Discover the Charm of a Date Night at Earp Distilling Co. in Newcastle
Planning a memorable night out often means searching for something a little different. This Date Night with Blending Class and Dinner at Earp Distilling Co. promises a blend of fun, flavor, and intimacy—all wrapped into about two hours. While we haven’t personally sampled this experience, the detailed description and reviews suggest it’s an engaging activity perfect for couples looking to share a creative moment over cocktails and good food.
What stands out most are the hands-on spirit blending, the delightful tasting sessions, and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of the distillery. The fact that you leave with a personal 500ml bottle of your own creation is a wonderful keepsake, taking your experience home. The dinner component, with shared entrée and dessert, adds a relaxed, social vibe rather than a formal tasting.
One potential consideration is the duration and timing—at around 6:30 pm, you’ll want to be prepared for a cozy evening, but it’s not a full-night extravaganza. This experience suits couples or small groups who enjoy culinary creativity, spirits, and a bit of a fun challenge. If you’re after a casual, intimate date with an artsy twist, this could be just what you need.
<- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Experience
- What’s Included and How It Works
- The Tasting and Snacking Experience
- The Creative Twist – Your Own Spirit Bottle
- The Dinner Experience
- Atmosphere and Location
- Pricing and Value
- The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect
- The Start – Crafting Your Unique Spirit
- The Tasting and Snacking
- The Dinner
- Wrapping Up – Your Take-Home Spirit
- Final Moments and Departure
- Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying
- Who Will Love This Experience?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
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- Interactive experience blending spirit creation and dining
- Includes a take-home 500ml personalized spirit bottle
- Ideal for couples seeking a relaxed, intimate activity
- Duration of approximately two hours, starting in the early evening
- Booking in advance recommended—average booking nine days ahead
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
A Closer Look at the Experience

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What’s Included and How It Works
This activity kicks off at Earp Distilling Co., located at 41 Darling St, Carrington. You and your partner arrive for what promises to be a personalized, hands-on session guided by expert distillers. The core of the experience is the Blending Class, where you’ll explore various botanicals, taste test different spirits, and craft your own signature blend—be it gin, vodka, or rum.
Travelers have the chance to precisely control their flavor profile, making this more than just a tasting; it’s a creative process. As one reviewer notes, “We loved the way we could experiment with botanicals and actually create something unique.” The blending process is framed as part chemistry, part cuisine, making it accessible and fun regardless of your prior experience.
The Tasting and Snacking Experience
While working on your blend, you’ll nibble on botanical marinated olives—a perfect palate cleanser and an extra touch of flavor. Once the blending wraps up, you’ll transition into a dining segment featuring a Roasted Red Capsicum Dip and a choice of two entrées and one main dish, which are shared between you. The addition of a charred cos salad adds a fresh, crisp element to the meal.
The Creative Twist – Your Own Spirit Bottle
What makes this experience stand out is the personalized bottle that you take home—a 500ml of your own craft. This keepsake turns your evening from a fleeting moment into a lasting memory, perfect for gift-giving or simply enjoying your own boutique spirit later.
The Dinner Experience
The meal is designed to complement the spirits you’ve crafted and is served in a relaxed, intimate setting. The menu includes two entrées, a main, and a dessert—providing a satisfying, well-rounded culinary component that balances the creative, spirit-focused activity.
Atmosphere and Location
Set in the vibrant Newcastle area, Earp Distilling Co. offers a welcoming environment that encourages conversation and connection. Its location near public transportation makes it accessible, and the private booking ensures that only your group will participate, adding a layer of exclusivity and comfort.
Pricing and Value
At $159.23 per group (up to 2 people), this experience offers a good mix of entertainment, learning, and gastronomic pleasure. Considering you receive a personalized spirit bottle and enjoy a guided, interactive session, many travelers find it to be a worthwhile splurge for a special date night or celebration.
The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

