Uncover the Magic Gin Distillery Adventure at Millsheds Bowral

Thinking about exploring Australia’s burgeoning craft spirits scene? The Uncover the Magic Gin Distillery Adventure at Millsheds Bowral offers a compact but engaging peek into how some of the region’s best gins, vodkas, and liqueurs are created. This tour is perfect if you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes process, love tasting handcrafted spirits, or just want a fun, informative experience during your visit to New South Wales.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, it’s an affordable, 45-minute journey that combines education and tasting without a hefty price tag. Second, the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to touch, smell, and taste raw ingredients turn the process into a sensory adventure. A potential downside? The tour’s relatively short duration means it’s not an in-depth, all-day affair—so if you’re after a deep dive into distilling history, you might want to look elsewhere. This tour suits travelers who enjoy craft beverages, small-group experiences, and unique local insights, especially those new to spirits or with a casual interest in how gin is made.

Key Points

• Accessible and affordable at just over $20 per person, offering great value for a brief but comprehensive experience.
• Interactive and sensory-focused, with touching, tasting, and smelling raw botanicals.
• Guided by knowledgeable staff, ensuring an engaging and informative visit.
• Includes a tasting of 4 award-winning gins and vodkas, with the bonus of a discount on bottle purchases.
• Ideal for small groups (up to 20 people), fostering a friendly and personalized atmosphere.
• Convenient location in Bowral, close to public transportation and easy to find.

Our visit to Millsheds Distillery reveals a thoughtfully designed, modern yet authentic setting. Located at 210 Bong Bong Street in Bowral—part of New South Wales’ charming Southern Highlands—the distillery is just a short walk from town’s cafes, shops, and scenic spots. The tour kicks off with a warm greeting and an offering of gin & tonic or vodka & soda—a nice touch that immediately sets a relaxed tone.

Behind-the-Scenes Access and Production Secrets

The highlight? Getting a peek into the actual production area. You’ll stand before impressive stills, witness the bottling process, and learn about what makes their spirits unique. The guide’s enthusiasm and expertise shine as they reveal the secrets of craft distillation—from selecting Australian botanicals to the intricacies of distilling and flavoring.

One reviewer, David_M, called the tour “very informative” and appreciated “smelling the various botanical ingredients,” noting it was “very interesting.” The Botanical Room is a real treat, allowing you to touch, taste, and smell raw ingredients—an experience that deepens your appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Tasting Experience and Flavor Exploration

The tasting part is curated by the Head Distiller, ensuring you sample only award-winning gins and vodkas. You’ll experience four different spirits, allowing you to compare flavors and textures. The tasting is relaxed, with ample opportunity to ask questions and savor each sip.

The reviews echo the positive sentiment: “The tastings included vodkas and gins, they also make their own liqueurs…we loved it,” writes one guest. This variety provides a well-rounded introduction to what makes Millsheds’ spirits stand out—be it the botanicals, distillation method, or flavor profiles.

Additional Perks and Practical Details

Before leaving, visitors receive a $10 discount on 700ml bottles of spirits, a nice incentive to bring some home. The total activity lasts about 45 minutes, making it suitable for those with limited time or as part of a broader day exploring Bowral.

Transport-wise, the distillery is near public transportation and easy to locate, with most travelers able to participate. The group size is capped at 20, ensuring a friendly, less rushed experience. The booking process is straightforward—most folks book about two weeks in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Pricing and Value

At $21.52 per person, this tour offers excellent value. For the price, you get a guided behind-the-scenes look, a generous tasting, and the chance to learn about Australian botanicals—something that’s often overlooked in larger, more commercial tours. The inclusion of the tasting, the interactive botanical room, and bottle discounts makes this a worthwhile investment for spirits enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

What the Reviews Say

Overall, guests have given high praise. One reviewer rated it a perfect 5 out of 5, highlighting how “the tour was very informative,” and appreciated the “well designed” space. The guide’s knowledge and the quality of the tastings are recurring themes in reviews, emphasizing that this isn’t just a marketing gimmick but a genuine education in craft spirits.

This tour is best suited for those curious about small-batch distilling, lovers of craft spirits, or travelers who want an authentic, hands-on experience in Bowral. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a short, engaging activity that combines education, tasting, and a bit of local flavor. If you’re after a more in-depth distillery visit or a larger-scale tour, you might find this a bit quick—but for most visitors, it hits the sweet spot.

In a nutshell, the Millsheds Bowral Gin Distillery Tour offers genuine value and a memorable peek into the world of craft spirits. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the art of distilling, the distinct flavors of Australian botanicals, and perhaps a bottle or two to take home. The experience’s charm lies in its friendly guides, sensory engagement, and relaxed pace—making it an ideal choice for casual explorers and spirit aficionados alike.

If you enjoy tasting local creations, learning about how your favorite spirits are made, or simply want a fun, brief stop during your visit to Bowral, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a small investment for a delightfully authentic experience that will leave you with a sharper nose, a fuller glass, and a little more knowledge about Australia’s craft distilling scene.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick but comprehensive experience.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive a gin & tonic or vodka & soda on arrival, a guided tasting of four spirits, access to the botanical room, and a $10 discount on 700ml bottles of spirits.

Is the tour suitable for children or service animals?
Service animals are allowed, but the tour is generally designed for adult participants interested in spirits and distillation.

How many people can join the tour?
The tour accommodates up to 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized and friendly atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most guests book about 16 days in advance, especially during peak times, to secure their spot.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

In summary, the Millsheds Bowral distillery tour offers a practical, engaging, and authentic taste of Australia’s craft spirits scene. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a dedicated connoisseur, you’ll find it a worthwhile and enjoyable experience with memorable flavors and insights.