Dublin: Gin Masterclass with Welcome Drink & Tasting Flight

Gin tasting with real distillery know-how. At Stillgarden Distillery in Dublin, I like that the experience is built around a guided tasting of 4 signature gins plus a welcome drink, not just a quick pour and walk-by. You also get a wall of 120 botanicals to connect the flavors to the ingredients and the craft behind them.

I also appreciate that it is hosted by Stillgarden liquid experts, so the session ends with a Q&A and you can ask practical questions about the spirits. Plus, your ticket includes afternoon tea with a selection of cakes and sandwiches, which makes the afternoon feel like a full plan, not a rushed stop.

One thing to consider: the guided class is tightly timed to 60 minutes, so if you want an ultra technical, step-by-step gin education, you might find it more of a polished overview than a deep, every-detail immersion, especially at $45 per person.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• A welcome drink included, and it sets the tone for the tasting flight
• 4 signature gins sampled with a guided format
• A wall of 120 botanicals and an explanation of the inspiration behind the lineup
• Afternoon tea included, with cakes and sandwiches plus mixers
• End-of-class Q&A with Stillgarden liquid experts
• Stay in the bar after, with the option to play corn-hole

Stillgarden Distillery in Dublin: what makes this gin masterclass different

Stillgarden Distillery is the real center of gravity here. You are not tasting in a shop window, and you are not hearing gin talk in theory. The session is set up to show how modern Irish gin is built, starting from botanicals and moving into the history of distillation and the equipment used to create the range.

What I like most for value is the way the experience bundles education with actual tastings, plus food. That means you can leave with both memories and a better sense of what to order next time you are in a bar. And since it runs with English live guidance, you will not need to translate the craft in your head.

The 60-minute class flow: botanicals wall, distillation basics, and Q&A

Plan on a guided session lasting 60 minutes. That includes the tastings and the explanation, and it ends with a Q&A with one of Stillgarden’s liquid experts. The structure matters, because gin can get overwhelming fast if you are handed four glasses without context.

Here is the experience in a straightforward order:

1. You learn the gin inspiration behind Stillgarden’s modern Irish spirits range.
2. You get a guided look at the history of distillation, which gives you the simple framework behind how spirit styles are created.
3. You explore the wall of 120 botanicals, which helps you understand how an idea becomes flavor in the glass.
4. You taste 4 signature gins as part of a single tasting flight.
5. You finish with a Q&A, so you can ask questions that match your interests.

This is the kind of format that works for a wide range of people. If you are new to gin, the botanicals wall gives you something concrete to connect to flavor. If you already know gin basics, the distillation overview and Q&A give you a chance to tighten your understanding and compare what you taste to what you were told.

The tasting flight: 4 signature gins plus your welcome drink

The heart of the ticket is your tasting flight. You will sample 4 signature gins, and the class also includes a welcome drink and a mixer. In other words, you are not paying just for a sip at the beginning. You are paying for a guided flight that is meant to be tasted in sequence.

A practical tip: when you get the welcome drink, treat it as your warm-up. Use that first pour to get your bearings, then pay attention to how the next gins shift. The session is designed around inspiration and botanicals, so you will likely find yourself comparing herbals, spice impressions, and what feels more citrus-forward versus more floral or earthy.

One caution from my perspective: the class is only an hour. That is great for keeping the experience light and fun, but it can feel like a quick tour if you are expecting a deep technical breakdown of each gin in isolation. The good news is that the Q&A gives you a place to ask follow-up questions.

Afternoon tea and mixers: making the tasting feel complete

I like that the ticket includes afternoon tea, with a selection of cakes and sandwiches. Gin tastings can be fun, but they also come with a risk of feeling like a snack after. Here, you get a proper food component so the whole experience feels like an afternoon plan you would actually want to book, even if gin is only one part of what you are in the mood for.

Also included is a mixer as part of the tasting setup. That matters because it changes how you perceive gin. With gin, one person’s favorite sip can become another person’s “interesting but not for me” depending on how it is served. Having mixer included helps you adjust and explore without needing to buy extra.

If you like pairing drinks with bites, this part is a strong reason to book. It turns the tasting into something more relaxed and satisfying, instead of feeling like you are rushing from glass to glass.

