A new addition to the already bustling nightlife of Leeds is sure to give Gin lovers a night like no other. Liquor Studio is the brainchild of Dan Crowther and Jonathan Lee, owners of the Hedonist bar which sits proudly as a firm favourite among the infamous Lower Briggate.
While Hedonist offers up some of the best cocktails in town, tucked away upstairs is a new experience that you can’t get anywhere else in the city.
We were invited to come and check out their Gin Creation experience and it’s safe to say we’re still obsessing over it.
After walking through what looks like a trendy science classroom, with beakers and measuring tubes neatly aligned on benches, we’re greeted with a Gin and Tonic. What better way to kick off a Gin masterclass than with a glass of the good stuff in your hand?
Within minutes of the talk kicking off, it’s safe to say that both Dan and Jonathan really know their stuff when it comes to Gin.
You’re thrown headfirst into the history of the spirit, including all its grisly past and how it came back round to being in fashion again. During this interactive presentation, you’re given the chance to smell and taste some of the raw ingredients. On top of this, you also take part in some fun experiments that make you question how you really use your various sense to experience taste.
Once you’re a little more clued up on the rather surprising history of Gin, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
By far the best bit of the whole experience is when you get to make your own Gin. Yes, that’s right, you get the chance to create your very own blend using all the skills you’ve just learnt from the experts themselves.
Don’t worry, Dan and Jonathan talk you through the quantities needed and are on hand to give you advice on flavour combinations and really encourage you to get imaginative.
You can create as many blends as you like until you find the one that’s perfect for you, so don’t be shy and get some wacky flavours on the go. You never know, you might create the next big Gin flavour!
Once you’ve had your fill of feeling like a mad scientist, it’s time to bottle up your blend and give it a name. You write this all on a label and stick it on the bottle to create the very first batch of your personal Gin. If you keep a note of your quantities and measurements, you can even go back and get more bottles made in the future.
Once the class sadly comes to an end, you can simply head downstairs and grab yourself some of the Hedonists famous cocktails to finish off the night.
We had such a great night at Liquor Studio and the Gin Creation experience is perfect for birthdays, hen or stag parties or even work events. You more than get your money’s worth and you have a cracking time while you’re at it, what’s not to love?
Liquor Studio, 156a Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY
Comments are closed.