York: Hooting Owl Distillery Tour & Guided Gin Tasting

Summary

York gin tasting tour with stories, local spirits and a friendly welcome

You’ll sip your way through Yorkshire gins at Hooting Owl Distillery in York, hear quirky stories from your guide, and sample spirits straight from the source. Expect laughter, hands-on tastings, and a relaxed vibe where you can stay as long as you like after your tour wraps up.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a glass before I even get my coat off — that’s how the Hooting Owl Distillery tour in York started for us. I picked the gin (classic move), but you could go for their rum or vodka too. The place smells like fresh citrus peel and something herbal, not quite juniper. Our guide — think Yorkshire warmth with a sly sense of humor — waved us over to this copper still that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale, honestly.

We shuffled around the distillery, glasses in hand, while she explained how they make their Yorkshire gins. There was this bit about Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins — part history, part myth? I’m still not sure where the truth ends and the tall tales begin, but it made me grin. She let us taste little samples as we went: one gin had this weirdly comforting hint of heather, another almost tasted like black pepper on the finish. Someone tried to pronounce “Tyton” properly and got a round of good-natured teasing from the staff.

I didn’t expect to care about the distillation process but watching the team measure botanicals by hand felt oddly calming. The whole thing took just over an hour — enough time to feel unrushed but not so long you start checking your phone. At the end, we could pick any spirit for a full pour; I went back to gin (creature of habit), though my friend swore by their spiced rum. You can hang out at their bar after if you want. We lingered longer than planned because it just felt easy there — no pressure to leave right away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Distillery tour and gin tasting

• Receive welcome drink
• Tour the distillery
• Learn distillation process
• Discover Sir Owlfred's journey
• Taste Yorkshire gins
• Sample rum and vodka
• Enjoy full measure spirit
• Relax at the bar

Top questions

How long does the Hooting Owl Distillery tour last?

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Is there a welcome drink included on this York gin tasting tour?

Yes, you get a welcome Hooting Owl gin, rum or vodka with mixer of your choice.

Do I need to book in advance for the distillery tour?

The reference doesn’t specify but booking ahead is usually recommended for tours like this.

Are children or infants allowed on the distillery tour?

Infants and small children can attend if in a pram or stroller.

Is the Hooting Owl Distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What spirits will I taste during the guided tasting?

You’ll taste Yorkshire Gins plus samples of their rum and vodka range.

Can I stay at the bar after my distillery tour ends?

Yes, guests are welcome to stay at the bar which is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Are service animals allowed at Hooting Owl Distillery?

Yes, service animals are allowed on site.

What’s included

Your visit includes a welcome drink (choose from Hooting Owl gin, rum or vodka with mixer), a guided tour through the working distillery with tastings along the way of Yorkshire gins plus samples of their rum and vodka. At the end you’ll get a full measure of your favorite spirit from their range of 25 artisan options—and you’re free to relax at their bar afterwards as long as you like.