Looking for something a little different to do in York? We recently tried the gin tasting experience at York Distillery and came away with a new appreciation for what goes into creating a great gin. We have tried gin tasting with York Gin before, a few years ago at the shop on Pavement but this was the first time visiting the new distillery. For those who don’t know, it can be found at Middletons Hotel on Skeldergate.
We visited on a beautiful May evening (felt like summer!). The riverside was packed with people enjoying the sunshine and it was a perfect way to start a great night out in York.
York Distillery offers a relaxed and welcoming setting that feels a world away from the busy streets outside.
As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with a refreshing gin and tonic (or lemonade in my case, as I don’t like tonic!) and introduced to the fascinating story behind York Gin.
The tasting session struck just the right balance between being informative and entertaining. Our hosts clearly knew their stuff but kept everything light-hearted and engaging.
We learned about the different botanicals used in each gin, how flavours are developed and even picked up a few interesting snippets of gin history along the way.
Of course, the highlight was the tasting itself. We sampled a selection of six of York Gin’s award-winning gins, each with its own distinct character.
It was surprising how much difference there could be between them, from citrus-forward varieties to richer, more aromatic blends. Even those who wouldn’t normally describe themselves as gin experts found plenty to enjoy.
The atmosphere was one of the things we liked most. The group size felt intimate enough to ask questions and chat with other guests, while the hosts created a friendly environment that made the whole experience feel more like an evening out with friends than a formal tasting event (which is exactly what it was, we visited as a group of six).
At the end of our tasting we were treated to another full-sized gin and tonic/lemonade featuring our favourite gin from the session—a nice touch that rounded off the experience perfectly.
Gin Tasting at York Gin Distillery Review
Whether you’re a dedicated gin enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable evening activity in York, the York Gin Distillery tasting experience is well worth considering. It’s informative without being overwhelming, generous with the samples and delivered with plenty of warmth and humour.
