The Oxford Artisan Distillery

I had such an incredible whisky tour at this distillery carried out by Sarah. It was different to any other whisky tour I've been on (I've been to over 22 different distilleries up and down the country). The focus was on farming, and I felt like I learnt so much about the importance of what the team are doing at the Oxford Artisan Distillery. They're truly pioneers in their approach to farming, and the taste of their whisky, really reflects how much of a difference it makes. I attended this tour solo, as I've been visiting distilleries up and down the country being a big whisky geek/drinker/collector, and Oxford Artisan Distillery was next on the list. I showed up randomly unannounced, and was pleasantly surprised that Sarah managed to fit me in for a tour, despite being understaffed that day. The tour was extremely thorough, and Sarah actually overran on the time, which shows they take their time to answer all questions and pay attention to all of their customers. It was so interesting tasting each of the whiskies they crafted, all whilst learning so much about the history of farming grains, and what their goals and objectives were moving forward. It really is incredible what they're doing at this distillery, and without adding any spoilers for those yet to do the tour, I'd just like to say that you really HAVE to experience this tour if you're a whisky fan. The entire team at the distillery were so friendly and welcoming, and they all have such open minds about the world of whisk(e)y, and don't blindly just drink their own whisky and call it the best, like many other distilleries I've been to. They're a team of people who genuinely love to drink all types of spirits from all over the world, so they really know their stuff, and we had some really great chats! Of the 22 different distilleries I've been to, this really has to be the most eye opening and most enjoyable tour I've been on. I can't wait to come back for another tour once the distillery has expanded and see what exciting changes they make to the place. Thanks again for a thoroughly enjoyable day of whisky tasting, education and great, in depth chats about whisky!

What a fun, cute distillery!! The tour started with a complimentary gin and tonic from the bar. Next Sarah started us inside to explain the farming story, which was really interesting—while tasting a vodka and 2 gins. Then she escorted us to the production area with a really cool still and had 1 rye tasting and finished inside the store for the last tasting—rye whiskey. Overall Sarah was great—very personable and inviting. The entire tour was fantastic!! Don’t forget to say “hey” to Freddy, the sweet pup!! Highly recommend.

Such a lovely place to visit. The tour starts with super tasty g&t, and you are going to taste more of their product during the tour. Our guide Michele (Michael? Sorry!) is really knowledgeable and passionate about the distillery and their products. Learnt a lot about gin, whisky and heritage wheat! 🌾🙌🏻 Not usually vodka drinker here but enjoyed their sample very much :)

A great afternoon. Ample parking if needed. Tour was well worth money with pleasant guide who was informative and very interesting. Free samples of gin, vodka and whisky were served throughout with tonic if required. Our tour lasted 1.5 hours and throughout I found interesting. Art end of tour you can buy gifts if you want but there was no pressure to do so. The toilets were well maintained and very clean. Would visit again and recommend to anyone.

Absolutely fantastic experience - both the tour and the drinks we tried. They have a fascinating and inspiring story of how they become one of the very few grain to glass distilleries. No less fascinating are the stories behind the gin recipes. From how they discovered the grain to grow to produce the spirit to the botanicals used in the different gins to how their still was made - incredibly engaging. Our guide was Carmen (I hope I remember her name). She was absolutely super. The place is adorable. As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted and asked if we wanted a gin and tonic. Why YES! It doesn't get any better. Now to the gins. I really enjoyed both gins we tried with and without tonic. Both were different, made from different botanicals, but both from the unique neutral spirit from fermenting the unique rye grain.