York Distillery - a home of York Gin — Local services in Great Britain

Having experienced the York Gin tasting in their charming city centre shop two years ago, I wasn’t sure how the new venue would compare. But from the moment we arrived, any doubts I had disappeared. The new location is a triumph – thoughtfully finished, beautifully styled, and with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

I treated my wife and her parents to the tasting as a special treat, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences we’ve shared in a long time.

The new space strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and relaxed. It’s beautifully presented – sleek without being sterile. The décor pays subtle homage to gin’s rich history while remaining modern and inviting. It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into creating an environment that both educates and entertains.

We were greeted by Tim, our host for the evening, who immediately set the tone with his friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable approach. He made everyone feel instantly at ease, offering a refreshing G&T on arrival along with a lovely selection of nibbles. This was a great touch – not only did it whet our palates, but it also gave us a moment to settle in and chat before diving into the tasting itself.

The experience wasn’t just about sipping gin – it was about discovering it. Tim guided us through the fascinating history of gin, from its medicinal roots to the juniper-fuelled madness of the Gin Craze and its modern-day renaissance. His storytelling was captivating and packed with interesting facts, delivered with passion and just the right amount of humour.

We then moved on to the real stars of the show – the gins themselves. York Gin’s range is seriously impressive, and the tasting was designed to help us explore the nuances of each variety. From the classic London Dry to more experimental and infused options, each one had its own character. What really set this tasting apart was the clever way different tonics were paired to bring out subtle flavour notes – citrus, spice, floral tones – transforming the same gin in surprising ways. Tim encouraged us to mix, taste, question, and explore, which made the experience incredibly interactive and personal.

What made this place truly special was the sense of care and craft – both in the gin and the hosting. It didn’t feel like a touristy tasting churned out by the numbers. It felt bespoke, personal, and thoughtfully paced. We were never rushed, and each pour came with context and conversation. My wife and her parents absolutely loved it – and we all left feeling a little more like gin connoisseurs!

York Gin’s new tasting venue has taken an already great experience and elevated it to something exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned gin drinker or just curious, it’s a brilliantly fun, informative, and flavour-filled event. And with hosts like Tim – knowledgeable, passionate, and personable – it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend an afternoon or evening in York.

Highly recommended. We’ll definitely be back – and bringing more...

Gin, History and Laughter – A Perfect Naval Reunion in York

We booked a private gin tasting at York Gin as part of our naval reunion with wives and partners and it was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we stepped into the tasting venue we were warmly welcomed by Emma M (Gin Spice) who instantly made us feel at home and set the tone for a relaxed but fascinating afternoon.

We started in the best way possible with a perfectly poured gin and tonic before Emma guided us through the story of gin, from its colourful and sometimes chaotic history to the creation of York Gin itself. She brought the history alive with humour and enthusiasm, weaving in local tales and anecdotes that kept everyone engaged and entertained.

The tasting of York Gin’s award winning range was a highlight. Each gin had its own unique character, crafted with local botanicals and inspired by York’s heritage. From the classic London Dry to the Old Tom and Chocolate and Orange, the quality and attention to detail shone through. Emma helped us pick out flavours and appreciate the differences, and everyone left with a new personal favourite.

The venue was intimate and well suited to our group, allowing plenty of time to taste, talk and share laughs together. For a reunion it was the perfect mix of fun, learning and indulgence.

All of us came away impressed not just with the gins themselves but with the pride, creativity and passion that clearly run through everything York Gin does. It was a brilliant afternoon, a highlight of our weekend and an experience we would recommend to anyone...

What an absolutely fantastic day and experience. My friend and I had booked a few days in York for a holiday, and as a lover of York Gin I thought it would be nice for us to attend a gin tasting. To begin with, when I went to book online, the dates we wanted were not available. However, after a quick message to them online, they said they would open up a date if we requested one. Turns out we were the only people there that day, so the fact they did this just for us was incredible. It also made it far more personal and intimate as an experience. We were led by Emma who is a founder of the company, and not only was she passionate and informative, but she was down to earth and so friendly too. You can tell that she and the team behind York Gin really care about the product, the community and the customers. I’m just sad I don’t live nearer to York!! A highly recommended, five...