THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Immerse yourself in an intimate, 1.5-hour masterclass with Sky Wave’s Master Distiller at The Sky Wave Distillery, located in The North Tanker Sheds at Bicester Motion. Limited to eight guests, this session pairs hands-on blending with a private tasting of a limited-edition gin.
Immerse yourself in an intimate, 1.5-hour masterclass with Sky Wave’s Master Distiller at The Sky Wave Distillery, located in The North Tanker Sheds at Bicester Motion. Limited to eight guests, this session pairs hands-on blending with a private tasting of a limited-edition gin.
Book with The Sky Wave Distilling Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Sky Wave Distilling Company · Launton, England
The Sky Wave Master Distiller's Reserve Experience is a concentrated, hands-on look inside Sky Wave's award-winning gin operation at The Sky Wave Distillery, The North Tanker Sheds, Bicester Motion, Buckingham Road, Bicester OX27 8AL. Located near Launton in rural Oxfordshire, the 1.5-hour session puts a maximum of eight guests in the Master Distiller's private space to dissect botanicals, experiment with single-botanical distillates and taste a limited-release spirit not offered on standard tours. On arrival you’re greeted with a complimentary G&T before moving into The Alchemist’s Shelf — the distillery's private blending lab where glassware, copper spirit stills and carefully labelled jars of botanicals form the landscape. Expect juniper-forward distillates, citrus essences and uncommon root botanicals; these are the tangible features that define the gin and the story you'll learn. The blending table is the experiential core: guided by the Master Distiller, you mix minute ratios, sense how a drop of citrus brightens a juniper base, and learn why a botanical's oil profile matters to mouthfeel and finish. The Master’s Cut tasting that closes the session is the highlight: a limited-edition bottle with a provenance story and tasting notes you won’t find elsewhere. Practical details are clear and strict — the experience begins promptly, closed footwear is required, and attendance is strictly over-18. The setting inside The North Tanker Sheds at Bicester Motion adds industrial character; the restored tanks and workshop lighting make the distillery feel like a working studio rather than a museum. This Experience stands out in the local outdoor recreation area because it translates regional agricultural products into distilled expression, connecting nearby farmland and foragers to the bottle. It's ideal for repeat visitors, gin aficionados and anyone wanting a technical, sensory deep dive that goes well beyond a standard tasting. The small group size guarantees conversation with the Master Distiller and hands-on practice unavailable at larger operations. Practical travel notes: Launton and nearby Bicester are the most convenient bases for accommodation. Book early — these sessions run only a few times per year and fill fast. If you love craft spirits and enjoy learning by doing, this is one of the few opportunities in Oxfordshire to work directly with a distiller and leave with both knowledge and a memorable limited-batch tasting. Check-in is punctual — sessions begin at the chosen time and lateness may mean missed content, though entry is permitted. Proof of age may be requested if you appear under 25; children and infants are not allowed. The bar will be open from 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and you’re welcome to stay after your Experience to enjoy drinks (not applicable to the earlier Saturday nor Sunday Experiences). Private tours are available on request for larger groups.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Minimal physical effort required; comfortable standing during hands-on blending is typical.
Attendance is strictly limited to over-18s; proof of age may be required if you appear under 25.
The Master Distiller's Reserve runs for 1 hour 30 minutes per session.
Meet at The Sky Wave Distillery, The North Tanker Sheds, Bicester Motion, Buckingham Road, Bicester OX27 8AL.
No — no food is provided as part of this event.
Yes — private tours and bespoke dates are available on request; minimum group and pricing details are provided on application.
Yes — the bar will be open from 6pm on Friday and Saturday and you may stay after your Experience to enjoy drinks, with exceptions for earlier Saturday and Sunday sessions.
Sky Wave’s distillery occupies a creative corner of Bicester Motion, linking craft distillation to a site known for repurposed industrial and motorsport buildings.
The distillery emphasizes responsible tasting, waste reduction and sourcing botanicals locally when possible to reduce transport impact.
The Sky Wave Distilling Company is a boutique distillery and tasting venue located in Launton, England, operating within the restored structures of a World War II RAF base at Bicester Heritage. The company produces award-winning gins and runs hands-on experiences for visitors, blending craft distillation with local motoring history. Guests can book a guided distillery tour with a tutored tasting of three distinct gins, or join the Sky Wave Cocktail Masterclass to learn mixology techniques and create three signature cocktails. Each experience is led by knowledgeable staff who explain gin-making processes, botanical selection, and flavour profiling. The distillery uses traditional and modern methods to produce small-batch spirits, and tastings focus on helping guests identify aromatic notes, juniper balance, and complementary mixers. The cocktail masterclass combines historical context with practical instruction in a boutique bar setting, offering a social, educational activity suitable for friends, couples, and small groups. Sky Wave Distilling Company's location at Bicester Heritage adds authenticity and a unique backdrop, linking craft gin to a site of aviation and automotive heritage. The business emphasizes safety, attentive service, and clear guidance during tours and classes. Booking information, accessibility details, and the latest tour schedules are available through official channels. Visitors seeking a curated gin experience in Oxfordshire will find both an informative distillery visit and an engaging cocktail workshop that highlight local craftsmanship and award-winning products. Groups and private hires can arrange tailored sessions for corporate events, stag and hen parties, and special celebrations with advance online booking confirmation.
Book with The Sky Wave Distilling Company