Craft Your Own Spirit: Distilling Experience at The Old Smiddy Gin School in Stirling

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Located in the historic city of Stirling, Scotland, The Old Smiddy Gin School offers an immersive 2.5-hour adventure that brings the art of gin distilling to life. This hands-on workshop invites adults 18 and over to step into the world of craft spirits at Stirling Distillery, a unique destination known for blending tradition with innovation on the banks of the River Forth. Far from a typical tasting experience, the school guides participants through the intricate process that defines Scotland’s contemporary gin renaissance. The workshop begins with an engaging introduction to gin's rich history, rooted deeply in British distilling heritage with origins dating back centuries. Guests learn about the botanicals that give gin its signature flavors, from classic juniper to exotic coriander and citrus peels. Participants then move on to a guided selection process to craft a customized botanical blend, which serves as the foundation for their very own small-batch gin. Under the attentive guidance of expert distillers, guests experience the magic of distillation – a blend of art, science, and patience. The workshop culminates in bottling the finished spirit, complete with a personalized label you design onsite, making your bottle a true keepsake. To round out the experience, you'll enjoy a perfectly crafted serve of gin, highlighting the nuances of your creation. The Old Smiddy Gin School stands out as a special part of Stirling's cultural and outdoor recreation scene, combining the heritage of the city's historic smiddy site with modern craft distilling. Its location provides a perfect day trip for visitors based in Stirling, a city known for its medieval castle and scenic surroundings. This experience offers a tactile connection to the landscape through the natural botanicals incorporated in the gin recipe, reflecting Scotland’s temperate climate and local flora. Whether you are a spirits enthusiast or simply curious to learn the craft behind your favorite tipple, this distilling workshop is an engaging way to explore Scotland beyond the typical tourist routes. Stirling offers more than castle tours and battlefield history – it’s a growing hub for artisanal craft makers and outdoor adventurers alike. Book your spot at The Old Smiddy Gin School for a memorable blend of education and hands-on creativity that completes your Scottish travel story.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–3 hours.

Fitness level

No special fitness required; suitable for all adults comfortable standing for moderate periods

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to participate?

All participants must be at least 18 years old to join the gin distilling workshop.

Can I take my personalized gin bottle home?

Yes, each participant bottles their own custom-distilled gin with a personalized label to take home.

Is prior experience in distilling required?

No prior distilling experience is needed; the workshop is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

How many people are in each workshop?

Workshops generally accommodate small groups to ensure personalized instruction and attention.

Are there food or drinks included besides the gin tasting?

The workshop includes a serve of your own gin; however, additional food or drinks are not provided.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Please contact the distillery directly for specific accessibility information and accommodations.

Local insights

Wildlife

Urban foxes occasionally seen near the distillery area.
Common sightings of local songbirds in surrounding green spaces.

History

Stirling has long been a strategic Scottish stronghold, with the Old Smiddy location hosting blacksmithing for centuries before its modern rebirth as a distillery.

Conservation

The distillery focuses on sustainable practices including recycling botanicals and reducing water usage during distillation to minimize environmental impact.

About Stirling Distillery Ltd

Stirling Distillery Ltd is a craft distillery located in Stirling, Scotland, offering a range of guided whisky, gin and cocktail experiences. The distillery operates public tours, hands-on workshops and private events that combine tasting, education and distilling techniques for visitors of all experience levels. Visitors can book the Stirling Distillery Whisky Experience to learn about local whisky history, taste the newmake spirit and sample single cask malts from the Sons of Scotland range. The Stirling Distillery Gin Experience and The Old Smiddy Gin School focus on gin production: the Gin Experience includes a guided tour, bespoke arrival cocktail and tasting, while the Old Smiddy Gin School is a 2.5-hour workshop where participants create a personalised gin and leave with a labelled bottle. The Cocktail Masterclass is a 2.5-hour session teaching three cocktails with a welcome drink, and the venue also hosts seasonal events such as the Christmas Party Night with food, a DJ and dancing in a historic setting. Stirling Distillery Ltd provides knowledgeable guides, structured tasting flight formats and clear workshop instructions to make each visit engaging and accessible. Bookings are available for individuals and groups seeking tastings, team nights or private celebrations. The distillery’s location in Stirling places it within easy reach of local attractions and transport links. For accurate availability, pricing and booking terms visitors should consult Stirling Distillery Ltd directly or the official booking channels. Gift vouchers and private hire options are offered subject to availability; check the official website or contact the distillery for details.

Base locationStirling, Scotland

Tours offered5+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Arrive early to settle inPlan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your session to complete any necessary registration and settle in comfortably.

Wear comfortable clothingOpt for casual, comfortable clothes since you’ll be standing and moving around during the workshop.

Age restriction appliesParticipants must be 18 or older to take part due to legal alcohol consumption regulations.

Plan for transport optionsConsider public transport or designated drivers as the workshop includes tasting your handcrafted gin.

Recommended gear

Notebook and pen: Useful for taking notes on botanical selections and distilling tips.
Comfortable shoes: You'll be standing and moving around the distillery during the workshop.
Weather-appropriate outerwear:
Photo ID: Required to verify age for participation in the gin distilling experience.

Photos of the experience