Distill your own Gin, Swan Valley, Saturdays 10am.

Introduction

This review covers the Distill Your Own Gin experience in Swan Valley, just a short drive from Perth. Although we haven’t personally participated, the details suggest it’s an engaging and educational outing that appeals to those interested in craft spirits and personalized experiences.

Two things we really like about this tour: First, the chance to customize your own bottle of gin using a traditional pot still—imagine bottling a spirit made just for you. Second, the small group size (max six travelers) promises a more intimate, hands-on experience.

On the flip side, a consideration might be the timing and cost—at about two and a half hours and roughly $125 per person, it’s a fair investment, but not the cheapest activity in Swan Valley. This tour is perfect for spirits enthusiasts, couples, or friends looking for a memorable, interactive day out with a genuine touch of artisan craft.

Key Points

• Personalized Gin: You’ll get to create and bottle your own 700ml gin to take home.
• Educational Focus: Learn about the distilling process from experienced distillers.
• Tastings & Social Start: Begins with a gin & tonic, followed by tastings from their range.
• Hands-On Involvement: You’ll help select botanicals, bottle, and label your gin.
• Exclusive Experience: Small group size ensures personalized guidance.
• Convenient Location & Timing: Starts at 10am at Herne Hill, ideal for a morning activity.

What to Expect from the Gin-Making Experience

This tour is designed to be as interactive as it is informative. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a gin & tonic, setting the tone for a relaxed, fun session. The setting in Swan Valley adds a touch of rural charm, though the focus remains on the craft of distilling.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Swan Settlers Market: This is where the magic begins. You’ll meet your small group (capped at six travelers) and get introduced to the distilling equipment. The setup is equipped for guests’ use, meaning you’ll get to operate a traditional individual pot still—a rare opportunity that makes this experience stand out compared to more passive tours.

Educational Session: The distillers will guide you through the distillation process, explaining how botanicals influence flavor, and the art behind crafting gin. The informative aspect helps demystify what might seem like magic in a bottle, making your final product even more satisfying.

Botanical Selection & Customization: You’ll choose from a variety of botanicals—think juniper, citrus peels, spices, and herbs. This part is where your personal taste comes into play, and the distillers are there to help you craft a balanced and flavorful gin. The ability to create a truly personalized spirit is a highlight, especially for those who enjoy the process of tasting and experimenting.

Bottling & Labeling: Once your blend is ready, you’ll bottle your gin into a 700ml bottle. The process continues with labeling, giving you a keepsake to remember your experience. It’s a practical step that makes the entire activity feel like a real production, not just a demonstration.

Tasting & Education

Throughout the session, you’ll sample from the distillery’s range of gins, learning to identify different botanicals and flavor profiles. The tastings serve as both education and inspiration, helping you understand what makes a good gin and how your ingredients will influence your final product.

The End Result

After about 2.5 hours, you’ll leave with your handcrafted gin—a tangible souvenir of your effort and taste. It’s a fantastic feeling knowing you’ve bottled a spirit that’s uniquely yours, especially if you’re a fan of spirits or enjoy DIY experiences.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Unlike typical gin tastings or tours, this experience puts you in the driver’s seat—literally distilling your own spirit. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it easy to ask questions and get tailored advice from the distillers. The process is designed to be accessible, even for those new to gin-making, but also rewarding for aficionados.

The price point, at $125.52, reflects the value of this hands-on activity, the educational component, and the personal bottle you take home. For those interested in learning more about spirits or seeking a unique souvenir, this offers a compelling combination of fun and learning.

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour departs at 10am from Herne Hill, making it ideal as a morning activity—leaving you time afterward to explore Swan Valley’s other attractions or wineries. The tour is all inclusive in terms of equipment and instruction, but food isn’t included (though food options are available at the venue).

Since the tour is capped at six participants, booking well in advance is recommended—on average, bookings are made 51 days ahead. Cancellation is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering peace of mind.

Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, which is considerate for travelers with disabilities or emotional support animals.

Authenticity & Experience Value

While reviews are currently unavailable for this specific tour, the detailed description suggests it’s a well-organized, engaging experience. The fact that guests can actively participate in the distilling process, combined with educational insights and a tangible product to take home, makes it a genuinely memorable activity.

Many travelers value interactive experiences over passive tours, and this activity checks that box. The small group setting ensures a personal touch, which can often be missing from larger, more commercial tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for spirits lovers, curious travelers, couples, or groups of friends wanting a fun, hands-on activity that yields a personalized keepsake. It’s also great for those interested in the craft of distilling or looking for a unique gift idea.

Those who prefer more leisurely activities or are on a tight schedule might find the 2.5-hour duration slightly long, but most will appreciate the depth of involvement and learning.

The Sum Up

In essence, the Distill Your Own Gin tour offers a rare chance to understand and participate in the art of gin-making. The combination of expert guidance, personalized bottle creation, and small group intimacy creates a memorable experience that’s worth the price for many spirits enthusiasts. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy DIY projects, learning new skills, or simply want a unique souvenir from Swan Valley.

While it’s a bit of an investment, the experience of crafting your own gin and the educational value make it quite a good deal. Plus, it’s a fun story to tell, and a bottle of gin made by your own hand adds a personal touch to any gathering.

If you’re in Swan Valley and seeking something more interactive than a standard tasting, this is a top pick. It’s a delightful mix of learning, creativity, and sensory enjoyment—perfect for a morning escape from the hustle, with plenty of room to explore the region afterward.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the experience is designed to be accessible, with guidance from experienced distillers. No prior distilling knowledge is required.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 10 am.

What is included in the price?
You’ll receive a gin & tonic upon arrival, tastings from their range, lessons on making gin, and your own 700ml bottle of personalized gin.

Can I cancel the tour if needed?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility.

Is food included?
No, food is not included, though food options are available at the venue for purchase.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and interactive experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for handling equipment and potentially getting a bit messy, though the setting is generally casual.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 124 Lennard St, Herne Hill, and concludes back at the same spot.

Is there any age restriction?
While not explicitly stated, alcohol-related activities typically require participants to be of legal drinking age—usually 18+ in Australia.

This detailed, hands-on gin-making experience in Swan Valley combines education, creativity, and a sense of achievement. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a memorable, craft-focused activity that they can truly call their own.