THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Essex Spirits Co
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Operated by Essex Spirits Co · Chelmsford, England
Chelmsford, the county town of Essex in England, is home to Essex Spirits Co, a vibrant distillery offering a distinctive immersion into the craft of spirit-making. This two-hour behind-the-scenes tour and tasting session unfolds inside a dynamic industrial complex at Unit 32 Waterhouse Business Center, where heritage and hands-on craftsmanship collide.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a signature Essex Spirits Co drink, setting the tone for a relaxed yet informative experience led by founder and head distiller Zane Chiswell-Rivas. The tour kicks off with an introduction to the distillery’s philosophy and dedication to quality, highlighting the local ingredients and time-honored techniques that define their gins, vodka, and rum.
Descending into the production space reveals gleaming copper stills and rows of aging barrels that anchor the manufacturing process. Here, visitors witness how raw botanicals and precise distillation converge to create distinct spirits. The sensory aspect deepens during the tasting back upstairs, where sampling the full range—including three gins, a smooth vodka, and rich rum—connects flavor experience with the craft behind it.
Essex Spirits Co stands out in the Chelmsford outdoor and cultural scene as an accessible yet authentic destination—offering insight into a booming local craft distilling movement without feeling staged or commercialized. The setting itself is surrounded by a mix of historic Essex industrial facilities and natural green spaces, making it an ideal stop for travelers seeking a practical glimpse of artisan production culture.
Visitors who find a new favorite bottle can purchase on site with a 10% discount, further rooting the connection between guests and local craftmanship. The company’s open approach to accommodating designated drivers and providing non-alcoholic options underscores its inclusive spirit.
Essex Spirits Co is a must-visit for any adventurer curious about England’s flourishing spirits scene, delivering both education and taste in a distinctly hands-on way.
easy.
2 hours.
No special physical fitness required; comfortable mobility for stairs is beneficial.
No, guests must be over 18 due to licensing requirements.
Yes, there is parking in the Waterhouse Business Center, but space is limited; public transport is recommended.
Yes, you receive a 10% discount on any purchases made on the day of the tour.
Designated drivers and non-drinkers receive soft drinks and take-home samples to enjoy later.
The tasting room is on a 1st-floor mezzanine without elevator access; please notify the distillery in advance for accommodations.
Yes, the tours are typically led by founder and head distiller Zane Chiswell-Rivas who welcomes questions at the end.
Chelmsford was granted city status in 2012 and has deep historical roots dating back to Roman Britain, reflecting a rich industrial and cultural past.
Essex Spirits Co emphasizes sustainable sourcing and local production to reduce transport emissions and support regional agriculture.
Essex Spirits Co is a craft distillery based in Chelmsford, England, offering hands‑on distillery experiences and guided tastings. The distillery operates a Tour & Tasting that starts with a welcome drink, includes a walk‑through of the production process, and provides guided tastings of gin, vodka and rum. The Tour & Tasting is presented by the founder, giving visitors direct insight into the distillation approach used on site and the local craftsmanship behind the spirits. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase bottles at a discount during the tour. For a more participatory session, Essex Spirits Co runs a Make Your Own workshop. Participants enjoy a welcome drink, learn the basics of distillation, taste a range of botanicals and ingredients, and design a personalised vodka, gin or rum. Finished bottles are taken home, and the distillery saves each visitor’s recipe for future orders, enabling reorders of a visitor’s exact spirit and keeping a recipe record for convenient repeat purchases later. Essex Spirits Co focuses on small‑batch craft production and experiential visits in Chelmsford. The distillery emphasises hands‑on learning and direct engagement with the spirit‑making process. Booking details and session availability are provided by the distillery at reservation; visitors are advised to check availability and book in advance to secure space on the preferred Tour & Tasting or Make Your Own session.
Book with Essex Spirits Co