Do you love a G&T with juniper exuding from your pores and a cabinet full of artisan spirits? In this course you will learn multiple ways to make batches of bespoke, aromatic gin at home. The simpler options involve no high-tech equipment or a chemistry degree. You will be provided extensive notes, yummy tastings AND you will take home gin flavourings selected by you. No prior brewing experience necessary. BYO tonic, ice supplied! (Please note that no alcohol is taken home from the course).

Homemade Gin

Course Description

Love a good G&T and curious about crafting your own aromatic spirits? 

This hands-on course will guide you through the art and science of making bespoke, small-batch gin at home – with no still required. 

Whether you're infusing vodka with carefully selected botanicals or using a simple kit, you’ll explore multiple methods to produce gin that suits your personal taste. 

You’ll be provided with extensive notes, flavour samples, and your own custom blend of gin botanicals to take home and try. No brewing or distilling experience needed – just bring your curiosity and your favourite tonic (ice provided)!

You’ll also learn about the history of gin, explore different flavouring ingredients like juniper, citrus peel, cardamom, and lavender, and participate in guided tastings to sharpen your sensory skills. 

Seasonal blends, cocktail tips, and garnish suggestions will help you take your gin game to the next level. 

While no alcohol is taken home from the session, you'll leave with the knowledge and supplies to confidently begin your own at-home gin crafting journey.

Please do not drink and drive – everyone metabolises alcohol differently, and individual tolerance levels can vary. 

Please note that participants must be aged 18 or over to attend this course.

Course Structure

This course is delivered in a relaxed, interactive lecture format, perfect for beginners and gin enthusiasts alike. 

You'll start with a brief history of gin and an introduction to the essential role of juniper and botanicals. 

From there, you’ll explore a variety of flavouring ingredients – citrus peels, spices, herbs, and florals – and learn how to develop your own flavour profile. 

We'll step through four simple methods of making gin at home, focusing especially on safe, accessible techniques like infusing vodka with botanicals. 

You’ll gain practical guidance on preparation, steeping, and adjusting flavours, and take part in a guided tasting to help refine your palate. 

The session wraps up with creative ideas for seasonal blends, serving suggestions, and pairing tips – plus a take-home pack of selected botanicals so you can start blending straight away.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the historical origins and key characteristics of gin
• Identify and select suitable botanicals, herbs, and spices for gin flavouring
• Distinguish between various homemade gin-making techniques
• Prepare and safely infuse vodka with selected ingredients to create bespoke gins
• Adjust flavour intensity through infusion duration and botanical quantity
• Develop personalised gin blends tailored to taste or seasonal themes
• Apply tasting techniques to assess balance, aroma, and flavour
• Record and refine gin recipes for future reproduction
• Suggest ideal garnishes, mixers, and food pairings for different gin profiles
• Leave with the knowledge and supplies to start making custom gin at home

Your Tutor is Dennis Keillor

Dennis Keillor BAppSci (Physics), DipEd has been teaching at WEA since 2007. 

As a ‘Cycologist’ Dennis has been a successful financial market forecaster, trader and educator since 1997.

As a ‘Fizzacist’ Dennis has been producing homemade brew since Adam was a boy!