It’s time to return to the classroom, but this time with a twist… back to school has never been so fun! Meet the Devon distilleries inviting you to make your own

Exeter Gin School
Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Unit 2 Estuary Court, Teignmouth TQ14 9FA
www.exetergin.com 
From Exeter pop-up gin bar to award-winning gin distillery; a fun and informative insight into the world of gin making awaits you at this bar and distillery in Teignmouth. Choose from a tour and tasting experience, or get stuck in and learn how to make your very own from £65 per person. Meet Isabelle, Exeter Gin’s 450-litre traditional copper still, before being guided to your own mini-still to develop your spirit under the guidance of these gin-iuses. See what we did there?

Devon Distillery
The Cider Press Centre, Shinners Bridge, Dartington, TQ9 6TQ
01803 812509
www.devondistillery.com 
Choose between gin school beside the River Dart or rum school onboard an authentic American school bus! Get acquainted with your still and enjoy a journey through the history of these interesting spirits, before learning how to build a flavour profile from botanicals and spices to create your own blend. You’ll even design your own label and come up with the perfect name for your concoction. Gin school sessions can be booked from £100 per person, or for two people to share, making one 35cl bottle. Rum school costs £130 but students get to take home a 70cl bottle. If you’re like us and believe you’ve created the finest drink in existence, then you can re-order bottles in future to your exact recipe to enjoy time and time again.

The Dartmouth Distillery Co.
The Calancombe Estate, Off the Old Dartmouth Road, Modbury, PL21 0TU
01548 830905
www.dartmouth-gin.com 
Embark on a masterclass at this award-winning distillery situated on the stunning grounds of a South Devon country estate. Learn the art of distilling your own bespoke gin or vodka choosing from over 60 botanicals, while learning more about the history and the secrets to a smooth spirit. You can even forage for botanicals on the estate and enjoy sampling the creations of other students on the day. This 3-hour masterclass is available on weekends and costs £95. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch or afternoon tea at the Cellar Door Café.

Sidmouth Gin School
The Dairy Shop, 5 Church Street, Sidmouth, EX10 8LY
www.sidmouthgin.co.uk/sidmouth-gin-school 
This small but friendly, family-run gin school is enthusiastically delivered by Sidmouth Gin creators, John Hammond and family. Evening sessions cost £85 for two people on one still, and includes a welcome drink and a talk on ‘all things gin’. What’s more, customers are encouraged to bring their own botanicals to make a truly exclusive, personal gin.

Try a Tasting Tour
Two Drifters Rum Distillery, Exeter – A carbon negative distillery combining science, passion and smooth taste. £20 pp. www.twodriftersrum.com 

Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, Bovey Tracey – Guided tasting tour with history, ageing techniques and heritage of Dartmoor National Park. £20pp. www.dartmoorwhiskydistillery.co.uk