Distillery Tour & Tasting at Essex Spirits Co, Chelmsford
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; comfortable mobility for stairs is beneficial.
Overview
Step inside Essex Spirits Co in Chelmsford for a hands-on distillery tour and tasting. Meet the founder, see the craft in action, and sample an authentic range of locally made gins, vodka, and rum.
Tour & Tasting
Ages 18+ • 2 hours • Behind the Scenes Distillery Tour & Tasting at Essex Spirit Co
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About This Adventure
Discover the art of spirit-making at Essex Spirits Co's distillery tour in Chelmsford! Enjoy a welcome drink, explore the production process, and taste a selection of gins, vodka, and rum. Led by the founder, this immersive experience offers insights into local craftsmanship and a chance to purchase your favorites at a discount.
Duration: Approx 2 hours (please allow longer if booking taxi as you are welcome to stay after the session)
EVER WANTED TO KNOW HOW WE MAKE ALL THESE DELICIOUS BEVERAGES?!
Well, come on down to Essex Spirits Co and see first hand at our central Chelmsford 'ESSEX DISTILLERY'.
So, what does a tour entail?
Welcome to our distillery shop & tasting room where you will be met with an Essex Spirits Co drink & mixer of your choice!
There will then be a short talk about Essex Spirits Co & why we do what we do, before you are taken down into our distillery & production room, where we will explain our processes & how we distill, blend & bottle every drop of Essex Spirits Co products.
We will then head back upstairs to our shop & tasting room where you will get the chance to try the full range of Essex Spirits Co 'core products' which includes.. 3 gins, 1 vodka, 1 rum (and if you ask nicely maybe some of our current seasonal releases!).
This tour will usually be led by our founder & head distiller, Zane, so save up any questions for the end where you can mingle and enjoy a drink at your leisure.
Don't forget to purchase your favourite bottle from the tour at our store afterwards as you will get a 10% discount on any purchases made on the day!
We can't wait to see you...
Cheers!
BUT I'M NOT DRINKING....
Have no fear, we appreciate you may not be drinking for a number of reasons but would still like to come on the tour. Please simply select 'Designated Driver' from the drop down menu.
You will receive the exact same tour experience as everyone else, except you will be welcomed with a soft drink at the start (we even have local juices & sodas) and we'll also give you 5 x 15ml samples of our range of products to take away for you to enjoy at your leisure (or gift to someone like your last rolo)
Highlights
- Peak behind the scenes at how we produce our epic locally produced spirits
- Tasting session with one of our experts!
Includes
- Welcome Drink
- Distillery Tour
- Tasting Session of our core products
Excludes
- Under 18's
- Making your own spirits - that's our other tour!
Important to Know
Please be aware due to licensing we are only able to host people over the age of 18 at the distillery, we operate a challenge 25 policy so please take it as a compliment if we ask you for ID on arrival for a tour.
PLEASE NOTE THE SHOP & TASTING ROOM IS SITUATED ON A 1ST FLOOR MEZZANINE LEVEL
We are more than happy to host you or your guests but if you feel any of your party may struggle to make it upstairs then please let us know in advance & we can arrange a downstairs table for you to sit at before & after the tour.
Meeting Point
The Essex Distillery, Unit 32 Waterhouse Business Center, 2 Cromar Way, Chelmsford CM1 2QE, United Kingdom
Adventure Tips
Bring a valid ID
You must be over 18 and will be asked for ID due to licensing laws.
Designated driver options available
Non-drinkers receive soft drinks and take-home samples, ensuring full participation.
Wear comfortable shoes
There is a short walk downstairs to the distillery floor and back upstairs to the tasting room on a mezzanine level.
Plan for parking or transit
The distillery is in a business complex; public transport or pre-booked taxis are recommended for ease.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red kites soaring overhead
- Urban foxes spotted at dusk
History
Chelmsford was granted city status in 2012 and has deep historical roots dating back to Roman Britain, reflecting a rich industrial and cultural past.
Conservation
Essex Spirits Co emphasizes sustainable sourcing and local production to reduce transport emissions and support regional agriculture.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
To easily navigate stairs between the distillery floor and tasting room.
Valid Photo ID
Required for age verification due to legal tasting regulations.
Notebook or digital device
For jotting down tasting notes and learnings about spirit production.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated before or after tastings, especially during summer visits.