Gin and tea? It actually works.

This 90-minute afternoon tea and gin masterclass at Stillgarden Distillery is a smooth mix of tasting and learning, built around modern Irish gin and the stuff behind it—botanicals, distillation, and how flavors get made. You’ll sample 4 signature gins in a guided tasting flight, then switch gears to afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes, all hosted by Stillgarden’s liquid experts.

Two things I really like about it are the wall of 120 botanicals—it gives context fast—and the fact that the tasting is structured, not random sips. The other big plus: you’re not stuck with just gin talk; the food spread feels like a proper tea service, not a token bite.

One thing to consider: this is for adults only (not suitable for kids under 18), and while there are non-gin and non-alcoholic options, you’ll want to flag those needs beforehand so they’re ready for you.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Onsite Stillgarden gins: the tasting is built around what they make at the distillery
• 120 botanicals explained: you’ll see the ingredient system behind the flavors
• 4-gin tasting flight: paced sampling with a welcome drink included
• Afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes: a full food component, not just a snack
• Hosted by Stillgarden liquid experts: Q&A at the end to ask your questions

Inside Stillgarden Distillery: what this experience is really about

Stillgarden’s Afternoon Tea & Gin Masterclass is basically two experiences stitched together, and the stitching is thoughtful. You start in the distillery setting where gin isn’t treated like a mystery drink—it’s treated like a craft with ingredients, choices, and technique. Then you transition into afternoon tea, where your palate has something sweet and savory to work with.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to taste first and learn as you go, this format is a good fit. The session doesn’t rely on you already knowing gin styles or botanicals. Instead, you get guided context before and during the tasting, so the flavors land with meaning.

And because it’s hosted, the whole thing stays moving. You’re not wandering a museum alone, and you’re not guessing what you should notice in each sip. The flow is practical: history and botanicals first, then tasting, then tea, then a Q&A to tie it together.

The 90-minute rhythm: how the session typically flows

This masterclass runs about 1.5 hours, which is long enough to slow down, taste properly, and eat without feeling rushed. It’s also short enough that you can slot it into an afternoon without wrecking the rest of your day.

Here’s what the timing is built around:

• You begin with a welcome drink included in your ticket.
• You then move through the distillery storytelling: the history of distillation and how gin fits into that bigger picture.
• You get shown the flavor engine: a wall of 120 botanicals.
• Next comes the main tasting: 4 signature gins as a flight.
• After the sampling, you settle in for afternoon tea—sandwiches plus decadent cakes.
• Each session wraps with a Q&A from one of Stillgarden’s liquid experts.

What this means for you: you’ll taste in a sequence that makes sense, not in a blur. And the food timing is important. Afternoon tea helps refresh your palate between sips and gives you a way to notice how gin flavors change when you’re eating rather than just drinking.

Learning gin fast: distillation basics and the botanicals wall

A lot of tastings throw facts at you after the pouring is already done. This one flips that. You’ll be walked through the history of distillation and then introduced to what gin is really built from: botanicals.

The standout learning moment is the wall of 120 botanicals. Seeing it laid out like a catalog makes the whole subject feel less abstract. Instead of thinking of gin as one flavor, you start thinking in ingredients and relationships—citrus notes, spice notes, herbal directions, and how those choices show up in the glass.

You don’t need to memorize anything. The value is in the framework. Once you understand that there are many plant inputs behind the final spirit, you’ll taste more deliberately. You’ll notice when a gin feels bright versus when it leans warmer or more herbal, and you’ll start connecting those impressions to the botanicals theme you were shown.

The 4-gin tasting flight: how to taste without overthinking

Your ticket includes a 4 gin tasting flight, and the session is fully hosted, so you’re not standing there staring at tiny glasses wondering what you’re supposed to say. The guide will steer the experience, and that matters because gin tasting works better when it’s paced.

Here’s how I’d approach the flight as a practical strategy:

• Take a moment to smell before you sip. Gin’s character shows up in aroma first.
• Taste slowly enough that you can notice both the first impression and the finish.
• Use the questions from the Q&A as a cue. If the expert brings up something specific about one of the gins, lock onto that detail for the next pour.

Also, because this isn’t just a drink-only stop, the tasting makes sense alongside the food later. After your gins, you’ll move into tea service with cakes and sandwiches, and that pairing changes what you notice. A gin that seems sharp on its own can feel smoother with a bite of food. A sweeter cake can make certain botanicals seem brighter or more pronounced.

Afternoon tea at a distillery: sandwiches, cakes, and palate reset

Afternoon tea is often a fancy break from sightseeing, and here it also becomes part of the tasting experience. Your session includes tea with a selection of decadent cakes and sandwiches.

