If you’ve ever fancied yourself a bit of a gin wizard or dreamed of bottling your own vodka? Route 9 Distilling is about to launch something very exciting.
The brand-new Distilling Academy in the Adelaide Hills opens on September 6 and gives spirit lovers the chance to craft their own recipe, take charge of a personal still, and bottle a one-of-a-kind creation to take home.
Owner Rob Watt says the idea grew from constant curiosity among visitors and a growing demand for unique, hands-on experiences.
“The amount of times people have asked how to make gin is unbelievable. Everyone thinks they know the secret, so we thought, let’s put them to the test and give them the chance to create something themselves,” Rob laughs.
Unlike standard gin blending classes, this experience is entirely hands-on. Guests don’t just mix pre-made spirits, they will create their own recipe, choosing from more than 50 botanicals, and fire up their personal still to distil a very personalised and unique creation.
Over the course of the three hour experience, participants will learn about the history of gin, taste Route 9’s range, and experiment with endless flavour combinations before letting the stills work their magic.
Rob says the botanicals on offer make the experience even more special.
“We’re the only distillery in Australia using 100% red juniper in one of their gins, which has a much fruitier profile than the traditional black juniper,” he explains.
“If someone wants a softer, less piney flavour, it’s perfect.”
While the still does its thing, guests sit down to enjoy a long lunch featuring stone oven pizza, charcuterie platters and Adelaide Hills wines, making it as social as it is educational.
“It’s hands-on but relaxed. Once the still is running, we take care of it while everyone enjoys lunch,” Rob adds.
When it is all done, participants walk away with a 700ml bottle of their spirit, complete with a custom label and personalised name.
“People get really creative with this part. We are expecting some fun rivalries and a few outrageous names,” Rob laughs.
The academy is designed for small groups, making it perfect for birthdays, hens and bucks parties, weddings, and corporate team building and events.
“Imagine creating a gin with your family or friends leading up to a wedding, milestone birthday or special event, and then having us bottle it to serve on your big day?,” Rob says.
Tickets are $275 per person for your own still that includes lunch and 1 bottle, or $375 for two people sharing a still includes lunch and 1 bottle to share. For larger groups teams can work together.
Extra bottles of your custom spirit can also be ordered on the day, meaning your one-of-a-kind creation does not have to be a one-off.
With the celebration season soon upon us, Route 9’s Distilling Academy is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new experiences in South Australia for those who enjoy gin and vodka.
Route 9 Distillery
Where: 37 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Balhannah
When: Saturday 12pm-5pm (Launches 6 September 2025)
For bookings and more information, click here.
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