Gin Distillery Guide: How to Find, Visit, and Understand Craft Gin Production

If you love the botanical punch of gin, you’ve probably wondered what goes on behind the bar. A gin distillery is where those crisp, herb‑filled spirits are born, and getting to know the process can make every sip feel richer. In this guide we’ll break down the basics of gin making, point out what to look for when you scout a distillery, and hand you a few tasting tricks that work for any spirit.

How Gin Is Made

First off, gin starts with a neutral spirit—usually grain‑based ethanol that’s stripped of flavor. The magic happens during the distillation stage, where the base spirit passes through a copper still packed with botanicals. Juniper berries are the law of the land, but most distillers add coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, and even exotic spices like cardamom or pink pepper.

There are two main methods: steep‑and‑distill and vapor infusion. In the steep method, the botanicals sit in the spirit for several hours before it’s heated. Vapor infusion pushes alcohol‑laden steam through a basket of botanicals, pulling out aromatics on the fly. Each technique leaves a different fingerprint—steeping gives a richer, rounder mouthfeel, while vapor infusion often yields a brighter, cleaner profile.

After the first run, many distilleries do a second pass, called a re‑distillation, to tighten the flavor and boost alcohol content. The final product usually lands between 37% and 47% ABV, though “cask‑strength” versions can top out at 60%+. Some producers age gin in barrels, borrowing flavors from whiskey or rum for a deeper character.

Visiting a Gin Distillery

When you’re scouting a spot to visit, start with the distillery’s size. Small‑batch outfits often offer hands‑on tours where you can see the copper still up close and even sniff the botanicals before they hit the still. Larger operations might have a more polished visitor center, with tasting rooms, a brand shop, and sometimes a cocktail bar.

Book ahead. Popular tours fill up fast, especially on weekends. Look for a “tasting” component—most places will let you sample 2‑3 expressions straight from the still, sometimes with food pairings like cheese, dark chocolate, or smoked salmon. Those pairings highlight different gin facets and make the experience memorable.

Don’t forget the practical stuff: wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be on foot for a while), bring a photo ID (some places require it for tastings), and consider a rideshare if you plan to indulge. Many distilleries also sell limited‑edition bottles you can’t find elsewhere, making a great souvenir for your home bar.

Lastly, ask questions. Distillers love talking about their botanical choices, the story behind their brand, or how they experiment with new flavors. A curious visitor often walks away with insider tips you can use when you’re mixing gin at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned gin geek or just curious about where that London dry vibe originates, stepping inside a gin distillery demystifies the process and gives you a fresh appreciation for the spirit. Grab a tour, bring a notebook, and let the botanicals speak for themselves.