Earp Distilling Co: Date Night with Blending Class & Dinner
Planning a memorable night out that combines creativity, great food, and a dash of local craftsmanship? The Earp Distilling Co. Date Night with Blending Class & Dinner offers just that. This two-hour experience in New South Wales lets you craft your own spirits—gin, vodka, or rum—while enjoying a thoughtfully curated dinner. It’s a terrific way for couples, double dates, or close friends to share an intimate, interactive evening.
What we love about this experience is its blend of hands-on activity and relaxed dining, making it more than just a tasting. The ability to personalize your spirit, learn about botanicals, and then sit down to a delicious meal—all in one night—is pretty special. Plus, the take-home 500ml bottle is a fantastic keepsake. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s built for two, so it might not be ideal if you’re planning a larger group or family outing. This experience suits those who appreciate good food, local craftsmanship, and a fun, personal touch to their evenings.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Personalized spirits: You get to blend, taste, and bottle your own 500ml spirit, creating a meaningful keepsake.
- Educational yet fun: The blending session is guided by an experienced instructor who makes the process accessible and enjoyable.
- Gourmet dining: The dinner features a choice of entrées, a main, and a dessert, with seasonal snacks during the spirit creation.
- All-inclusive experience: The price covers everything from spirits to food, with no hidden costs—except perhaps extra drinks.
- Intimate setting: Designed for private groups, perfect for date nights or small gatherings.
- Great value for the experience: At $73 per person, the experience combines hands-on learning, fine food, and a memorable keepsake.
Looking for more options in Newcastle Australia? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
A Detailed Look at the Experience
The Blending Session – A Hands-On Spirit Adventure
The evening begins with a guided 60-minute blending class led by a friendly instructor, typically an English speaker well-versed in spirits. The setup is informal yet professional, with all necessary ingredients and tools at hand. Guests are encouraged to select their botanicals—think herbs, spices, or fruit—that will flavor their bespoke spirit.
Guests have raved about how approachable the instructor makes the process. One reviewer mentioned, “It was fun to experiment with different botanicals and see how each change affects the flavor.” This part of the night feels less like a classroom and more like a creative cocktail lab, where you can play with flavors and learn what makes a balanced spirit.
What sets this apart from standard tastings is the opportunity to actively participate in creating your own bottle rather than just sampling others’. You’re involved in every step—from blending to bottling and labeling—getting a true sense of craftsmanship behind boutique spirits.
The Spirit Bottling – A Personal Keepsake
After finalizing your blend, you’ll bottle it in a custom 500ml ceramic Earp Distillery bottle. The process of labeling and sealing your creation adds to the fun, and many reviewers mention the pride they felt holding their personalized bottle at the end. The shared nature of the bottle makes it a tangible memory of your unique night.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Dinner – A Perfect Complement
Once your spirits are bottled, it’s time for your meal. The dining segment lasts about an hour and features two entrées, one main, and one dessert per couple. The menu includes seasonal dishes and dips that pair well with your spirits—though the specifics may vary depending on the night.
Guests have praised the quality and variety of the food, often describing the dishes as delicious and thoughtfully prepared. One reviewer noted, “The food was fresh and flavorful, and it complemented our spirits perfectly.” The inclusion of a charred cos salad adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the meal.
The Overall Atmosphere
The experience is set in a friendly, welcoming environment, with check-in straightforward—just check in with the bar staff. It’s wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a wider range of guests. The setting encourages relaxed conversation, making it ideal for couples or small groups seeking intimacy and fun.
Additional Details
The entire experience lasts approximately two hours, usually scheduled for the evening. The cost is $73 per person, which covers the blending class, dinner, snacks, and your personalized spirit bottle. Note that additional food and beverages are not included, so if you’re thirsty for more, you’ll pay extra.
The experience is designed for aged 18 and over, making it unsuitable for children. The group is private, ensuring an intimate vibe where you can focus on your partner and your creations.
Who Is This Experience Best For?
This tour is perfect for couples wanting a unique, interactive date night. It also appeals to friends or double dates looking for a shared activity that’s both fun and meaningful. If you love good food, appreciate local craftsmanship, or are curious about spirits and botanicals, you’ll find this experience engaging.
It’s an excellent option for those seeking a memorable memento of their trip—thanks to the custom bottled spirits—and for travelers who enjoy learning through hands-on experiences rather than passive tastings.
However, if you prefer a more social or larger group activity, this might feel a little intimate for your taste. The two-person setup keeps things cozy but not ideal for bigger groups.
The Value of the Experience
At $73 per person, you’re paying not just for the spirits but also for a full evening of culinary pleasure and education. The personalized spirits are a major highlight—they’re crafted, bottled, and labeled by you, giving you a sense of accomplishment. The dinner, with its quality dishes, elevates the experience beyond a typical tasting, offering genuine value for the price.
Guests rave about the delicious food and excellent spirits, which are often highlighted as the most memorable parts of the night. The opportunity to create a limit-edition ceramic bottle that’s both functional and decorative means you’ll cherish this experience long after your trip.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Bring your passport or ID card for check-in, especially if you want to verify your identity.
- A camera or phone is recommended to capture your bottle and the fun moments.
- Since the experience is built for two, consider this when planning your evening—it’s a romantic or friendly activity for couples or close friends.
- Check the schedule ahead of time to ensure the evening times fit your plans.
- Remember that extra drinks are not included; you might want to bring some cash or card for additional beverages.
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children or under 18?
No, this activity is only for guests aged 18 and over, as it involves alcohol blending and tasting.
What does the price include?
The cost covers a 60-minute blending session, a 60-minute dinner with entrees, a main course, and dessert, along with snacks and your 500ml personalized spirit bottle.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.
Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for guests with mobility needs.
What type of spirits can I create?
You can choose to craft gin, vodka, or rum during the blending session.
What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID, such as a passport, and a camera to capture your creative moments and the final bottle.
How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately two hours, usually scheduled for the evening.
Are additional food or drinks available?
Extra food and beverages are not included in the price but may be available for purchase.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a truly distinctive night out that combines crafting your own spirits with a delicious meal, this experience hits the mark. It’s especially suited for couples or small groups seeking an intimate, memorable activity that’s both educational and fun. The personalized bottle serves as a tangible reminder of your evening, and the quality food makes the whole experience feel well-rounded.
While it’s a more intimate setting—ideal for those who appreciate hands-on activities—it offers excellent value given the skillful blending, tasty dining, and unique keepsake. It’s a perfect way to add some local flavor, a bit of chemistry, and a lot of fun to your time in New South Wales.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a different kind of date night, this blend of creativity and cuisine promises a worthwhile, enjoyable evening.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Wine Tours in Newcastle Australia
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