Hooting Owl Distillery York – Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting

If you’re exploring York and have a taste for spirits, the Hooting Owl Distillery’s tour offers a engaging way to learn about gin, rum, and vodka right where they’re made. With a reputation for excellent guides, a rich story behind the brand, and a generous tasting selection, this experience seems to hit the sweet spot for both spirits enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The tour lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, making it a perfect addition to a day exploring the historic city.

What really makes this experience stand out is the passion of the guides—many reviews praise Tom and Martin for their knowledge, entertainment, and friendly approach. Plus, the chance to sample 25 different spirits distilled on-site feels like a real treat, especially when many reviews mention the quality of the gin and rum. On the downside, since the tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, it feels intimate, but you’ll want to book ahead to secure your spot. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy authentic, well-presented spirits and wish to learn about their local production.

Key Points

• In-Depth Learning: Guides share stories about Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins and the distillation process.
• Diverse Sampling: You can choose from 25 spirits, including gin, rum, and vodka.
• Valuable Experience: All costs are included, with no hidden fees.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Post-tour, you’re welcome to stay and unwind in the bar.
• Personalized Service: Small group size ensures a more engaging experience.
• Great for Enthusiasts: The knowledgeable guides, especially Tom, seem to elevate the experience.

An Introduction to the Hooting Owl Experience

If you’re visiting York and want to combine a taste of the city’s craft spirit scene with a bit of local storytelling, the Hooting Owl Distillery tour ticks those boxes. This experience is designed for those curious about how spirits are made and eager to sample some of the best Yorkshire has to offer. For just over 40 dollars, you gain insider knowledge, a personalized tasting, and the chance to relax in a friendly setting afterward.

A standout feature? The storytelling aspect. The tour is led by a master distiller who takes you through the story of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins, a legendary figure in the distillery’s history. The combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and charismatic guiding creates an experience that feels both educational and fun. Add in the opportunity to sample a wide range of spirits and a welcoming bar atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why this tour is so highly rated.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is fairly short—just over an hour—but packed with quality information and tastings. It’s perfect for those who want a concentrated dose of local spirit culture without a long commitment. If you’re a fan of gin or rum, or just enjoy learning about small-batch distilling, this experience is a wonderful choice.

What to Expect: The Itinerary Breakdown

The start point is the Hooting Owl Distillery at 1 Rougier Street, in the heart of York. The tour kicks off promptly at 2:00 pm, with a warm welcome and a complimentary sample of Hooting Owl gin, rum, or vodka, mixed to your taste. This initial tasting sets the tone for the session—expect smooth, flavorful spirits that highlight the distillery’s craftsmanship.

The distillery tour itself offers a virtual journey through Yorkshire’s spirits scene, punctuated by stories about Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins—the “legend” behind the brand. The guide (notably Tom or Martin, according to reviews) walks you through the distillation process, emphasizing what makes Hooting Owl unique. Travelers often mention the engaging storytelling and the professional yet friendly demeanor of the guides, which helps make complex processes understandable and enjoyable.

The heart of the experience is the guided tasting. You’ll sample a full measure of your choice from 25 artisan spirits, which include gin, rum, and vodka. Reviewers frequently comment on the high quality of the spirits, with many mentioning the rum and gin as particularly impressive. The guide’s explanations help you appreciate the nuances in flavor, and there’s plenty of time to ask questions.

After the formal tour and tasting, you’re invited to stay at the bar, open until 11 pm. This gives you the chance to try additional spirits, unwind, and soak up the casual, welcoming atmosphere created by the staff. Many reviewers praise the bar staff, especially Dom, for their friendliness and knowledge, making the later part of your visit just as enjoyable as the tour itself.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Readers have been generous with their praise, often highlighting the knowledge and charisma of the guides. One reviewer, Ashley, called Tom an “outstanding guide with top shelf knowledge,” noting that he made the tasting “extremely fun.” Another praised Martin for being “very professional and informative, as well as entertaining,” which seems to sum up the overall tone of the experience.

Many reviews also mention the quality of the spirits—not just the variety, but the craftsmanship. The rum, in particular, receives special mention as “delicious,” which is notable because rums are less common in such tours. The value for money is consistently appreciated, with all tasting costs and the guided tour included in the ticket price, making it straightforward and hassle-free.

The intimate group size (max 12 travelers) is a big plus, allowing for personalized attention and a more engaging experience. Reviewers also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, where they can ask questions freely and linger in the bar afterward.

The Value of the Experience

At $41.18 per person, we believe this tour offers excellent value. It includes the guided tour, multiple tastings, and a full measure of spirits. When you factor in the high quality of the spirits, the storytelling, and the opportunity to relax afterward, it’s a well-rounded experience.

Compared to larger, less personal distillery tours, Hooting Owl’s intimate setting makes you feel like a guest rather than just a number. The fact that all costs are included means there are no surprises or additional charges for tastings or samples, which travelers appreciate.

On top of that, the post-tour bar access adds significant value, providing a chance to unwind and enjoy more of the spirits you’ve just learned about. Many visitors mention that they left with a better understanding of the distillation process and some new favorites—perfect for those looking to deepen their appreciation for quality spirits.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for spirits lovers, especially those with an interest in gin, rum, or vodka. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate a small-group, personalized experience, with friendly guides and engaging storytelling. If you enjoy learning about local craft products and want to support small, independent distilleries, this is a perfect fit.

Families with older children or groups celebrating special occasions will find the relaxed atmosphere welcoming, and the knowledgeable guides make the experience both fun and educational. If you’re after a quick but meaningful dive into Yorkshire’s spirits scene, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations.

The Sum Up

The Hooting Owl Distillery tour in York offers a well-rounded, intimate look at craft spirits, led by passionate guides who make the journey both educational and entertaining. The chance to sample 25 different artisan spirits, combined with the storytelling about Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins, provides a genuine glimpse into Yorkshire’s distilling heritage.

The value for money is clear, especially with all tasting fees included, and the relaxed bar atmosphere afterward helps extend the enjoyment. Perfect for those who appreciate high-quality spirits, engaging guides, and a cozy setting, this tour delivers a memorable experience that combines local history, craftsmanship, and authentic flavors.

If you’re a gin or rum fan or simply curious about small-batch distilling, the Hooting Owl Distillery in York is a highly recommended stop, offering a balanced mix of fun, learning, and great spirits—your taste buds and sense of adventure will thank you.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a concise but comprehensive experience.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided distillery tour, a welcome sample of gin, rum, or vodka with mixer, and a full measure of your choice from 25 spirits.

Can I stay at the bar after the tour?
Yes, you’re welcome to stay and relax at the bar until 11 pm, enjoying additional samples and the casual atmosphere.

Is the tour suitable for small groups?
Absolutely. The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

Are spirits tasted on the tour of good quality?
Most reviewers agree that the spirits, including gin and rum, are high-quality and flavorful, reflecting the distillery’s craftsmanship.

What guides lead the tour?
Guides like Tom and Martin are praised for their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to make the experience both fun and informative.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing is fine—no special gear needed. Arrive on time to make the most of your tour.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the distillery is near public transportation, making it easy to reach in York city center.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing you flexibility for your plans.

Who is this experience best suited for?
This tour appeals to spirit enthusiasts, curious travelers, small groups, and anyone interested in Yorkshire’s craft distilling scene.

In short, the Hooting Owl Distillery tour offers a friendly, authentic, and delicious dive into the world of Yorkshire spirits—perfect for those wanting a fun, educational, and flavorful experience in York.