Experience Our Distillery…
Nestled in the beautiful Hampshire village of Upton Grey, our distillery allows you the rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of spirits making.
Let us take you on a tour, join us for a fun cocktail masterclass or distil your own creation at our gin school. All of these great experiences are held regularly and if you have a group of 10 or more then we will happily create an event specially for you.
Distillery Tour
Come and meet Mugwaneza, our beautiful, state of the art still. She was hand built to our exacting requirements back in 2014 and since then she’s helped us to craft many thousands of bottles of our award-winning spirits.
As well as meeting Mugwaneza you’ll also spend time in the company of our expert team, learning about the world of craft spirits and distilling. With a G&T in hand we’ll talk you through who we are, what we do, and why our relationship with The Gorilla Organization is so important to us.
During you time at the distillery you’ll get the chance to taste our range of products and find out what makes each of them so special. Tours last approx. 1.5 hours and include a large G&T, of course!
Cocktail Masterclass
When evening falls on the distillery the lights turn down and we transport you back to the time of the Speakeasy. At out Cocktail Masterclass it’s all about great drinks, great fun and friendship. You may not know the others joining you for your adventure with us but you’ll certainly be friends by the time you leave.
Our resident mixologist will uncover some of the great mysteries of cocktail making and get you behind the bar mixing, shaking and muddling your way through the event. As well as using our own beautifully crafted spirits and liqueurs you’ll be introduced to some others of the finest in the world.
Please make sure you arrange transport to and from the event – now is not the time for a designated driver!
Sessions last approx 2.5 hours. Each guest will make at least two cocktails and we always get the party started with a large G&T!
Book onto a scheduled masterclass here on the website or contact us to make a private group booking.
To whet your appetite head over to our YouTube channel to see some of our Friday Drinks videos!
Gin School
Here at the Gin School you’ll get take charge of a fully functioning mini copper pot still. Under the guidance of our in-house experts you’ll learn all about distillation and the craft of gin making.
We’ll guide you through the process of designing your own gin and give you access to our extensive library of interesting botanicals to create a gin that is truly unique.
After distilling and naming your gin you’ll prepare a full bottle to take home with you*, and there will be enough left for you to enjoy your own perfect serve G&T before you leave us.
Gin School lasts around 3.5 hours during which you’ll also get the chance for a behind-the-scenes tour of our distillery, learn about our award-winning products and enjoy a G&T or two!
* Please note that where 2 people attend together to use one still, a single bottle of gin is produced to share.
Distillery Tour
Come and meet Mugwaneza, our beautiful, state of the art still. She was hand built to our exacting requirements back in 2014 and since then she’s helped us to craft many thousands of bottles of our award-winning spirits.
As well as meeting Mugwaneza you’ll also spend time in the company of our expert team, learning about the world of craft spirits and distilling. With a G&T in hand we’ll talk you through who we are, what we do, and why our relationship with The Gorilla Organization is so important to us.
During you time at the distillery you’ll get the chance to taste our range of products and find out what makes each of them so special. Tours last approx. 1.5 hours and include a large G&T, of course!
Cocktail Masterclass
When evening falls on the distillery the lights turn down and we transport you back to the time of the Speakeasy. At out Cocktail Masterclass it’s all about great drinks, great fun and friendship. You may not know the others joining you for your adventure with us but you’ll certainly be friends by the time you leave.
Our resident mixologist will uncover some of the great mysteries of cocktail making and get you behind the bar mixing, shaking and muddling your way through the event. As well as using our own beautifully crafted spirits and liqueurs you’ll be introduced to some others of the finest in the world.
Please make sure you arrange transport to and from the event – now is not the time for a designated driver!
Sessions last approx 2.5 hours. Each guest will make at least two cocktails and we always get the party started with a large G&T!
Book onto a scheduled masterclass here on the website or contact us to make a private group booking.
To whet your appetite head over to our YouTube channel to see some of our Friday Drinks videos!
Gin School
Here at the Gin School you’ll get take charge of a fully functioning mini copper pot still. Under the guidance of our in-house experts you’ll learn all about distillation and the craft of gin making.
We’ll guide you through the process of designing your own gin and give you access to our extensive library of interesting botanicals to create a gin that is truly unique.
