Small groups invited to gin school

Groups of up to 20 can learn a new skill by taking part in a gin experience in 2016.

An experience at 45 Gin School in Leicestershire takes place in a working distillery and gives guests the chance to meet famous distiller Jamie Baxter, who creates Burleighs Dry London Gin on site.

The distillery is at Bawdon Lodge Farm, based in the Leicestershire countryside and can cater for a half day experience, which will teach visitors about what it takes to produce craft distiller gin on a 450 litre copper pot still, named Messy Bessy, before they choose their own botanicals out of a choice of 120 different ingredients.

Most recipes contain between four and 12 botanicals.

Guests will then weigh their botanicals guided by Jamie, followed by the chance to distil the gin in a hand-crafted Portuguese pot still, made from copper to allow a smoother flavour. Finally, the gin will be bottled and sealed, ready to take home.

The experience also includes a tour of the craft distillery, where visitors can learn about the history of gin and distilling.

Complementary tea and coffee will be provided along with Burleighs gin and tonics (to enjoy whilst waiting for the gin to distil) and breakfast, lunch or light refreshments can also be provided courtesy of a local deli.

For more information visit www.45ginschool.com.