1881 Distillery & Gin School - Peebles

1881 Distillery & Gin School: A Unique Scottish Experience

For those seeking an immersive and expertly guided journey into the world of gin, 1881 Distillery & Gin School presents an unparalleled opportunity. Located in the charming town of Peebles, Scottish Borders, this establishment seamlessly blends a premium distillery, a luxurious hotel, and a comprehensive store, offering a holistic experience for gin enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The address is Hydro, Peebles EH45 8LX, United Kingdom, and they can be contacted at Phone: 1764651846. Further details are available on their website: 1881distillery.com.

A Deep Dive into Gin Production

At the heart of 1881 Distillery & Gin School lies a commitment to quality and education. Visitors can participate in a range of experiences, meticulously designed to illuminate the intricate process of gin production. The core offering, the 3-hour Gin Distiller Experience, is consistently praised for its depth and engaging format. This experience, frequently booked as part of a hotel stay, is led by Jamie, the distillery's resident distiller – a key factor in its overwhelmingly positive reception. Jamie’s profound knowledge, spanning the historical context of gin, the hotel’s heritage, and the technical aspects of distillation, elevates the experience significantly.

What to Expect During the Gin Distiller Experience

• Distillery Tour: Guests receive a detailed tour of the working distillery, gaining insights into the various stages of production, from copper pot still to bottling.
• Gin Making: A hands-on workshop where participants learn to create their own bespoke gin, selecting botanicals and adjusting the recipe under Jamie’s expert guidance.
• Open Bar: Throughout the experience, a complimentary open bar allows guests to sample a curated selection of 1881’s gins and other premium spirits.
• Snacks: Delicious refreshments are provided to complement the tasting journey.
• Historical Context: Discussions delve into the fascinating history of gin, its evolution, and its cultural significance.

Beyond the Distilling Experience

1881 Distillery & Gin School offers more than just the signature gin experience. The hotel provides comfortable and stylish accommodation, a perfect base for exploring the Scottish Borders. The store boasts a carefully curated selection of 1881 gins, merchandise, and related products, allowing visitors to take a piece of the distillery home with them. The facility is designed to be accessible, with wheelchair-accessible car parks ensuring that everyone can participate in the offerings.

Accessibility and Amenities

The establishment prioritizes inclusivity and convenience. Credit cards and debit cards are readily accepted, streamlining the payment process. Furthermore, the premises are designed with accessibility in mind, including a wheelchair-accessible car park, reflecting a commitment to welcoming guests of all abilities. On-site services further enhance the visitor experience, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit. The consistent high ratings suggest a dedication to providing a comfortable and well-organized environment.

Customer Feedback – A Testament to Quality

The Average opinion received on Google My Business is a remarkable 5/5, a clear indicator of the positive experiences shared by visitors. Feedback consistently highlights Jamie’s exceptional guidance and knowledge, frequently referencing his role as the distiller and his ability to make the experience truly memorable. Guests describe the comprehensive nature of the experience, noting the value in the combination of the tour, hands-on gin making, open bar, and snacks. Many emphasize the educational aspect, appreciating the depth of information provided regarding the history of gin and the distillation process. The overall sentiment is one of delight and recommendation, solidifying 1881 Distillery & Gin School’s reputation as a premier destination for gin lovers.

In essence, 1881 Distillery & Gin School provides an interactive and educational experience that caters to both novices and seasoned gin enthusiasts. It's a unique opportunity to not only taste exceptional gin but also to understand the craftsmanship and history behind it. The combination of the distillery, hotel, and store creates a complete and compelling destination, making it a worthwhile visit for anyone seeking an authentic Scottish experience. The clear dedication to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by the consistently high ratings and positive reviews, further reinforces its standing as a top-tier establishment within the industry.

👍 Reviews of 1881 Distillery & Gin School

Sarah L.

5/5

We booked the 3 hour Gin distiller experience as part of our stay at the hotel and we were blown away by the experience. It was amazing!

We had Jamie hosting the experience and he was fantastic. He is the distiller at the distillery. His knowledge of gin's history in society, the hotel's history and gin making process were top notch.

He really made the experience great and can't thank him enough.

I'd definitely recommend the 3 hour gin distiller experience, it's very comprehensive. From the snacks, to the open bar, to the tour, to the experience of making my own gin. Just amazing.

Aly S.

5/5

This was a much deserved finale to a 7 day cycling trip and it didn’t disappoint! Mags, the tour guide, was great in teaching us about the history of gin and the background to the distillery. The gin tasting and gin making were both great fun in the beautiful distillery school. Really good value as one if the overnight packages as you get breakfast, a voucher for your evening meal and access to the spa too. Highly recommend!

Shona S.

5/5

This was a fantastic experience. Learning about the history of Peebles Hydro through 1881's gins and of the history of gin production itself was fascinating.
The school is stunning and it was great fun creating my own recipe. It was great to come away with my own bespoke bottle.
The staff are wonderful - really friendly and helpful.
I would thoroughly recommend.

richard M.

5/5

First Gin tour and didn't know what to expect or if me and my girlfriend would even enjoy it but, I have to say it was amazing! Dean the tour guide was class and made the whole thing enjoyable from start to finish. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone. Even if tours or even drink tours aren't something you'd think you would enjoy I would say go for it. Also get to make your own bottle of gin to take home. Great tour with added bonus of free drinks and samples as well as food 10/10

Janneke V.

5/5

Lovely afternoon and great experience. Nice to hear about the history of gin, the Hotel and the start up of the distillery. Amazing to be able to taste a lot of gins and eventually choose all of the ingredients and make your own gin. Definitely recommended!

Christine N.

5/5

Attended the Gin school experience with friends. Dean was a fantastic host and it's was a wonderful afternoon learning about gin and mixing our own to bottle and take home. Not sure if I can wait two weeks till I open it. Would highly recommend the experience.

Elaine J.

5/5

Great afternoon which involved getting to know the history of gin and sampling all of the 1881 varieties. Also, lovely food was provided, alongside the amazing experience of making and naming your own bottle of gin. Dean was so knowledgeable and helpful and made the whole thing very enjoyable.

Mary R.

5/5

Surpassed all expectations-great experience getting to make your own gin (and take it home!) Lauren was a fantastic guide and had great knowledge of the history of gin and of the 1881 distillery and product. I would thoroughly recommend the tour.