Sheffield: Gin Experience – Make Your Own Gin

If you’re looking for an activity that combines creativity, taste, and a touch of craftsmanship, the Sheffield Gin Experience at Locksley Distilling offers just that. This 2.5-hour hands-on session takes you into the heart of Sheffield’s distilling scene, where you’ll get to craft your own unique gin using a mini still and over 100 botanicals. It’s a memorable way to learn about this craft, sample some excellent spirits, and leave with a bottle you made yourself.

What we love most about this experience is the intimate, behind-the-scenes access to a boutique distillery in the historic Portland Works—an area famous for stainless steel innovation. The guided tour and tasting sessions are well-paced, informative, and perfect for anyone curious about the art of gin-making. However, it’s worth noting that this experience is limited to those 18 and over and can be quite detailed, which might be overwhelming for complete beginners.

This experience suits artisan spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, or those seeking a unique activity in Sheffield. If you’re interested in craftsmanship, enjoy tasting and learning about different botanicals, or want a personalized souvenir to take home, this gin workshop could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Hands-on creativity: Make your own gin with over 100 botanicals.
• Authentic setting: Located at Sheffield’s historic Portland Works, a site of industrial significance.
• Guided insight: Includes an in-depth distillery tour and tasting.
• Limited group size: Small groups (up to 8 participants) for a more personalized experience.
• Includes tastings: Features a selection of gins and tonics, including a special “Sunshine in a Glass.”
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, pay later options available.

What to Expect from the Sheffield Gin Experience

Visiting a Historic Sheffield Landmark

Your journey begins at Locksley Distilling, situated within the Grade 2* listed Portland Works building, originally opened in 1879. This site is historically significant as the birthplace of stainless steel and now serves as a modern artisan distillery since 2014. The location alone adds a special dimension to your visit, blending industrial heritage with contemporary craft.

The distillery isn’t large but is packed with character. Expect a cozy atmosphere, with a passionate team eager to share their love for gin and the art of distilling. The owners, along with dedicated staff, will guide you through the process, ensuring you understand every step of how they produce their spirits in-house. The tour is detailed enough to satisfy spirits aficionados but approachable for those new to the process.

The Guided Tour & Tasting

The tour lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, during which you’ll receive a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process. The guide explains how the team creates their ever-expanding range of gins, emphasizing their commitment to in-house production and the importance of craft.

Following this, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting session. Here, you’ll learn about the origins, stories, and botanical choices behind the distillery’s products. The staff will share insights into what makes each botanical special and how they influence flavor profiles. Darcey, a reviewer, described this as a “fabulously fun, informative activity”, highlighting how the tasting added layers of knowledge and enjoyment to the experience.

Make Your Own Gin

The highlight for many is the hands-on gin-making part. You’re given access to over 100 botanicals—a veritable spice shop—and guided through creating your own recipe. This isn’t just pouring ingredients into a still; it’s about experimenting with flavors, understanding balance, and crafting something truly personal.

Once you finalize your blend, the team will distill your recipe into a 70cl bottle of gin. This process is fascinating, as you get to see your creation come to life, learning about botanical infusion and distillation techniques. The bottle is yours to take home, offering a tangible memory of your time in Sheffield’s artisan spirits scene.

What’s Included & Price Analysis

At $127.96 per person, this experience offers good value, particularly considering the hands-on nature and the personalized bottle you’ll receive. The price includes:
– A selection of gins and tonics, including the playful “Sunshine in a Glass.”
– An in-depth distillery tour.
– The storytelling behind Locksley Distilling’s evolution.
– The opportunity to craft your own gin.
– All the botanicals and equipment needed for the creation.

While it’s not the cheapest activity in Sheffield, the experience’s depth, educational value, and the unique chance to make a bottle yourself make it worth the cost. For spirits lovers or those seeking a memorable, meaningful activity, this workshop delivers both enjoyment and a sense of achievement.

Duration & Group Size

The session lasts around 2.5 hours, which is ample time to relax, learn, and experiment without feeling rushed. The small group size (up to 8 participants) ensures personalized attention from guides and a more intimate atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups wanting a fun, interactive activity.

Accessibility & Practical Tips

• The experience is conducted in English.
• It’s not suitable for children under 18.
• Flexible cancellation policies allow you to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.
• Book now and pay later options make planning flexible if you’re unsure of your schedule.

Why This Tour Works

This gin experience goes beyond just tasting spirits. It’s about understanding craft, exploring flavors, and creating a personal souvenir. If you love spirits, enjoy DIY projects, or want to learn about Sheffield’s industrial and artisanal history, this tour hits all those marks.

The storytelling aspect, combined with tasting and hands-on crafting, makes it an engaging activity that’s much more enriching than simply visiting a distillery for a quick tour. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate artisan products and want to understand the process behind their favorite drink.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults with an interest in spirits or DIY activities. It’s ideal for those who want a fun, educational day out and value a small-group setting for a more personalized touch. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups celebrating something special or simply exploring Sheffield’s contemporary craft scene.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or want to impress friends with your own gin creation, this is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer larger group tours or are after a quick tasting without the hands-on element, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s only for those aged 18 and over due to alcohol regulations.

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

Do I need prior knowledge of gin or distilling?
No, the session is designed to be accessible and educational for all levels, from complete beginners to enthusiasts.

What does the cost include?
The price covers the distillery tour, tastings, your own crafted gin, and a selection of gins and tonics.

How long is the experience?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, providing enough time to learn, sample, and create.

Is the experience in English only?
Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Will I leave with a bottle of my own gin?
Yes, you will distil your own recipe into a 70cl bottle to take home.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
The tour focuses on spirits, so dietary restrictions aren’t a major concern, but it’s best to check if you have specific allergies related to botanicals.

Is the distillery accessible?
While specific accessibility info isn’t provided, the experience takes place in a historic building; it’s advisable to contact the provider for detailed accessibility info.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine; remember, you’ll be working with equipment, so clothes should be suitable for a hands-on activity.

Final Thoughts

The Sheffield Gin Experience at Locksley Distilling offers a sincere, engaging look into the world of craft gin. Its combination of historic setting, personal involvement, and expert guidance makes for a memorable outing. Whether you’re a gin lover, a DIY enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique activity in Sheffield, this experience provides real value—delivering education, fun, and a tangible keepsake to take home.

Designed for small groups, the activity ensures that you get the attention you deserve while exploring the fascinating process of gin-making. For those willing to spend a couple of hours indulging in spirits creation, this tour promises a rewarding and flavorful journey into Sheffield’s artisan scene.

Additional Recommendations

If you’re interested in exploring more of Sheffield’s distilleries or artisan food scenes, check out similar experiences such as Sheffield distillery tastings or national emergency services museum visits, both of which offer a different perspective on the city’s heritage and craftsmanship.

Whether you want to extend your visit with a city walking tour or explore the nearby Peak District by bike, Sheffield offers a wealth of options to match your interests, making it a versatile destination for diverse travelers.

The Sheffield Gin Experience is a well-rounded, genuine activity that combines learning, tasting, and making—perfect for those wanting to get hands-on with their spirits and leave with a personalized bottle and new knowledge of gin craft.