Come and join us here at Hotham’s Distillery, Hull, for a brand new flavoured vodka making experience you’ll never forget!
Upon your arrival, we'll greet you with a cocktail made with Hotham's Botanical Vodka. You'll join a group of other vodka lovers, in our purpose-built Distilling Room.
You’ll smell and taste amazing botanicals, and choose the ones you like best for your own flavoured vodka. Our distiller will advise you on the quantities required, and you’ll soon have a balanced recipe ready.
You'll learn about the distillation process whilst you enjoy a vodka cocktail and we'll encourage you to taste your vodka as it distils and your botanicals release their delicious flavours.
We'll talk to you about the history and characteristics of vodka, and you'll hear about the Hotham’s brand and our history. You'll have plenty of time to sample various vodkas, some of which are distilled right here in the Distillery.
Finally, you'll bottle, name and label your unique flavoured vodka before wax dipping the stopper to seal the bottle, and finally stamping it with the Hotham's seal of approval.
Don't forget to take graduation photos before you leave Vodka School!
You can also rest assured that once you've finished enjoying it, you can buy another bottle - just order online and our distiller will recreate your recipe and deliver a new bottle of your vodka, straight to your door.
What's included?
Do I really get to drink vodka at School?
Absolutely! You will get to sample our Hotham's Vodka, distilled on site; so please try and avoid a cheeky pre-drink before you come along to School - you will be operating a very hot still and we want you to enjoy the event safely.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, it’s a great experience to share. One ticket covers the main guest and the bottle of spirit that you will make. You can bring one guest for a little extra on the ticket price, and don't panic, they will get their own G&Ts, so you don't have to share yours! Just add a guest when you check out. We can only cater for two people per still and per bottle of flavoured vodka distilled. If you want to book for your party, please contact us and we can arrange a private hire of the Vodka School for you and your friends.
How long Should I allow for the experience?
Please allow 4 hours for the experience. We recommend eating first and not driving!
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
By law you must be 18 or over to participate. We have a Challenge 25 policy, so if you are lucky enough to look under 25 or are under 25, please bring ID with you. This is a really important condition of our licence to run the Vodka School. We're sorry, but without ID we may have to refuse you on the day, and neither of us wants that!
How do I redeem a Virgin Experiences Gift Voucher?
You don't need to contact us to redeem a Virgin Experience Voucher. Book in online and select the "3rd party voucher" option. You will need to complete the voucher number and PIN box in the booking form.
Can I bring the kids along?
All participants must be 18 or over. We are sorry, but due to licensing restrictions, this is one School that children under the age of 18 are not allowed to attend.
Do you have accessible toilets?
Our distillery is on the second flood of a grade two listed former bank, built in 1879 and therefore is not as accessible as we would like. We do have a small lift and accessible toilets, but please check with us first to ensure that the lift is large enough for you requirements.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the School?
We are in the 'Old Town', so there is easy access from the busses and taxi drop off point in Alfred Gelder Street. We are also within walking distance of the train and bus station. We recommend not driving to the event so that you can fully enjoy sampling our wonderful spirits, and you can sample your own vodka as you distil it. However, we do have a range of non-alcoholic drinks for drivers. Remember, we can also help you to make a non-alcoholic spirit if you would prefer. Please let us know in advance if you would like this option.
I'm always hungry - will you feed me?
No - sorry, we don't serve food. We might be able to wrestle you some crisps from Emma's lunch box, but that's about it. However, there are loads of fantastic independent restaurants and cafes in the area for you to enjoy.
I have food allergies - can you cope with that?
Are you kidding? Have you met Simon, our co-founder? You can compare notes!
We absolutely can help here. We have lots of experience with food allergies and can cater for these. More info can be found here: Allergen Declaration
What's the refund policy?
Bookings can not be amended within 7 days of your chosen date. Should you need to move your booking please contact us at least 8 days prior.
I still (still - see what I've done there?) have a question for you, such as: how can I contact you with any questions?
Email or call us and we will answer your questions - we are sure that we are the best thing to do in Hull! See our contact us page for more details.