After distilling and naming your gin you’ll prepare a full bottle to take home with you, and there will be enough left for you to enjoy your own perfect serve G&T before you leave us.
Gin School lasts around 3 hours during which you’ll also get the chance for a behind-the-scenes tour of our distillery, learn about our award-winning products and enjoy a G&T or two!
Experiences Information
Our distillery experiences are a fantastic way to spend some time, whether it’s a tour and tasting session or an afternoon distilling your own gin.
Additionally, our stunning distillery is available for private tours, cocktail masterclasses and gin school bookings. So, if you have a group of 10 or more friends, family, employees or colleagues and are looking for something exciting and different to do then give us a call to discuss how Gorilla Spirits Co. can help you curate the perfect private event: 01420 446 175. Alternatively, you can e-mail us at: info@gorillaspirits.co.uk
Our distillery is nestled away in the beautiful Hampshire village of Upton Grey. Get directions to the distillery.
Please Note
Our experiences are intended for adults only. We operate a Challenge 25 scheme and may request proof of age from visitors in line with our Alcohol Sales policy. All distillery experiences bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.
Distillery Information
The distillery is based in a rural location so please ensure you arrive a few minutes early. If you’re coming for a tour then please wrap up warm if it is cold out, and wear sensible shoes (no heels, no open toe shoes etc).
Information for Drivers
As we are based in the rural countryside we appreciate there may have to be a designated driver in your group. We take our responsibility towards your safety on the roads, and the safety of the public, very seriously, so unfortunately the driver will not be able to take part in any tasting sessions but we will of course provide them with a non-alcoholic drink.
There is plenty of parking on site. We’re also happy to recommend local taxi companies so that everyone in the group can enjoy the experience fully.
Food, Drink and Accommodation
We don’t have a restaurant or food available to purchase on site so if you’re looking for somewhere to go before or after your visit then we’re pleased to recommend some fantastical local places. If you are planning to eat then we recommend you call them in advance to book as they are very popular destinations.
Food
The Hoddington Arms, Upton Grey – 01256 862371, country pub serving the fine pub food, wine and real ales a 10 minute walk away
The Red Lion, Odiham – 01256 701145, seasonal, unfussy gastropub dining, witha unique selection of premium drinks just 4 miles from our distillery
Accommodation
Coming from further afield, or looking to turn your experience into a weekend away? The Red Lion also offers a luxuriously comfortable overnight experience in the the historic market town of Odiham.
FAQ
How do I book an experience?
Simply visit our Distillery Experiences page and choose your experience. Enter the number of tickets, select the date and time you require (dates in green are available) and click book now. Go to your basket and checkout by filling in your details and the credit/debit card section. You will receive a confirmation of your booking by email.
I’ve been given an experience gift card – how do I redeem it?
Simply visit our Distillery Experiences page and choose your experience. Enter the number of tickets, select the date and time you require (dates in green are available) and click book now. Go to your basket and enter the card number in the Gift Card/Promotion box. Click to apply the code and proceed to the checkout. You will receive a confirmation of your booking by email.
When will I receive my experience gift card?
We process all gift card orders within 5 working days of receiving the order. Gift cards are sent out via First Class post as soon as they have been processed.
How long is an experience gift card valid for?
All gift cards are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
I have been given a Gin School for one gift card but would like to bring someone with me; is that possible?
Absolutely! Simply visit our Distillery Experiences page and select Gin School. Choose either 2 Adult Tickets or a Ticket for 2 Adults, select the date and time you require (dates in green are available) and click book now. Go to your basket and enter the card number in the Gift Card/Promotion box. Click to apply the code and proceed to the checkout. You can then pay the outstanding balance by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation of your booking by email.
Is there somewhere for a designated driver to wait while I do an experience?
Unfortunately not at the distillery. We only allow those who have booked onto an experience to come into the building. We have a lovely pub in the village, The Hoddington Arms, which is open all day and the towns of Basingstoke and Odiham are just a few miles away.
What is the difference between Gin School Individual Adult Tickets and Tickets for two adults to share one still?
A ticket for 2 adults to share one still entitles 2 people to share a place at gin school. You will share a mini copper pot still and will create 1 x 70cl bottle of gin to take away with you.
Where is the distillery?
