Paris: Gin-Making Workshop with Tasting & Bottle in English

Introduction

If you’re a fan of spirits and curious about the craft behind one of the world’s most iconic liquors, this Gin-Making Workshop in Paris offers a blend of education, creativity, and fun. Hosted in a small, welcoming micro-distillery, this experience takes you behind the scenes of gin production, allowing you to craft your own personalized bottle to take home.

What we really like about this workshop is how it combines learning with hands-on participation — you’re not just watching a demonstration, but actively distilling your blend of botanicals. The guidance from professional distillers makes all the difference, especially for those who want authentic insight rather than a superficial overview.

One potential consideration is the duration—at just 2 hours, it’s a fairly quick experience, which might leave some wanting more in-depth tasting or recipe development. Still, for a city like Paris where time is precious, the balance of activity and relaxation is well struck.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy spirits, like to get involved in the creative process, and are looking for a unique souvenir — your very own bottle of gin crafted with your personal touch.

Key Points

• Authentic Learning: Guided by professional distillers, you gain genuine insights into gin production.
• Creative Control: You select botanicals and craft a unique recipe tailored to your palate.
• Personalized Souvenir: Leave with a 70cl bottle of your own gin and a custom label.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Location and Accessibility: Held at a distinctive venue with a striking blue door in the heart of Paris.
• Value for Money: For $129, you get a comprehensive, memorable experience that combines education, creativity, and a tangible takeaway.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Venue and Atmosphere

Located at number 52, the distillery’s huge blue door hints at the fun and quirky vibe inside. As you step through, the atmosphere is intimate and informal — perfect for learning without feeling rushed. The courtyard setting adds a charming, almost secretive touch, making you feel like a true insider in Paris’s craft spirits scene.

The Workshop Format

Over approximately 2 hours, you’ll be guided through the entire process by knowledgeable professionals. The session begins with a brief overview of gin’s history and the evolution of distillation techniques, giving you context on what makes this spirit so versatile and beloved worldwide. The guides—like Charlotte, a standout host—are praised for their friendliness and expertise, making even complex topics approachable.

Choosing Botanicals and Crafting Your Recipe

The heart of the workshop is the botanical selection. You’ll smell and examine a wide variety of herbs, spices, and plants—some familiar, others more exotic. The guides help you understand how each botanical influences flavor, aroma, and texture.

Participants appreciate the hands-on aspect: you pick botanicals and help shape your recipe, aiming for a balanced and personalized gin. One reviewer noted how Charlotte walked them through single pot distilling lessons while enjoying cocktails, turning the process into a social, engaging event.

Distillation on a Copper Still

The actual distillation is performed on a tiny copper pot still, which adds a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship. Watching your botanicals steam and condense into your own bottle is exciting and educational. The guides ensure safety and precision, making the process accessible even if you’re new to distillation.

Tasting and Learning about Gin Styles

Following distillation, you’ll taste a selection of homemade cocktails and gins. This part is both relaxing and informative, as guides explain the differences between various gin styles. You’ll learn how botanicals influence flavor profiles, which can help inform your future cocktail or spirit choices.

Creating Your Label and Final Bottling

The experience wraps up with customizing your own label, adding a personal touch to your bottle. You then leave with a 70cl bottle of your very own gin, complete with your chosen name and label design. Several reviewers found this the highlight—an authentic, handcrafted souvenir that encapsulates your creativity.

The Value Proposition

At $129 per person, this workshop offers quite a bit of value for spirit lovers and curious travelers alike. It’s not just a tasting or a demonstration; it’s an interactive experience that educates and entertains. The inclusion of a full bottle of your own gin and personalized label enhances the memory and makes it a unique gift to yourself or someone special.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

• Guidance from professional distillers ensures top-notch instruction.
• The tasting of homemade cocktails adds flavor and fun.
• The workshop is limited to 8 people, providing a relaxed, friendly environment.
• You’ll leave with a personalized 70cl bottle and label, making this more than just a class—it’s a keepsake.
• The location is easy to find, just look for the large blue door.

Practical Considerations

This activity is ideal for those over 18 and not pregnant, as alcohol consumption is involved. It’s a short, 2-hour activity, so it fits well into a busy Paris itinerary. Note that only a small snack is provided, so plan accordingly if you want a full meal afterward.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviewers have raved about their experiences. One described it as “top notch,” emphasizing the professionalism and quality of the gin samples. Another noted, “Charlotte was a fantastic host,” highlighting how approachable and knowledgeable the guide was, making the process both educational and enjoyable.

A guest who attended during the Olympics said, “It was one of the highlights of the trip,” calling out the small group setting, the cocktail tastings, and the personalized bottle as a memorable keepsake.

The consistent praise for the expert guidance and the quality of the gin suggests this is a well-organized and genuine experience that offers more than just a touristy activity.

The Sum Up

This Paris gin-making workshop combines education, hands-on crafting, and a personal souvenir in a way that appeals to spirit enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The small group size ensures an intimate setting, where you can truly learn from expert distillers and get involved in the process. The opportunity to customize your own recipe and label makes it a memorable, personalized experience.

While the duration is relatively short, the quality of instruction and the tangible outcome make the cost worthwhile. It’s an authentic activity that provides insight into the art of gin distillation, along with a fun social element and a unique souvenir.

This experience is a fantastic choice for those looking for a different, more meaningful way to enjoy Paris’s vibrant spirits scene. Perfect for curious explorers, cocktail lovers, or anyone wanting a one-of-a-kind story to tell from their trip.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 as alcohol is involved, and minors are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, everything is provided, including botanicals, guidance, and the tools for distillation.

Is there a specific dress code?
No formal dress code. Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. Just wear something you don’t mind getting a little botanical or distillation residue on.

Will I learn about different gin styles?
Yes, tasting sessions will cover various styles, and guides explain how botanicals influence flavor.

How long is the workshop?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, enough to craft, distill, taste, and label your gin.

Is the workshop held in English?
Yes, the guides and instructions are in English.

What if I want to make more than one bottle?
The current experience includes creating a single bottle of 70cl, but you might discuss future options with the distillery.

Is this experience accessible for people with dietary restrictions?
The focus is on botanicals and distillation; specific dietary requests aren’t mentioned, so it’s best to contact the provider directly if you have concerns.

Can I take my gin home immediately after?
Yes, you will leave with your bottled gin at the end of the session.

This comprehensive, well-rounded experience balances fun, education, and tangible takeaways. Perfect for spirits aficionados and curious travelers seeking a memorable slice of Parisian craft culture.