.

Starting at Lancaster Brewery

Your journey begins at Lancaster Spirits Co’s meeting point in Lancaster Leisure Park. Interestingly, the tour kicks off with a 15-minute visit to Lancaster Brewery, the sister company of the distillery. This brief stop might seem small, but it’s a neat way to see the roots of the spirits they produce. We loved the way this setup connects beer and spirits, sharing similar processes—something that’s often overlooked.

This initial stop sets the tone for the tour: an appreciation for craftsmanship and a respect for tradition, all within a modern, approachable setting. The inclusion of this brewery stop adds a layer of context, helping you understand the transition from brewing to distilling—something enthusiasts will find especially engaging.

The Main Event: Distillery Tour & Tasting

After the brewery, you’ll head to the distillery itself. The guide, described as an expert, is a key part of the experience. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for being knowledgeable and willing to share insights about the process—from brewing, distilling, maturing, to bottling. One reviewer mentioned, “Lancaster Spirit Co are approaching the whole process from a fresh perspective,” which hints at innovative methods paired with traditional techniques.

The tour takes you through the entire process in a concise, engaging way. Expect to see the stills, maturing casks, and the machinery involved. While it’s not specified how much time is spent at each step, the overall experience aims to give a well-rounded picture of spirit production on a single site.

The Tasting Experience

The highlight is undoubtedly the tasting. Once you’ve seen the process, you get to sample a variety of spirits: gins, vodkas, and a single malt that’s been drawn directly from the cask. This last sample is a real treat for whisky lovers, offering a glimpse of what the final product might be like—an insight into maturation and flavor development.

Guests also start with a firecracker G&T upon arrival, which is a fun touch, setting a relaxed tone. The tasting, guided by the expert, is more than just sipping; it’s about understanding the nuances of each spirit. Reviewers mention that the guide shares the “vision for future whiskies,” adding a forward-looking element to the tour.

Who’s It For?

This experience is clearly designed for adults, with ID required. It’s suitable for those interested in spirits, whether you’re already a whisky enthusiast or just curious about how spirits are made. The concise format makes it appealing for travelers who prefer a focused, yet comprehensive, introduction rather than a lengthy tour.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Book

The tour is priced at $30.14 per person, which is reasonable considering the guided nature and tasting samples. Bookings are typically made about 10 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot—especially since the tour has a maximum group size of 12 people, making it intimate rather than crowded.

Timings are usually from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., so it slots neatly into an afternoon. The activity is accessible via public transportation, and confirmation is provided immediately upon booking, which is convenient.

The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, providing some flexibility if your plans change. It’s worth noting that the weather might influence the experience, as it’s mostly indoors, but if the weather is poor, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What Do Real Participants Say?

While only two reviews are available, they’re glowing. One describes the tour as “fascinating and inspiring,” even for seasoned whisky fans, emphasizing how much there is to learn. The other highlights the rare opportunity to visit both a brewery and a distillery together, noting that it’s a “great opportunity to understand what makes whisky different from beer.”

Both reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides, who make the technical aspects accessible and engaging. The reviews reinforce that the tour is well-organized, informative, and friendly—perfect for those who appreciate good storytelling combined with tasting.

Final Thoughts

The Lancaster Spirits Co Discovery Tour offers a compact yet comprehensive peek into the art of spirit-making. With a blend of brewery history, distillery insight, and tasting, it’s a solid choice if you’re after something educational, fun, and not overly long. The reasonable price point, combined with expert guides and a good variety of samples, makes it a value-packed experience that’s likely to satisfy both spirits connoisseurs and curious newcomers.

However, if you’re someone who wants an in-depth experience or plenty of time to savor each sip, this might feel a bit quick. It’s best suited for those who enjoy learning through guided tours and appreciate a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Overall, Lancaster Spirits Co’s discovery tour is a standout option for anyone interested in the craft of spirits, especially if you’re in Lancaster and want a taste of local craftsmanship. Just remember, it’s adults-only, so leave the kids at home and bring your curiosity—and your ID!

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for guests aged 18 and over, with ID required, because it involves tasting alcohol.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 60 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy day.

What’s included in the tasting?
Guests sample various spirits including gins, vodkas, and a maturing single malt drawn directly from a cask.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled less than 24 hours beforehand, the full amount isn’t refunded.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Lancaster Spirits Company, Lancaster Leisure Park, Wyresdale Rd, Lancaster LA1 3LA, UK, and ends back at the same spot.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are praised for making complex processes understandable, so newbies will find it accessible.

How do I book?
You can book about 10 days in advance, and confirmation is immediate once booked, with options for alternative dates if needed.