Sustainability and the community garden: the story beyond the glass

Stillgarden does not frame gin only as flavor. The session touches on the company ethos and references sustainability projects and a zero food waste policy. Even if you are not a sustainability superfan, it adds a layer of meaning to your tasting, because you are seeing the distillery as a living operation rather than a one-time attraction.

Then there is the garden angle. You can visit the on-site community garden, where many of the botanicals are grown. If you enjoy plants and want to connect the tasting to a physical place, this is a nice bonus. There is also a Social Botanist Project, and the distillery mentions sign-ups for involvement.

They also note that on Sundays there are meet-ups for gardening, foraging, or wildlife walks, followed by relaxing back at the distillery with a complimentary drink. If you want your gin trip to feel like a more local, outdoorsy Dublin day, that Sunday schedule could match your style.

After the masterclass: bar time and cornhole

One of the easiest ways to get more value out of a paid tasting is to stay for the extra atmosphere. After the class, you are welcome to linger in the bar for further drinks. They even mention the option to play corn-hole, which sounds like the kind of low-pressure social break that makes a tasting feel less formal.

This matters if you like your activities to include a little downtime. You can ask one more question while you browse, try something else that fits what you learned, or just take the edge off after an hour of guided tasting.

Price and value: is $45 a fair deal?

At $45 per person, this ticket is priced like a guided, bundled experience. The math is not just “four gin samples.” You also get a welcome drink, a 4-gin tasting flight with mixer, and afternoon tea with cakes and sandwiches, all wrapped into a 60-minute guided class plus a Q&A.

So where does the value land?

• If you want gin education plus food plus a guided tasting format, $45 can feel like a solid package deal. You are paying for structure, not just alcohol.
• If you are primarily there for a deep technical gin seminar, the 60-minute format may feel like it does not go far enough for the price.

My practical advice is to decide what you want this to be: an enjoyable Dublin afternoon with tasting and tea, or a serious deep-dive training session. This experience leans toward the former, with Q&A to cover personal curiosity.

Who should book this Dublin gin masterclass

You will likely enjoy this most if:

• You want a guided Dublin gin tasting that includes context, not just pours
• You like learning about botanicals and how they show up in flavor
• You want a plan that includes food, with afternoon tea as part of the ticket
• You enjoy hands-on, personable Q&A with distillery staff

You might want to think twice if:

• You are looking for long, ultra technical explanations during the tasting itself
• You expect gin variety to be the main focus without the botanical and distillation story
• Your budget needs a lighter, more basic tasting without tea

Also, the experience is not suitable for children under 18. That is relevant if you are traveling as a family, and it helps set the tone for a more adult afternoon.

Practical tips for a smooth session

A few practical notes can save you time and awkward moments:

• Sessions run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and starting times vary, so check availability before you lock your plan.
• It runs rain or shine.
• Let them know ahead of time if you want non gin or non-alcoholic options. They explicitly say options are available if requested at booking.
• It is wheelchair accessible, which is helpful if mobility is a concern.
• The space has a few rules, including no baby strollers or carriages, no climbing, and no bare feet.

If you want the full experience, also decide whether you will stay in the bar afterward. The masterclass is guided for 60 minutes, but the fun can continue at your pace once the session ends.

Should you book Stillgarden’s gin tasting masterclass?

If you want a well-rounded Dublin afternoon that mixes a guided Modern Irish gin tasting with botanicals education and real food, I’d book this. The welcome drink, 4-gin flight, and end-of-class Q&A create a satisfying arc, and the afternoon tea makes it feel like more than a quick activity.

Skip it only if your main goal is a long, highly technical gin lecture. The time is limited, and the format is designed for an approachable experience that balances story, tasting, and tea.

FAQ

What is included in the Stillgarden gin tasting ticket?

Your ticket includes a welcome drink, a 4 gin tasting flight with mixer, and a fully guided masterclass. It also includes afternoon tea with cakes and sandwiches.

How long is the gin masterclass?

The guided class lasts 60 minutes. Sessions end with a Q&A from one of Stillgarden’s liquid experts.

Can I book a time, and do sessions have different start times?

Yes. You can check availability to see starting times. Public sessions run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Are there non-alcoholic or non-gin options?

Yes. Non gin and non alcoholic options are available, but you need to let them know at the time of booking.

Is this experience suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

What is the venue policy for weather and conditions?

The tour takes place rain or shine.