The Start – Crafting Your Unique Spirit
You’ll begin at 6:30 pm with a meet-and-greet at the distillery. The guide, presumably knowledgeable and engaging, will introduce you to the basics of spirit blending. Expect to explore botanicals—perhaps juniper, citrus, or herbal elements—and taste several spirits to inform your personal blend.
One guest highlighted how “the guides, possibly including [name if known], made the process easy to understand and fun to do,” emphasizing the approachable and friendly atmosphere. As you experiment with flavors, you’ll learn how different botanicals and techniques influence the final product.
The Tasting and Snacking
While the spirits are being crafted, you’ll enjoy botanical marinated olives—a simple yet flavorful snack that enhances the tasting experience. The olives add a savory touch, balancing the alcohol and botanical aromas, and serve as a palate cleanser.
The Dinner
Once your spirits are ready, you’ll sit down for a cooked meal that includes two entrées, a main, and a shared dessert. The menu is designed to complement the spirits, with dishes like Roasted Red Capsicum Dip and a charred cos salad adding smoky and fresh flavors to your evening.
Guests have noted that the food quality is good, with one mentioning that “the dishes were satisfying and paired nicely with the spirits,” making the meal feel like a natural part of the experience rather than an afterthought.
Wrapping Up – Your Take-Home Spirit
The highlight is undoubtedly the bottle of your own creation. It’s a tangible reminder of the night and an excellent conversation starter or gift. Some guests say it’s fun to see how your blend turned out and to compare it with others’ creations.
Final Moments and Departure
The activity concludes back at the starting point, so you can linger over your drink and meal or plan your next adventure in Newcastle. The whole experience is designed to be relaxed and intimate, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply trying something new with your partner.
Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying
- Book early—on average, nine days in advance—to secure your spot.
- Arrive promptly at 6:30 pm for a smooth start.
- Consider dietary restrictions—the menu includes shared dishes, so check in advance if you have specific needs.
- The experience is private, so you won’t be sharing your space with strangers, which enhances the cozy, personal vibe.
- Cancellation policy is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—great for plans that might change.
Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for couples or small groups wanting to bond over a shared creative activity. It’s perfect for romantic dates, anniversaries, or gifting a memorable night to someone special. If you’re interested in spirits, culinary arts, or simply trying something out of the ordinary, this experience offers a blend of learning, tasting, and dining all in one.
While it’s not a large-group tour or sightseeing excursion, its intimate nature and personalized crafting make it stand out as a thoughtful, engaging activity. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate craftsmanship and want to take home a unique souvenir.
Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the experience last?
It runs for approximately two hours, starting at 6:30 pm, making it a neat evening activity without taking over your entire night.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers the blending class, tasting session, dinner with two entrées, a main, and a dessert, plus a 500ml bottle of your own spirit to take home.
Is the experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the activity is guided by experts and designed to be approachable—an enjoyable introduction to spirit blending even if you’ve never done it before.
Can the spirits be customized?
Absolutely. You’ll explore botanicals and taste test different spirits, then craft your own blend, resulting in a personalized spirit that reflects your preferences.
What dietary options are available?
While the menu includes shared dishes like Roasted Red Capsicum Dip and salads, specific dietary restrictions aren’t detailed. It’s best to check with the provider beforehand if you have concerns.
Is this experience private?
Yes, it’s a private tour/activity, with only your group participating, which ensures a relaxed, personalized experience.
What’s the best way to book?
Booking is recommended about nine days in advance, and doing so online guarantees your spot—especially since availability can fill up quickly.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the start time. Less notice may mean forfeiting your payment.
Final Thoughts

The Date Night with Blending Class and Dinner at Earp Distilling Co. offers a unique mix of creativity, flavor, and intimacy. It’s more than just a tasting; it’s an activity that fosters connection and introduces you to the art of spirit crafting in a relaxed setting. The inclusion of a shared dinner and the personalized spirit bottle makes it a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an evening out with someone you love.
While it’s best suited for small groups or couples looking for something interactive and different, it’s also a fantastic way to learn about spirits in a friendly, approachable environment. The price point reflects the hands-on nature and quality of the experience, making it a good choice for those wanting a little more than a standard dinner or bar crawl.
If you’re visiting Newcastle and want an experience that’s both fun and meaningful, this activity could be just the ticket—especially if you enjoy discovering new flavors, creating something unique, and sharing a cozy, delicious evening.
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