Make a bottle of gin or rum at our distillery

If you’re seeking an activity that combines a bit of craftsmanship with a lot of fun, this Make Your Own Gin or Rum tour in Newport County, Wales, should be on your radar. It’s a 2.5-hour journey that not only teaches you the art of distilling but also leaves you with a personalized, hand-created bottle of spirits to enjoy later. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking for a unique souvenir, this experience promises a memorable day.

What we love most about this tour is its interactive nature—you get to be hands-on from start to finish, selecting botanicals and shaping your own unique flavor profile. Plus, creating a bottle that’s stamped with your wax seal and custom label gives a real sense of accomplishment. However, potential visitors should be aware that the experience is quite concentrated and might be a bit fast-paced for those who prefer a more leisurely tour. This activity is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy tasting and creating, especially if they are over 18 and interested in the craft of spirits.

Key Points

• Hands-on Experience: Craft your own gin or rum from scratch, engaging directly with the distilling process.
• Expert Guidance: Learn about spirit production from knowledgeable guides during a brief but informative tour.
• Personalized Bottles: Take home a custom-labeled bottle stamped with your wax seal—great for souvenirs or gifts.
• Includes Tasting & Cocktails: Taste spirits during the tour and enjoy a cocktail made from your creation.
• Flexible & Convenient: Available on select Fridays and Saturdays, with options to reserve and pay later.
• No Children Under 18: This experience is adult-only, emphasizing responsible enjoyment.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Setting

Nestled in Newport County, Wales, the Spirit of Wales Ltd distillery offers a warm, welcoming environment that’s perfect for a small group or even solo participants. The venue’s charm is complemented by the opportunity to learn in a setting that combines traditional copper stills and modern distillation techniques. The location is easily accessible, and the experience is designed to be intimate, often accommodating just 1 or 2 people per still—ideal for those who prefer a more personal touch.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The schedule begins with a welcome drink from their bar menu, which sets the tone for the afternoon. You’ll then receive a brief guided tour, where guides like Ian, known for his engaging storytelling, will introduce you to the basics of spirit production. Guests consistently mention that the guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer detailed questions, making the learning process both approachable and informative.

After the introduction, the real fun begins: creating your own gin or rum from scratch. You start by selecting botanicals—think juniper, coriander, citrus peel, or other unique ingredients—tailored to your personal taste. Guests have praised how the process is explained clearly, and many appreciate the hands-on nature, which makes the experience feel less like a lecture and more like a craft workshop.

Once your blend is ready, it’s distilled using the copper stills. The guide walks you through the process, explaining why certain botanicals are chosen and how distillation impacts flavor. The spirit then undergoes filtering before bottling, where you get to apply your wax stamp and design your own label—adding that personal touch that makes the bottle special.

Tasting and Final Touches

A delightful aspect is the cocktail made from your spirits before the final bottling. It’s a great chance to savor your creation in a mixed drink, giving you an idea of how versatile your spirit can be. Guests often mention that the cocktail was delicious and a fitting reward after all the hard work.

At the end of the session, you leave with your custom bottle, a tangible reminder of the experience. Plus, there’s a 10% discount voucher for drinks or additional cocktails at the bar, encouraging you to relax and enjoy the rest of your day.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, and starting times are available at 2 pm and 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s recommended to check availability in advance due to limited slots, especially during peak travel seasons. The experience is suitable for adults only, with a minimum age of 18 years.

Transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly—whether you’re local or staying nearby, consider arranging transport to and from the distillery. The booking process offers a reserve now, pay later option, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

The blend of learning, hands-on craftmanship, and customization makes this experience particularly appealing. Unlike typical distillery tours that just walk you through the process, this one deeply involves you in creating something personal. Many guests rave about the sense of pride they feel when bottling their spirit, especially when adding the wax stamp and label themselves—a true artisan touch.

On top of that, the stunning views of the surrounding Welsh countryside provide a scenic backdrop that enhances the experience, and the guides are praised for their approachable manner and wealth of knowledge. Several reviews mention that the guides’ friendly attitude makes all the difference, making even novices feel confident in their ability to produce a quality spirit.

The Value

At around 2.5 hours, this experience offers a fair price for the level of personalization and learning involved. Considering you leave with a bespoke bottle, tasting experience, and a cocktail, the overall value is high—particularly for those wanting a memorable souvenir or a unique activity during a trip to Wales.

Who Would Love This?

• Spirits enthusiasts eager to learn about distillation firsthand
• Travelers seeking a creative, hands-on activity that produces a tangible keepsake
• Small groups or couples looking for an intimate, guided experience
• Adults interested in exploring Welsh craftsmanship and flavor profiles
• Those seeking a fun, interactive way to spend an afternoon without needing prior experience

The Sum Up

This Make Your Own Gin or Rum experience in Newport offers a wonderful combination of education, creativity, and enjoyment. It’s not just about tasting—it’s about crafting your own spirit, learning the story behind the process, and leaving with a personalized bottle that reflects your taste. The guides make it accessible regardless of your prior knowledge, and the scenic Welsh setting adds extra charm.

If you’re into spirits or simply want to try your hand at distilling, this tour is a solid choice for a fun, memorable activity. It’s especially suited to those who value authenticity and craftsmanship over a generic tour. The inclusion of a cocktail and a discount voucher adds to the appeal, making it a well-rounded experience that’s worth planning into your trip.

For travelers in Wales looking to experience something truly different, this hands-on distilling session delivers both educational value and a fun, creative outlet. It’s perfect for making a special memory—and a bottle—during your Welsh adventure.

FAQs

Is the experience suitable for children?
No, this activity is only for adults aged 18 and over due to the nature of alcohol production and tasting.

What languages is the tour offered in?
The live guide speaks English, making it accessible for most visitors.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking allows you to reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

How long does the experience last?
The entire session takes approximately 2.5 hours, including the guided tour, creation, tasting, and bottling.

Are transportation options included?
No, transportation is not provided, so plan to arrange your own travel to the distillery.

What’s included in the price?
You get a welcome drink, a guided tour with tasters, hands-on spirit creation, a cocktail from your spirits, and your custom-labeled bottled spirit. A 10% discount voucher is also provided.

Is this activity suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the experience is flexible enough to accommodate solo participants, especially given the intimate setting and small group size.

If you’re after a fun, authentic, and personalized Welsh activity that combines learning with hands-on craft, this distillery experience is a fantastic addition to your trip.