“Thoroughly enjoyed my experience... Our host for the evening was very informative and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.”

— TripAdvisor

The Experience

The Whiskey Thing / Portobello Star

1. Arrival

On the day of your experience, please arrive at Portobello Distillery @ The Star, 171 Portobello Road W11 2DY, where we will check you in and you will meet your fellow guests and instructor.

2. Demystified

Starting with a multi-sensory explaination of flavours and characteristics that we can find in whiskey, incorporating aroma, flavour, taste and touch, which aims to demystify the whiskey tasting experience. Exploring the way whiskey is produced, crafted and sampling the components that gives whiskey that unique and unforgetable flavour.

3. Tasted

Then move on to a comprehensive comparative tasting of 10 different malt whiskeys from around the world which will illustrate the breadth and diversity of the category.

4. Blended

Time to work on your own blend, breaking down the flavours you enjoy and discussing how to make the perfect personal blend. You'll look at the different flavour categories and styles and taste an exciting array of premuim whiskies from a range of famous whiskey houses.

5. Graduate

Celebrate graduating as a whiskey connoisseur with a specially crafted cocktail using an extra batch of your very own recipe.

Gift Vouchers

The perfect gift for any whiskey lover or for those who are excited about experiencing one of the most diverse and interesting spirit categories in the world.

Includes your own full 70cl bottle of blended whiskey curated on the day with over 15 malt and grain whiskeys to choose from.

Hosted by one of our whiskey experts it includes two whiskey cocktails; a large 10 spirit whiskey tasting; a in-depth look into flavour profiles and the art of the blend, and culminates in the blending of you very own 70cl bottle of blended whiskey. Tickets are valid for up to one year. To redeem your session please simply make a booking enquiry online and ensure you bring your vouchers on the day.

Experiences

The Whiskey Thing / Portobello Star

Name: The Whiskey Thing / Portobello Star
Brand: The Whiskey Thing
Price: 120.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

From the team behind the highly acclaimed Ginstitute comes our educatory experience The Whiskey Thing. An in-depth look into the wonderful category of Whiskey, covering everything from history and production to flavour profiles and most importantly of all, tastings. With 10 spirit tastings from a curated selection of premium global whiskies, this is a unique opportunity for whiskey connoisseurs as well as the perfect introduction to the category for whiskey novices. Once guests have explored the production process, what goes into the spirit and what tastes and flavours they enjoy, they will ultimately blend their own ‘one of one’ 70cl bottle to take home. The Team have carefully selected whiskeys from around the world, including rare blends, meaning the whiskeys enjoyed and blended on The Whiskey Thing make it a truly exclusive experience.

Can I visit The Ginstitute as a distillery tour?

The Ginstitute goes beyond a standard distillery tour — you don't just watch, you make your own gin. The experience includes a guided history of distilling, a full botanical education, hands-on blending on our copper pot still, and multiple cocktails, finishing with your own labelled bottle to take home. It is one of the only experiences in London where you leave with a gin you personally distilled.

Is The Ginstitute suitable for a weekend activity or special occasion in London?

The Ginstitute is a popular choice for birthdays, hen parties, corporate events, date nights and weekend visits to London. Sessions run on weekdays and weekends and last approximately three hours. Private sessions are available for groups. Gift vouchers are also available with a year's grace to book, making it an ideal present for gin lovers.

How is The Ginstitute different from other gin experiences in London?

Unlike tasting-only experiences, The Ginstitute lets every guest actually distil and blend their own gin using a working copper pot still. The experience combines gin history, botanical education, hands-on blending, and cocktails — all hosted in an intimate setting above one of London's most famous streets. With over 130,000 guests since 2011 and a 5-star Tripadvisor rating, it is consistently ranked among the top distillery experiences in the UK.

Can I design my own gin recipe at The Ginstitute?

es — designing your own bespoke gin recipe is the centrepiece of the experience. You'll nose and taste a range of pure botanical distillates, then select your favourites to create a completely unique blend. Your Ginstructor helps you balance the recipe before you bottle a full 70cl of your creation to take home. Your recipe is saved on our database so you can reorder your personal gin at any time.

What is The Ginstitute experience?

The Ginstitute is London's most immersive gin distilling experience, hosted above a 19th century pub on the world-famous Portobello Road. Over approximately three hours, your Ginstructor guides you through the colourful history of gin, from its Dutch origins through the infamous Gin Craze, to its modern revival. You'll nose your way through pure botanical distillates, design your own bespoke recipe, blend it on our 30L alembic copper pot still Copernicus II, and leave with a full 70cl bottle of your own personally created gin. Multiple cocktails are included throughout the session. Rated 5 stars on Tripadvisor with over 130,000 guests to date.

Where is The Ginstitute located?

The Ginstitute is located on the iconic Portobello Road in Notting Hill, West London. The nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove. The full address is 171 Portobello Road, W11 2DY.

Do you have an e-voucher or digital version?

Yes, as soon as your voucher code is processed, you will receive an email that contains your e-voucher.

Will my ticket expire?

Your ticket will be valid for one year after purchase.

I’m not 18, can I come?

No. I am afraid you have to be of legal drinking age.

When should I expect delivery of my vouchers?

Dispatched via Royal Mail. Please allow 3 – 5 working days.

Do you hold sessions outside of London?

Occasionally we do bring the Ginstitute on tour. Make sure you sign up to our mailing list and follow us on social media for these details.

Can I re-order the spirit I create?

Yes, if you created a bespoke gin with us please click here. We’ll keep the recipe and give you a code that’s unique to your creation. You can also re-order your Whiskey if you did our Whiskey Thing Experience.

What if I need to cancel?

As long as you give us 48 hours notice, you will be able to rebook another session.

What if I need a refund?

Please check our Shipping and Returns policy specfic to your purchase located at the bottom of every page.

What should I do if I have more than 12 guests?

Can I send gift vouchers to another address?

Yes. Please select the option for alternate shipping address during checkout.