Nestled in the heart of Ellesmere, near Shrewsbury, The Shropshire Distillery is more than just a place where spirits are crafted—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast, a budding mixologist, or simply curious about the art of distillation, our distillery offers an unforgettable journey into the world of premium small-batch spirits. From our highly rated Gin & Vodka School to our engaging distillery tours, here are ten compelling reasons to visit us at The Shropshire Distillery.
1. Make Your Own Gin at Our Gin School
Our Gin School is one of the highlights of The Shropshire Distillery experience. Guided by our expert alchemists, you’ll have the unique opportunity to craft your very own bespoke gin. Using your very own dedicated copper still and a selection of botanicals, you’ll design a recipe tailored to your taste. At the end of the session, you’ll take home a 70cl bottle of your own creation, complete with a personalised label.
Gin-making experiences have surged in popularity, with many distilleries offering their own versions. However, at The Shropshire Distillery, we maintain our 5 star rating and a strong focus on the craftsmanship and personal touch that comes with small-batch production. Our one-shot method ensures that every botanical is distilled together, creating a smooth and balanced flavour profile. You can learn more about this method in detail through The Difford's Guide.
2. Take Part in a 5-Star Rated Distillery Tour
We’re proud to hold a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, and our distillery tours are one of the main reasons why. Our guided distillery tour takes you behind the scenes, giving you an insight into the art and science of distilling. You’ll see our copper pot stills, Jean and Anne, in action as you discover how we transform carefully selected botanicals into award-winning spirits.
Tours include a guided tasting of three different gins from The Shropshire Gin Collection, allowing you to explore the range of flavours and find your personal favourite.
3. Exceptional Small-Batch Craftsmanship
At The Shropshire Distillery, we specialise in small-batch production. This means that each batch is carefully monitored and crafted with precision. Unlike large-scale distilleries, small-batch production allows us to focus on quality over quantity. Our one-shot method ensures that the botanicals are distilled together, creating a well-balanced and pure flavour profile.
Small-batch spirits are increasingly recognised for their superior quality and unique taste. According to The Spirits Business, the craft gin movement has been driving significant growth in the spirits industry, with consumers seeking more authentic and personalised experiences.
4. Sample Our Award-Winning Spirits
Our spirits have received multiple awards, reflecting the quality and expertise that go into every bottle. From our classic Dry Gin to innovative flavours like Cherry & Pink Peppercorn and Grapefruit & Hop Gin, each spirit showcases a carefully crafted balance of botanicals.
Our latest release, Apple & Honey Gin, is distilled using Hilltop Blossom Honey and crisp apples to capture the essence of spring. It’s a perfect example of how we blend seasonal ingredients with expert distillation to create something truly special.
5. Learn from Expert Distillers
Our distillers bring years of experience and a deep passion for their craft. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to meet the team behind the spirits and ask any questions you have about the distillation process. Our commitment to transparency means you’ll learn exactly what goes into making our spirits, from the botanicals we use to the techniques we employ.
Our lead alchemist, Emma, is passionate about educating visitors on the finer details of distilling and the science behind flavour.
6. Enjoy a Cocktail Masterclass
If you love cocktails, our Cocktail Experience is the perfect experience for you. You’ll learn how to mix and balance flavours while creating three different cocktails using our premium spirits. It’s a relaxed and interactive session designed to boost your confidence in cocktail-making.
Cocktail-making experiences are increasingly popular in the UK. According to a report by The Drinks Business, the demand for premium cocktails and mixology experiences has grown significantly in recent years.
7. Convenient Location Near Shrewsbury
The Shropshire Distillery is located in Ellesmere, just a short drive from Shrewsbury. This makes it an ideal day trip destination for anyone visiting or living in Shropshire and the surrounding areas. Our central location allows visitors to explore the wider region while enjoying a distillery experience rooted in local craftsmanship.
Shrewsbury itself is known for its historic charm, independent shops, and vibrant food and drink scene. Pairing a visit to The Shropshire Distillery with a trip to Shrewsbury makes for a memorable and well-rounded day out.
8. Unique Gift Ideas – Including Miniature Bottles
Our 5cl Tasting Sets make the perfect gift for any craft spirit lover. They offer a chance to sample different flavours without committing to a full-size bottle. Each set comes with a cocktail card for inspiration, helping you create the perfect serve at home.
Miniatures are also a great choice for wedding favours, party gifts, or simply stocking up your home bar with a range of flavours. Gifting premium miniatures has become a growing trend among spirits enthusiasts.
9. Personal Touch and Friendly Atmosphere
At The Shropshire Distillery, you’re not just another visitor—you’re part of our story. We pride ourselves on offering a warm and welcoming environment where guests feel valued.
Our team loves sharing the history behind our distillery and the inspiration behind each product. This personal connection sets us apart from larger distilleries, where tours and experiences can feel more commercial.
10. Limited Edition and Exclusive Releases
As a small-batch distillery, we have the freedom to experiment with seasonal flavours and limited-edition releases. This means there’s always something new and exciting to try when you visit.
Our Apple & Honey Gin, available from 20th March 2025, is one such example. Once it’s gone, it’s gone—so visiting the distillery gives you the chance to sample and purchase exclusive releases before they sell out.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re looking to experience the best of Shropshire’s craft spirits, a visit to The Shropshire Distillery is a must. Whether you’re joining us to be a Distiller for The Day, exploring the distillery on a tour, or attending a cocktail making experience, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of distillation and a bottle of your new favourite spirit.
👉 Book Your Experience today and discover why The Shropshire Distillery is one of the UK’s leading craft distilleries.
Where to Stay
If you’re planning to make a trip of it, there are plenty of charming places to stay nearby. Ellesmere offers a variety of accommodation options, from cosy B&Bs to boutique accommodations and countryside retreats. For more information, visit our Places to Stay page.
Extend your visit and explore the historic charm of Ellesmere and Shrewsbury or the beautiful Shropshire countryside while indulging in a taste of our premium spirits.
Discover the taste of Shropshire. Experience the craft. Take home a piece of our story.
