Introduction
If you’re visiting Kangaroo Island and have a flair for spirits or just love the idea of crafting your own gin, the Kangaroo Island Spirits Gin Blending Class might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally tried this experience, reviews suggest it offers a mix of education, fun, and a chance to take home a personalized bottle of gin.
What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s run by Australia’s first boutique gin distillery, giving it an authentic touch. Second, the opportunity to select from a wide range of traditional and native botanicals is a real highlight. Finally, the inclusion of a take-home 200ml bottle and a sample G&T makes it practical and memorable.
However, one aspect worth considering is the price point of $85.97 per person—which might seem steep for some, especially given the mixed reviews on staff interaction. This experience is best suited for those curious about gin, eager to learn, or wanting a unique souvenir from Kangaroo Island.
Key Points
- Authentic and educational: Led by experienced distillers, blending your own gin is both fun and informative.
- Native botanicals: The extensive range allows for creative, personalized flavor profiles.
- Includes a bottle to take home: You’ll create 200ml of your own gin, plus a 50ml tasting sample.
- Short, well-organized session: Lasts around 2 hours, ideal for a relaxed, engaging activity.
- Limited group size: Max of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
- Pricing reflects craft quality and experience: Though on the higher side, the value lies in the memorable hands-on activity.
Looking for more options in Kangaroo Island? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What to Expect During the Tour
Meeting Point and Duration
The class starts at 856 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River—a scenic spot on Kangaroo Island. It lasts about 2 hours, making it a compact but rewarding experience. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so no worries about transport logistics once you arrive.
The Experience Itself
This masterclass kicks off with a brief history of gin and the story of Kangaroo Island Spirits. You’ll get an overview of how local botanicals and perseverance shape their craft. The guide, an experienced member of the KIS team, leads the session, ensuring you’re guided step-by-step through the blending process.
Exploring Botanical Distillates
A major highlight is exploring the extensive range of botanicals—from traditional juniper to native Australian ingredients. The staff are keen to showcase the versatility of these botanicals, which helps you understand how different flavors work together in gin. Expect to select your preferred botanicals, mixing and matching to craft a truly personalized spirit.
Hands-On Blending and Sampling
Once you’ve decided on your botanicals, you’ll blend your gin, which results in a 200ml bottle to take home. Plus, you’ll receive a 50ml sample to enjoy immediately in a G&T, giving you a taste of your creation and an immediate reward for your effort.
The Practical Side
The price covers the entire experience, including the ingredients, guidance, and your custom bottle. You might also appreciate the small group size of up to 10 participants, which enhances the learning experience and allows for more personalized interaction.
The Review Insights
What Visitors Love
One reviewer shared:
“I am not a gin drinker but I went along with my husband for the experience and ended up loving my gin creation.”
This points to the class’s approachable nature—perfect even for those who aren’t already fans of gin. The staff’s friendliness and ability to make the session fun and engaging seem to be a strong point, as noted by another reviewer who said the staff “absolutely made a great experience an exceptional one” and ensured everyone had fun.
The Drawbacks
On the flip side, some visitors found the experience less than perfect. A review mentioned the staff as “very curt and abrupt,” which dampened the overall atmosphere and made purchasing difficult at the end. Plus, some felt the prices for the spirits and bottles were on the expensive side, especially since large bottles are the only size available for purchase.
The Value
While $85.97 might seem high for a 2-hour activity, many consider it worth it for the personalized experience and the chance to create a unique spirit. The ability to take home a custom-blended gin and enjoy a tasting immediately adds practical value, especially for those keen to bring back a special souvenir or gift.
Detailed Breakdown of the Experience
The Arrival and Orientation
As you arrive at the meeting point, you’ll be greeted by members of the Kangaroo Island Spirits team. The setting is well-presented and located in an attractive rural environment—perfect for a craft distillery. The small group size (max 10) means you’ll get plenty of individual attention, making the session personable.
Learning About Gin and the Distillery
The session begins with a short, accessible history of gin, including its evolution and why native Australian botanicals are increasingly popular in modern gin crafting. The guide shares stories about the distillery’s origins and its commitment to quality, setting the scene for a hands-on experience.
Botanical Exploration
Next, you’ll explore the large selection of botanicals, which is where the class gets really creative. Expect to see a range of traditional ingredients, like juniper and coriander, alongside native Australian botanicals, such as lemon myrtle or native pepperberry. This part of the experience is designed to inspire your palate and help you understand how flavors combine.
Blending Your Own Gin
Armed with knowledge and your botanical choices, you’ll begin blending. The guide offers advice but allows you to experiment—this is your chance to craft a signature flavor. Guests have mentioned that the staff are helpful and encourage playful experimentation, which makes the process less intimidating.
Tasting and Bottling
Once you’re satisfied with your blend, you’ll bottle 200ml of your custom gin. This bottle is yours to take home, along with a 50ml sample to enjoy immediately. The tasting is straightforward but satisfying, providing a real sense of achievement and a deeper appreciation for gin-making craft.
Additional Considerations
While the experience is generally well-received, some reviews suggest that staff interaction can occasionally fall short, especially if you’re hoping for a more upbeat or warm interaction. Also, the cost might be a deterrent for budget travelers or those hoping for a bargain.
The Practicalities and Tips
- Booking in advance is recommended as the class is small and popular.
- Arrive on time to maximize your experience, as the session runs smoothly with minimal delays.
- Dress comfortably; the activity involves a seated, hands-on process but no strenuous activity.
- Consider bringing a notebook if you want to jot down flavor notes or ideas for future blends.
- The tour is suitable for people of all experience levels, including those who don’t typically drink gin.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is perfect for spirits enthusiasts keen to learn about and participate in gin creation. It’s also a good fit for travelers who enjoy hands-on, memorable activities that result in a tangible souvenir. If you’re interested in native Australian ingredients and want a relaxed, small-group setting, this experience offers genuine value.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer more interactive or lively guides, you might find the experience somewhat underwhelming or pricey. Likewise, those expecting a full-day tour or extensive tastings may be disappointed; this is a focused, concise class.
Final Thoughts
The Kangaroo Island Spirits Gin Blending Class offers a rare glimpse into the art of gin-making with a dash of local flavor. It’s a fun, educational experience that wraps up with a personalized bottle and an immediate tasting—great for souvenirs or simply for learning something new.
While the price might seem high for some, the chance to create your own gin under expert guidance, plus the intimate setting, makes it worthwhile for curious spirits lovers. Keep in mind that the staff’s demeanor can vary, so your overall experience may depend on the interaction you encounter.
If you’re after a memorable, hands-on activity with a local twist, this class stands out as a unique addition to your Kangaroo Island itinerary.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for non-gin drinkers?
Yes, many reviewers mention that even those who don’t usually drink gin end up enjoying the process and their own creation.
What does the price include?
The fee covers the 2-hour blending class, your personalized 200ml bottle of gin, and a 50ml tasting sample to enjoy immediately.
How many people are in each session?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience with personalized attention.
Can I purchase additional spirits or larger bottles?
According to reviews, only large bottles are available for purchase, and these tend to be on the expensive side, which might be a consideration for those wanting to buy extra.
Is it easy to find the meeting point?
Yes, the class starts at 856 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River, and the location is well-presented and accessible.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended; no special gear is needed since the activity involves blending and tasting.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Late cancellations or no-shows forfeit the fee.
This detailed look at the Kangaroo Island Spirits Gin Blending Class offers a clear understanding of what to expect, helping you decide if it’s the right activity for your Kangaroo Island adventure.