If you’re visiting Newcastle and craving an experience that combines learning, creativity, and a touch of local craftsmanship, the Spirit Blending Class at Earp Distilling Co. might just be your next highlight. This one-hour session offers a fascinating peek into the art of spirit-making, with plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty (or at least botanically flavored). From thoughtfully choosing botanicals to designing your own label, it’s a dynamic activity that appeals to both spirits enthusiasts and those simply after a memorable local experience.
What truly makes this class stand out are the knowledgeable guides, the chance to personalize your own spirit, and the value for money, especially considering you leave with a 200ml bottle of your creation. That said, it’s not suitable for children or pregnant women, and the group size is kept intimate enough to foster a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If you’re seeking a fun, interactive activity that’s both educational and practical, this tour is worth considering.
Key Points
- Hands-on spirit blending: You select botanicals and craft your own unique spirit.
- Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides walk you through the process, making it accessible for all.
- Custom labels and naming: Personalize your bottle for a memorable keepsake or gift.
- Value for money: You get a 200ml bottle of your bespoke spirit, plus the experience.
- Accessible for most: With wheelchair accessibility and multiple session times.
- Not for everyone: Pregnant women and minors under 18 are excluded.
What is the Spirit Blending Class at Earp Distilling Co.?
This experience offers a creative twist on the typical distillery visit. Instead of just tasting spirits, you get to blend your own gin, vodka, or rum alongside the expert team. It’s designed to be approachable, whether you’re a spirits lover or just curious about what goes into your favorite drinks.
The session lasts about 60 minutes, during which you’ll learn both traditional and contemporary methods of spirit production. The class is held in a friendly, often visually appealing setting, with guides who are adept at sharing their knowledge in an engaging way. The setting seems to strike a perfect balance between relaxed and informative, making it a suitable activity for groups of friends, couples, or even solo travelers looking for a fun way to spend an hour.
The Itinerary and What You’ll Do
While the class is straightforward, its format is thoughtfully designed to maximize engagement. You start by choosing your preferred base spirit, whether gin, vodka, or rum. This choice is crucial because it shapes your entire flavor profile and what you’ll ultimately take home.
Next, you’re introduced to over 20 botanicals which you can add to your blend. Here’s where your senses come into play: smell, taste, and experiment as you decide which botanicals will give your spirit that special touch. The guides are helpful in explaining how each botanical influences the flavor, which helps even novice tasters make informed choices.
Once you’ve crafted your blend, it’s time to taste-test your creation and refine it if needed. The guides assist in balancing flavors, and some reviews mention the staff’s enthusiasm and knowledge, making the process both educational and enjoyable.
Finally, you bottle and label your spirit, giving it a name that reflects your style. You then leave with a 200ml bottle of your bespoke spirit—a tangible reward for your efforts and a unique souvenir of your trip.
What Makes This Experience Special?
Several aspects elevate this tour from a simple tasting to a memorable activity. First, the personalization element—being able to name and label your bottle—adds a layer of pride and uniqueness. It’s not just a tourist activity but a creative project you can genuinely enjoy.
Second, the guides—notably praised for their knowledge—make the experience approachable. One reviewer, Erin from New Zealand, mentioned how the staff’s expertise made the activity both fun and fantastic value for money, especially since she and her partner blended their gin on Valentine’s Day.
Third, the venue itself seems to contribute to the relaxed atmosphere, with reviewers noting its beautiful and welcoming setting. Being in a space that’s both visually appealing and well-organized enhances the overall experience.
Finally, the value for money is highlighted repeatedly. For just $32 per person, you not only get a one-hour session but also walk away with a personalized spirit — a rare combo in alcohol-related activities.
The Authenticity and Practical Aspects
The class’s focus on traditional and contemporary spirit-making methods offers insight into how spirits are crafted today, blending history with modern twists. This educational component appeals to those who love to understand the craft behind their drinks, even if they’re not seasoned connoisseurs.
Participants often mention the good weather or the versatile timing options (morning, afternoon, or evening), making it easy to fit into most travel plans. The activity is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal, though it’s not suitable for children or pregnant women.
The group size is not specified, but reviews indicate a personal and friendly environment, suggesting small groups or intimate sessions. Groups of friends or couples seem to enjoy the social aspect as well, often mentioning how much fun they had blending spirits together.
More Great Tours NearbyExpectations During the Session
From start to finish, you should expect a guided experience where you’ll learn about the history of spirits while actively participating in blending. The initial selection of your base spirit sets the tone, and the array of botanicals allows for a high degree of creativity.
As you mix, you’ll get to sample your blend, which guides you towards the perfect balance. The labeling process adds an extra layer of fun, turning your creation into a personalized gift or keepsake.
One reviewer, Jessica, called it a “really fun and informative session,” emphasizing the activity’s engaging nature. The process is designed to be straightforward, with guides making sure everyone feels comfortable regardless of prior knowledge.
The Bottled Result and What to Do Next
Once you leave, your 200ml bottle is a practical and memorable souvenir. Some might choose to keep it as a personal memento, while others might give it away as a thoughtful gift. Since the spirits are homemade and personalized, they often hold more sentimental value than store-bought bottles.
It’s worth noting that the spirits are not aged or refined post-blend, so they’re best enjoyed fresh or used as the base for cocktails. The label, which you create, can be a conversation starter or a fun reminder of your trip.
Is It Worth It?
Considering the price point of $32, this experience offers great value. You get an hour of engaging, hands-on activity with the added bonus of taking home a personalized spirit bottle. Compared to typical distillery tours or tastings, which often focus on tasting rather than crafting, this class offers a much more interactive and memorable experience.
The detailed attention guides give to flavor balancing and their enthusiasm make the activity accessible, even for beginners. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable staff, the beautiful venue, and the fun of creating a custom blend.
Who Would Love This?
This tour is perfect for spirits enthusiasts eager to learn more about the craft, groups of friends looking for a fun activity, or couples seeking a unique date experience. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer interactive, educational experiences over passive sightseeing.
While not suitable for children or pregnant women, it’s a fantastic choice for adults wanting a creative, memorable activity without a hefty price tag. If you’re after a well-organized, authentic, and fun distillery experience in Newcastle, this class ticks all those boxes.
Final Thoughts
The Spirit Blending Class at Earp Distilling Co. combines education, creativity, and a splash of local craftsmanship into a one-hour activity that’s both fun and genuinely worthwhile. With expert guides, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to produce your own spirit, it stands out as one of the more engaging things to do in Newcastle for adult travelers.
For those wanting a hands-on introduction to spirits or simply looking for a memorable activity that results in a personalized keepsake, this class is a winner. The value for money, paired with the friendly guidance, ensures you’ll come away with more than just a bottle—you’ll leave with a story to tell.
FAQ
Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the activity is designed to be accessible for both enthusiasts and those new to spirit blending, with guides helping you every step of the way.
How long does the session last?
The class lasts about 60 minutes, making it a perfect short activity that fits easily into most travel plans.
What do I get at the end of the class?
You leave with a 200ml bottle of your own blended spirit, personalized with a label and name.
Are there different options for spirits?
Yes, you can choose to blend gin, vodka, or rum in the same class.
Is there any age restriction?
Yes, the activity is not suitable for children or pregnant women, and participants must be over 18.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.
To sum it up, if you’re in Newcastle and want a local experience that’s engaging, educational, and fun, this spirit blending class is a smart pick. It’s ideal for those who want to create something personal, learn about spirits, and enjoy a relaxed, guided activity. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a different kind of outing, it offers good value and authentic enjoyment.
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