Gin class, but not stuffy. This masterclass at Stillgarden Distillery is built for real learning and real tasting: you’ll hear what inspired their gin range, get a quick history of distillation, then sample four signature gins matched with mixers. The setup feels informal and intimate, like you’re hanging out with people who genuinely like the stuff—but the experience is only about an hour, so you won’t get an all-day crawl through everything they make.

I also like that the ticket includes the key parts up front: a welcome drink plus the full tasting flight experience, along with mixer pairings. You’ll finish with a Q&A led by one of their liquid experts, and there’s an optional chance to order more from their full menu afterward. One thing to consider: this is 18+ only, so it’s not designed for younger groups.

Key things to know before you go

• Welcome drink on arrival gets you into tasting mode right away
• 4-gin flight lets you compare styles instead of sipping just one
• Mixer matching means you’ll learn what changes when you add other flavors
• Q&A with a liquid expert gives you a chance to ask practical questions
• Maximum 22 people keeps the feel personal, not like a lecture hall
• Non-gin and non-alcohol options are available if you request them when booking

Stillgarden’s 1-hour Gin Masterclass: what you actually get

This is a focused, one-hour experience built around three goals: understand how distillation works, taste multiple gins side by side, and leave with a clearer sense of what you like. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys food and drink education but hates long, slow tours, this format is made for you.

The session starts in Dublin City, Inchicore (Dublin 8). You’ll arrive, get your bearings, and get a welcome drink included with your ticket. Then the host guides you through the story behind Stillgarden’s gin range—what inspired the formulas and how the team thinks about flavor.

From there, you’ll move into the tasting itself. The tasting flight includes 4 of their signature gins, and each one comes with a recommended mixer. That’s a smart way to learn, because gin isn’t just about the botanicals in a glass. It’s also about what happens when you pair it with something that changes the balance—sweetness, acidity, or fizz can steer the final taste in a totally different direction.

After your tasting portion, you’ll end with a Q&A. This is usually where the class stops being a one-way talk and starts feeling like you’re getting answers that help you order better later (at a bar or in a shop).

The tasting flow: four gins, mixer pairings, and practical comparisons

A lot of tastings fail because you end up tasting one drink you like and then forgetting the rest. This one helps you compare. You’re tasting four signature gins in a structured flight, and the organizers pair each with a recommended mixer.

That pairing matters because it teaches you to think like a mixer, not just like a sipper. A gin can taste crisp and bright in one combo, then feel heavier or smoother in another. Even if you can’t name every botanical you’re tasting, you can learn the big picture differences: sharper vs. softer, more herbal vs. more citrusy, lighter vs. more warming.

You also get a short history of distillation, which is the kind of background that actually helps your tasting make sense. Distillation is the reason botanicals can become a clean, concentrated flavor instead of staying as messy plant notes. Without any explanation, gin can feel like magic. With the basics, you start to notice how flavor is carried through the distillation process.

And because the session lasts about an hour, the pacing stays tight. There’s time to learn, but you’re still tasting more than you’re listening.

Welcome drink + mixers: how to get better results from the flight

I like that this class doesn’t treat mixers as an afterthought. You’re not handed water and told good luck. You get a welcome cocktail on arrival plus mixers that are designed to work with each gin in your flight.

Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Taste before you add anything, if they invite it. If the host gives you the option, take a quick moment to notice what’s already there. Then compare with the mixer.
• Pay attention to what the mixer does, not just what it adds. Citrus and tonic can brighten a gin. Sweet mixers can round off sharper notes. The learning is in the shift.
• Use the Q&A to ask about your preferences. If you know you like crisp, floral, or spicy flavors, ask how those profiles map to different gins or mixers.

This is also a great option if you’re someone who often orders “whatever looks good” at bars. After a flight like this, you’ll usually start recognizing what you like in gin structure—and that helps you order faster later.

The vibe: intimate pacing, expert Q&A, and a small group feel

One of the strongest reasons to book this isn’t just what you drink—it’s how the session runs. The experience is designed to feel informal, informative, and intimate, which matters when you’re learning something new. When it feels friendly, you’re more likely to ask questions instead of keeping quiet.

The session has a maximum of 22 travelers, so you’re not lost in a crowd. That size is big enough to meet fellow drink-lovers, but small enough that the tasting doesn’t become chaotic.

Then there’s the Q&A at the end with one of their liquid experts. That’s where you can straighten out anything you didn’t catch earlier. Want to know how they think about botanical balance? Want help matching a gin to a mixer you actually have at home? That’s the moment to ask.

Even if you’re not a “gin encyclopedia” type, the Q&A format tends to make the experience feel less like school and more like a guided conversation.

After the class: ordering from the full menu (and planning your budget)

The ticket doesn’t just end when the tasting ends. After your masterclass, you have the option to order more drinks from the full menu.

That’s a nice touch for two reasons:

1. You can buy what you liked, not what a description claims you should like.
2. You can turn the class into a mini evening instead of rushing back out.

If you’re budget-minded, set expectations early. You’ve already paid for the welcome drink and the tasting flight, so think of this menu ordering as optional extras. I’d treat it like dessert: a fun finish if you’re enjoying the vibe, but not something you have to do.

Value in Dublin: is $48.06 a good deal?

At $48.06 per person, this masterclass can look like a splurge at first glance—until you break down what’s included. Your ticket covers:

• a welcome drink
• a 4-gin tasting flight
• mixer pairings with those gins
• a Q&A with a liquid expert
• the structured teaching portion (history of distillation + why their gins are built the way they are)

For one hour, you’re getting multiple drinks plus guidance. That usually costs more if you try to recreate it on your own at a bar, where you might pay for each drink individually and still not get the “why does it taste like that” explanation.

It’s also easier to justify because the group size is limited (up to 22), which suggests the experience is meant to be hands-on rather than mass-produced.

One practical way to judge value: if you like comparing styles and you actually plan to order gin afterward, this tends to feel like the efficient path. If you only want a quick drink and don’t care about learning, you might not get your money’s worth.

Who should book this gin tasting masterclass?

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a guided tasting with four gins instead of a single pour
• enjoy learning the basics of distillation without getting stuck in jargon
• prefer an experience that feels friendly and conversational
• like the idea of ordering based on a clearer sense of what you enjoy

It may be less ideal if you:

• only have time for a quick drink and nothing else
• don’t drink alcohol and haven’t planned for an alternative (though non-alcohol options are available when you request them)
• are under 18 (this is 18+ only)

The mobile ticket and the fact it’s near public transportation are practical wins too, especially if you’re using Dublin transit instead of driving.

Should you book Stillgarden’s Gin Tasting Masterclass?

If you’re in Dublin and you enjoy tastings, I’d book it. The biggest reason is the combination: welcome drink + four-gin flight + mixer pairings + expert Q&A in about an hour, with a small-group feel that doesn’t drag. It’s the kind of class that teaches you enough to order smarter afterward, not just enough to say you attended.

If you want something long and tour-heavy, you may prefer another type of experience. But for hands-on gin lovers—casual or serious—this hits a sweet spot.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Stillgarden gin tasting masterclass?

The meeting point is Dublin City, Inchicore, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin, Ireland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the gin tasting masterclass last?

It’s listed as about 1 hour.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes a welcome drink plus a 4 gin tasting flight with mixers. Non gin and non alcohol options are available if requested when booking.

Is this experience only for adults?

Yes. It’s listed as Over 18’s Only.

Is the class offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum number of travelers is 22.

Do they allow service animals?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is it easy to get to using public transportation?

It’s listed as near public transportation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount you paid will not be refunded.