The practical win: the food gives you a palate reset. Alcohol tasting can fatigue your senses if it’s only liquid, but sandwiches and cakes bring salt, fat, and sweetness into the mix. That helps your tongue stay responsive, which means your second or third gin in the flight feels distinct instead of repetitive.

It also makes the whole experience more balanced. Even if you’re a gin fan, it’s nice to have something substantial, not just nibbles. If you’re with someone who enjoys the idea of a masterclass but isn’t obsessed with gin, the afternoon tea component helps keep everyone happy.

Welcome drink and the Q&A: what you’ll get from the host

Your ticket includes a welcome drink, which sets the tone right away. Then, at the end, the session finishes with a Q&A from one of Stillgarden’s liquid experts.

This is where you can get personal with your curiosity. Ask what you liked, ask why a gin tastes different, or ask how botanicals translate into flavor. Since the tasting is hosted, the expert can usually point you back to what you noticed in the glass.

That Q&A also helps you leave with takeaway knowledge you can actually use. Instead of feeling like you took a one-off tasting class, you’ll have a better sense of how to spot the style direction of a gin you haven’t tried before.

Non-gin and non-alcoholic options: plan ahead and you’ll be fine

The session is not limited to alcohol-only drinking. Non gin and non alcoholic options are available—you just need to let the organizers know beforehand.

This matters more than you might think. If you show up assuming you can figure it out on the day, you may waste time or end up with something less ideal. But if you contact them before the session, you’ll still get the full structure of the experience: the tasting flight concept, the afternoon tea, and the hosted learning—just tailored to what you can drink.

If you’re traveling with a non-drinker or someone who prefers something different, this setup makes the experience easier to choose without splitting your day into separate plans.

Price and value: is $74 per person worth it?

At $74 per person, you’re paying for a hosted, structured tasting plus a full afternoon tea experience. The value case here is pretty clear when you look at what’s included:

• A welcome drink
• A guided 4-gin tasting flight
• Afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes
• A Q&A with a liquid expert
• Hosted distillery learning, including the 120 botanicals wall

If you’ve ever priced gin tastings or afternoon tea separately, the combined package is where the savings usually show up. Even if you only care about one part—say the gin tasting—you’re still getting the tea component, which makes the time feel worth it.

The other value factor is the time length. 90 minutes is enough to make the experience feel complete without chewing up a whole day. That makes it a solid add-on to a Dublin County itinerary, especially if you want something more local and hands-on than another standard stop.

Who should book this masterclass (and who might skip it)

This is a great match if:

• You like guided tastings with food, not just sipping
• You want to understand botanicals without getting lost in technical detail
• You’re looking for an adult-friendly, hosted afternoon activity
• You enjoy modern Irish gin and want context for what you’re tasting

You might skip it if:

• You’re hoping for a quick casual drop-in with no learning component
• You don’t want alcohol or prefer to avoid it entirely, and you haven’t arranged non-alcoholic options in advance
• You’re traveling with anyone under 18, since this experience is not suitable for children under 18

Practical tips to make your visit smoother

Even though the session is hosted, a little prep helps you get the most out of it.

• Arrive on time so you don’t feel rushed when tasting starts.
• Come hungry enough for tea service; sandwiches and cakes are part of the experience.
• If you’re requesting non-gin or non-alcoholic options, flag it ahead of time.
• Wear something comfortable. You’ll be moving through parts of the distillery learning portion and then sitting for tea.

And one more thing: since it’s rain or shine, plan for Irish weather. You may need a jacket even if you think the day looks clear.

Should you book the Stillgarden Afternoon Tea & Gin Masterclass?

If you want an adult afternoon that feels special, local, and guided, I’d say book it. The blend of distillery learning (distillation basics and the wall of 120 botanicals) plus the tasting flight plus afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes makes this more than a standard drink experience.

The only real reason to hesitate is if your party has strict preferences and you haven’t arranged non-gin or non-alcoholic options ahead of time. Fix that, and you’re set.

If you’re in Dublin County with a couple of hours to spare and you like the idea of tasting modern Irish gin in a hosted, food-forward way, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the Afternoon Tea & Gin Masterclass take place?

It takes place at Stillgarden Distillery in Dublin County, Ireland.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 90 minutes.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Tickets include a welcome drink, a 4 gin tasting flight, afternoon tea, and the session ends with a Q&A from a Stillgarden liquid expert.

Do you taste four gins during the masterclass?

Yes, you taste 4 of Stillgarden’s signature gins as part of the tasting flight.

Are there non-gin or non-alcoholic options?

Yes. Non gin and non alcoholic options are available, but you should let the team know beforehand.

Is the masterclass only for adults?

Yes. It is not suitable for children under 18 years.

What language is the tour guide speaking?

The live tour guide provides the experience in English.

Is the event held if it rains?

Yes. The experience takes place rain or shine.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes. It is wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.