Hooting Owl Distillery York – Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting

An In-Depth Look at the Hooting Owl Distillery York Tour and Tasting

If you’re exploring York and have a penchant for spirits, the Hooting Owl Distillery’s tour and tasting experience offers a delightful peek into the world of artisan gin, rum, and vodka. With a solid 5-star rating from 79 reviews and high recommendations, this tour draws visitors eager to learn about the craft of distillation from a knowledgeable guide, all while sampling some of Yorkshire’s finest spirits.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the personalized storytelling about Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins and the extensive range of 25 spirits available for tasting—more than enough to satisfy both the curious and the connoisseur. On the flip side, some might find the duration of just over an hour and a quarter a bit quick if they’re looking for a deeper dive into distillation techniques or history. Still, it’s a well-paced experience that balances education with fun, making it suitable for those interested in local history, spirits, or simply a relaxed outing.

This experience is most likely to appeal to adventurous travelers who enjoy tasting local drinks, history buffs intrigued by Yorkshire legends, or anyone seeking a casual, engaging activity in York. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or even solo travelers who want a genuine, insider look at a craft distillery with friendly staff.

Key Points

• Authentic Yorkshire spirits: Tasting a wide array of 25 different spirits distilled on-site, including gin, rum, and vodka.
• Expert-led storytelling: Guides share the fascinating story of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins, adding a memorable local flavor.
• All costs included: The price covers all samples and a full measure of your chosen spirit, with no hidden fees.
• Flexible after-tour experience: You’re welcome to stay in the bar afterward and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
• Ideal for small groups: Limited to 12 travelers, maintaining a friendly, intimate setting.
• Good value: At around $41.18 per person, the tour offers a rich experience for spirits enthusiasts.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off promptly at 2:00 pm at the Hooting Owl Distillery in York, located conveniently at 1 Rougier Street. From the moment you arrive, the friendly staff and intimate group size (max 12) create a welcoming atmosphere. Once inside, you’ll be greeted with a welcome sample of gin, rum, or vodka with a mixer of your choice, setting the tone for a relaxed and informative session.

The core of the experience is the guided tour of the distillery, led by one of the site’s master distillers. Here, you’ll learn the distillation process, what makes Hooting Owl spirits unique, and the story behind the legend of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins—a character whose story adds a bit of Yorkshire charm and myth to the experience. The guide’s storytelling is often highlighted in reviews, with comments like “Tom was excellent as the tour guide he knew his stuff” and “Martin was very professional and entertaining.”

As you walk through the distillery, you’ll see how the spirits are crafted and learn about their recipes, some of which date back to Sir Owlfred’s original formulations. The highlight is the chance to sample from 25 different spirits, including gin, rum, and vodka, all distilled right there on-site. Reviewers consistently mention the generous tasting—many noted “so many samples” and “the rum was excellent”—which makes the experience feel like a veritable spirits tasting party.

The Tasting Portion

The tasting is the real star. After the tour, you’ll be offered a full measure of your chosen spirit from the distillery’s range. Many reviewers comment on the high quality of the spirits, with some saying they plan to purchase bottles afterward or return for more. The spirits are all crafted locally, ensuring a level of authenticity and care that large commercial brands often lack.

Post-Tour Relaxation

Once the formal part of the tour ends, you’re invited to stay at the bar. Open from 11 am to 11 pm daily, the bar provides a relaxed environment to enjoy more drinks and chat with staff or fellow visitors. The atmosphere is often described as friendly and lively, especially when groups of friends or couples unwind after the tasting.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At £30 (roughly $41.18) per person, the experience includes all samples, a full drink, and a guided tour. This combination is quite reasonable given the quality and depth of the engagement. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, often referring to them as “excellent” and “great fun,” which adds a lot of value to the experience.

The fact that all costs are included—no hidden fees—means you know exactly what you’re paying for from the start. Plus, the opportunity to stay in the bar after the tour and enjoy more drinks makes this a flexible outing rather than a one-and-done event.

The Setting and Atmosphere

Hooting Owl Distillery has a cozy, informal vibe that adds to its charm. The staff, including Dom and Martin, are frequently praised for their approachability and passion for their craft. Visitors often comment on the great stories about Yorkshire legends woven into the tour, making it more than just a tasting; it’s a little journey into local folklore.

The distillery’s small group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the interactive nature of the tour (with plenty of samples and engaging storytelling) makes it suitable for those who prefer a personalized experience.

Practical Details

• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes, a comfortable length that balances education and enjoyment.
• Price: $41.18 per person, including spirits tasting and a full measure of your choice.
• Meeting Point: Hooting Owl Distillery, 1 Rougier Street, York.
• Start Time: 2:00 pm.
• Group Size: Limited to 12 travelers for a more intimate experience.
• Booking: Mobile tickets available, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Feedback across reviews consistently highlights knowledgeable and engaging guides. James, Tom, and Martin all receive accolades for their storytelling and fun approach. Visitors also appreciate the quality of the spirits, with comments like “the gins speak for themselves and you can truly tell the quality” and “the rums were delicious.”

One guest mentioned that the group quickly made friends, indicating the social nature of the tour. Several reviewers also enjoyed chatting with Dom, the owner, describing him as “great to chat with,” which adds to the overall warm atmosphere.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This tour is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, especially those interested in local, small-batch products. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate storytelling and history, especially with a local twist. If you’re seeking a fun, relaxed activity that combines tasting with a bit of York’s character, this is a strong choice.

It’s probably less suitable for those on very tight schedules, given the 1-hour 15-minute duration, or anyone with mobility issues, as the tour involves walking through the distillery. The small group setting makes it unsuitable for large parties, but perfect for couples or small groups of friends.

The Sum Up

The Hooting Owl Distillery York tour and tasting offers a genuine and engaging look into the craft of distillation with a focus on local spirits. The expert guides, rich storytelling, and extensive tasting options make it a standout activity for visitors eager to connect with Yorkshire’s craft spirit scene.

The experience’s affordability, coupled with the opportunity to enjoy unlimited sampling and relax afterward in a welcoming bar, makes it excellent value. It’s particularly suited for spirits lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a taste of York’s local flavor in a friendly, approachable setting.

If you’re in York and want to explore beyond castles and cathedrals, this tour is a lively, authentic choice that’s likely to leave you with both knowledge and a few bottles to bring home.

FAQ

How long is the Hooting Owl Distillery tour and tasting?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including the guided tour and tasting.

What is included in the tour price?
All costs are covered—this includes a welcome sample of gin, rum, or vodka, a guided tour, and a full measure of your chosen spirit from the 25 available.

Can I stay after the tour?
Yes, you are welcome to stay at the distillery’s bar afterward to enjoy more drinks and the atmosphere.

What spirits can I sample?
You can choose from a wide range of 25 spirits distilled on-site, including gin, rum, and vodka.

Is the tour suitable for small groups?
Absolutely, with a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour remains intimate and personalized.

How do I book the tour?
Tickets are available with mobile options, and booking can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Hooting Owl Distillery, 1 Rougier Street, York, starting at 2:00 pm.

This guided tasting tour at Hooting Owl Distillery combines education, local storytelling, and delicious spirits—all in a cozy York setting. Whether you’re a spirits aficionado or just curious about how Yorkshire’s beloved gin and rum are made, it’s a lively experience well worth considering.