What is included in the tasting?

A full G&T on arrival, generous tasters of core gins, small nibbles, guided tasting notes, a history of gin, and a final full serve of your favourite.

Can non-drinkers attend?

A lemonade option is offered on arrival, but the event is designed around gin tasting — consider contacting the distillery for alternative arrangements.

Is the space accessible?

The building has steps with a railing and shared hotel toilets; a hearing loop is available. If you have specific access needs, contact the operator ahead of booking.

Can I buy bottles at the event?

Yes — there is a 10% discount on purchases made on the day, and an upgrade option bundles a large bottle with the tasting.

What is the minimum age?

This is an adult-only experience for guests aged 18 and over; Challenge 25 ID checks are in place.

What is the cancellation policy?

Tickets can be cancelled up to two weeks before the event; the distillery reserves the right to refund sessions if fewer than four guests are booked.

Sip and Story: York Distillery Gin Tasting Experience

York Distillery’s Gin Tasting, hosted inside Middleton’s Hotel in York, England, is an evening-sized encounter with craft spirit that reads part tasting class, part social hour. In a low-lit speakeasy-style room warmed by gleaming copper pot stills and lined with shelves of branded bottles, a York Distillery expert guides groups (maximum 30) through generous tasters of their flagship gins, finishes with a full G&T of your chosen pour, and punctuates each sample with serving tips and characterful stories. The meeting point is York Distillery (within Middleton’s Hotel); sessions are scheduled for about 1 hour 45 minutes and are restricted to adults 18+ (Challenge 25 applies). The format is straightforward and welcoming: a perfect-serve G&T greets you on arrival — seasonal variations appear in November and December with a Festive Sparkly cocktail — followed by measured tasters of core expressions. Expect practical notes on botanicals such as juniper-forward blends, citrus peels, and warm spice accents, plus discussion of distillation choices that shape aroma and mouthfeel. Small complimentary nibbles are served, and the tasting closes with a full serve of your favourite gin so you can compare the taster impression to a bar-quality serve. The space itself is a highlight of the experience: it feels like a boutique speakeasy rather than a production warehouse. Access includes a short flight of steps with a railing and shared toilet facilities via Middleton’s Hotel reception; a hearing loop is available for audio access. This makes the tasting particularly suited to visitors who want an intimate, instructive night out without the logistics of a long factory tour. The operator asks guests to arrive on time, allows two hours for the session though it typically runs 90 minutes, and reserves the right to cancel with small group sizes. Tickets can be cancelled up to two weeks before the event; the distillery also reserves the right to refund the session if fewer than four guests are booked. Why book? For travellers tracing York’s social scene, this tasting is a compact way to learn regional craft and taste award-winning bottles without committing a half-day. The combination of convivial hosting, generous pours, and a 10% discount on purchases makes it a practical souvenir opportunity — and upgrading to the Gin Tasting & Large Bottle Package saves £10 for visitors who want a take-home statement piece. Who should come: curious drinkers, friends celebrating a night out, couples on an evening stroll from the Minster, and anyone who prefers expert-led, social tastings to self-guided tours. Bring ID, an appetite to compare botanicals, comfortable shoes for the short step up, and a readiness to take home a bottle if a distillery favourite captures your taste. Book early on weekends; evening sessions often sell out very fast.