We are based in the beautiful village of Upton Grey in Hampshire situated between Odiham, Alton and Basingstoke. The full address of the distillery is: The Workshop, Manor Farm Yard, Upton Grey, Hampshire. RG25 2RQ
Can I park at the distillery?
Yes we have ample on-site parking, please use the designated customer parking space and double park as necessary.
Do you offer a discount to drivers as they won’t drink?
We offer all drivers, or those who don’t wish to drink, a suitable alternative soft drink so they won’t miss out on the experience.
Where is the nearest train station?
The nearest stations are Hook (11 minutes by taxi), Basingstoke (15 minutes by taxi) and Alton (18 minutes by taxi)
How long does each experience last?
A Distillery Tour and Tasting takes about 1.5 hours. Cocktail Masterclasses are about 2.5 hours and Gin School is about 3.5 hours.
Do you have disabled access to the distillery?
All our experiences take place at our working distillery where there are no lift facilities. If you require disabled access please contact us before making a booking on either +44(0)1420 446175 or at info@gorillaspirits.co.uk. We will do our best to accommodate you but this cannot be guaranteed.
Are there any pubs or restaurants nearby?
If you’re looking for somewhere to go before or after your visit we’re pleased to recommend some fantastical local places for you to eat or drink.
The Hoddington Arms, Upton Grey – 01256 862371, serving great drinks and food www.hoddingtonarms.co.uk
The Fur and Feathers, Herriard – 01256 510510, just a few miles and around 8 minutes’ drive from the distillery, serving great drinks and food www.theherriardinn.co.ukPlease contact them to book before you arrive as they are very popular!
Can I reschedule my booking?
If you wish to re-schedule your experience, we require a minimum of 21 days notice prior to your booked date. We will do our best to accommodate your request but cannot guarantee availability on your chosen date. If you wish to reschedule within 21 days we will charge a 25% re-scheduling fee (or 50% within 7 days of your booking).
Please also note, that to make your visit the best it can be we do need a minimum number of guests to run some of our experiences. If we haven’t reached that minimum 7 days before your booking we may re-arrange your visit.
Can I cancel my booking?
If, in the unlikely event, you wish to cancel your experience, we require a minimum of 21 days notice prior to your booked date for a full refund. Cancellations made within 21 days will be charged at 50% and cancellations within 7 days of your booking will be charged in full.
Do you offer group discounts for experiences?
Yes we do. If you would like to find out more about group bookings and discounts for our experiences, then please contact us by emailing info@gorillaspirits.co.uk or calling on +44(0)1420 446175.
Is it possible to arrange a private experience?
Absolutely, our stunning distillery is available for private tours, cocktail masterclasses and gin school. If you have a group of friends, family, employees or colleagues and are looking for something exciting and different to do please contact us by emailing info@gorillaspirits.co.uk or calling on +44(0)1420 446175.
When do you run experiences?
Please see our website for available dates.
Can I bring children to the distillery?
We are sorry but we do not allow anyone under the age of 18 on site. Experiences take place in our working distillery and are intended for adults only. We operate a Challenge 25 scheme and may request proof of age from visitors in line with our Alcohol Sales policy.
Can I bring my dog to the distillery?
We do not allow dogs on site and since there are no shaded parking areas we ask that you leave your pooch at home. This also applies to cats, rabbits, tortoises, llamas, snakes or other pets.
Can I take photos on the experience?
We encourage you to take photographs in the gin school and bar areas and we love to see your pictures on Facebook or Instagram so don’t forget to tag us @gorillaspirits! There may be some restrictions and your tour guide will advise you on the day if you will be permitted to take photographs in our Still Room as this is an area where safety is of paramount importance.
What is your connection to The Gorilla Organization?
We are incredibly proud of our links with The Gorilla Organization and the fantastic work they do to protect the endangered Mountain Gorillas. £1 from every bottle of Gorilla Spirits sold is donated to the charity. For further information on our commitment to them click here. For further information on The Gorilla Organization please click here.
Do you have a shop onsite?
Those attending a distillery experience do have the opportunity to pick up some of our award-winning products as well as other souvenirs of their visit. We are not open to passing traffic however, and suggest you visit the Upton Grey Village Store that stocks our full range.
What are your social media links?
Connect with us on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TripAdvisor
