Gin Tasting at Judiths, Shakespeare Distillery

If you’re looking for a memorable way to explore the world of gin while soaking in a bit of local history, the Gin Tasting at Judith’s, hosted by Shakespeare Distillery, is worth considering. Although I haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews and details paint a picture of an engaging, informative, and enjoyable experience. It’s a perfect choice for those curious about spirits or Shakespeare fans wanting a more hands-on cultural addition to their visit.

What we love about this experience is its intimate setting—housed inside the very old, timber-framed former home of Judith Shakespeare, William’s eldest daughter—and the chance to sample award-winning gins directly from the distillery. The second highlight is the knowledgeable guides, who deliver a talk that makes gin making as fascinating as a Shakespearean plot twist.

A potential consideration is the physical aspect—since the tour involves climbing stairs in an old building without a lift, it may not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues. Still, for most visitors, this adds to the charm and authenticity of the experience.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy spirits, history, or looking for a laid-back activity that’s both fun and educational. It also appeals to those who appreciate high-quality, locally made products and are interested in learning about the craft of gin-making.

Key Points

• Historic Setting: Located in a timber-framed house linked to Shakespeare’s family, it offers an authentic atmosphere.
• Tasting & Education: Enjoy a guided tasting of three award-winning gins, accompanied by an informative talk.
• Start with a Classic: The experience begins with a Stratford Gin & Tonic, setting a relaxed tone.
• Value-Added Offerings: Receive a 10% discount for purchases at the gift shop.
• Family Friendly: Soft drinks are available for children and designated drivers.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour begins in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon at No. 1 High Street, a building that whispers stories of Shakespeare’s era. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully preserved timber-framed house, now serving as the venue for Shakespeare Distillery. This setting immediately transports you from the bustling streets into a space that feels personal, historic, and a touch playful.

Arrival and Introduction: Expect to arrive about 5-10 minutes before your scheduled start time. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a Stratford Dry Gin & Tonic, which makes for a perfect way to relax and set the tone. This initial drink not only awakens your palate but also shows off the crisp, clean style of the local gin—something that will be a recurring theme throughout the tasting.

The Guiding Talk: The hosts deliver an engaging, knowledgeable talk on the history of gin—and, more interestingly, how Shakespeare Distillery makes its spirits. The guides are praised for being well-informed, making the process approachable and fun without overloading you with jargon. If you’re a history buff or a spirits enthusiast, you’ll appreciate their ability to blend storytelling with technical insights.

Tasting Three Spirits: Following the talk, you’ll sample three different spirits, each with its own story and flavor profile. A reviewer called this a “gin education,” highlighting how much they learned about the craft during the session. The spirits are described as award-winning, which points to a certain quality and craftsmanship that sets these gins apart.

The Atmosphere: The upper-floor tasting rooms are described as opulent and cozy, making the experience feel exclusive yet intimate. You can expect a relaxed vibe that encourages conversation and curiosity. Plus, the experience lasts about an hour, a perfect length to enjoy without feeling rushed.

Shopping and Discounts: After the tasting, you’re entitled to 10% off any purchases at the gift shop, offering an excellent opportunity to bring home a bottle—or maybe a few—as a souvenir of your trip. The shop stocks the distillery’s spirits and potentially other related gifts, making it a nice way to extend the experience.

Accessibility and Practicality: Be aware that the venue is housed in an old building with no lift, and stairs are involved. This might pose a problem for some visitors, especially those with mobility challenges. The tour is also age-restricted to those 18 and over for the tasting, although soft drinks are available for children and drivers.

For the cost—generally around the price of a quality drink plus a bit more—you’re paying for a guided, curated experience that combines storytelling, education, and tasting. Several reviewers remark on how generous the tastings are and how much they learned, suggesting good value for money.

Compared to a typical pub or bar, this experience offers a more curated, informative journey into gin making. The guided nature adds a layer of understanding that elevates the tasting from just drinking to appreciating craft. The included 10% discount further enhances the value, especially if you plan to purchase a bottle.

Booking flexibility is another plus. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk option for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

The tour’s core is the one-hour session that combines history, spirits, and storytelling. It starts with the Stratford Gin & Tonic, which immediately gives you a taste of local craftsmanship. Then, the guide’s talk covers the fascinating history of gin, likely touching on its evolution and significance within Britain, with references to local traditions.

The tutored tasting of three spirits follows, each carefully selected to showcase different flavor profiles or production methods. Given that multiple reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and engaging delivery, you can expect to walk away having learned a surprising amount about gin—from botanical ingredients to distillation techniques.

The experience ends in the gift shop, where you can explore the distillery’s products and enjoy your discount. This setup encourages repeat visits or gift purchases, adding economic value to the experience.

This isn’t a generic tasting in a sterile setting. It’s set in a building connected to Shakespeare’s family, which adds a layer of authenticity and charm that larger, more commercial distillery tours often lack. The fact that it’s housed in a historic building adds to the overall experience, making it memorable beyond just the spirits.

The guides’ ability to combine history, humor, and technical detail makes the experience accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to spirits. Several reviewers noted that it was engaging, informative, and well worth the time—sometimes even more so than expected.

On top of that, the availability of soft drinks and the relaxed atmosphere make it accessible for designated drivers or visitors with children, broadening its appeal to groups and families (with older children).

This gin tasting tour is a good pick for anyone who appreciates craft spirits, local history, or both. It’s especially suitable for those looking for a relaxed, educational experience that doesn’t require a long commitment. The intimate setting, knowledgeable guides, and quality spirits all contribute to a worthwhile visit.

If you’re a Shakespeare fan, you’ll find the setting particularly charming, walking through history while enjoying a modern craft. For spirits lovers, the guide’s detailed explanations and generous tastings provide a genuine educational value. And if you’re traveling with family or friends who prefer non-alcoholic options, soft drinks make it inclusive without sacrificing the fun.

While the stairs in an old building might not suit everyone, most visitors will find this a delightful addition to their Stratford trip, especially if they’re eager to explore local craftsmanship in a setting that’s more personal than a large factory tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 8-17 can enjoy soft drinks during the experience, but the tasting is restricted to those 18 and over.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour, which keeps it manageable for most travelers’ schedules.

What should I bring?
Just your ID or passport to verify age, as the tour operates a Challenge 25 policy.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
The venue is housed in an old building with no lift, and there are stairs involved. It might not be suitable for everyone with mobility challenges.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I book and pay later?
Absolutely—reservations can be made now, with payment due closer to the date, offering flexibility.

What’s included in the price?
Your experience includes a Stratford Gin & Tonic on arrival, a guided talk, tastings of three spirits, and a 10% discount at the gift shop.

Are additional drinks available?
Yes, other drinks can be purchased at the end of the session if you wish, but they are not included in the standard package.

Whether you’re a gin aficionado, a history buff, or just looking for a distinctive activity in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Gin Tasting at Judith’s offers genuine value. It balances education, authenticity, and fun in a historic setting that’s hard to beat. The guides’ expertise makes it a standout feature, transforming a simple tasting into a memorable mini-lesson on craft spirits.

It’s best suited for adults who enjoy a relaxed, informative outing and are happy to climb a few stairs in exchange for a taste of local craftsmanship. For those wanting to add a flavorful twist to their Shakespearean adventure, this experience is a charming, worthwhile choice that promises both insight and a good drink.