Broken Bones Gin & Whisky Tasting 2025: An Honest Review

Arriving at Broken Bones: First Impressions and the Vibe

So, you walk through the door of the Broken Bones distillery and, honestly, the first thing that hits you is the scent. It’s like, a really amazing mix of juniper from the gin-making side of things and this warm, almost sweet smell of oak from the whisky barrels. It’s pretty much a fantastic welcome, you know? The place itself is just a little industrial but in a cool way, with a lot of exposed brick and some seriously polished copper pipes running along the walls. We went for a late afternoon slot, and the lighting was, sort of, soft and golden, making the whole place feel incredibly inviting and, frankly, quite special. At the end of the day, you get the feeling this is a place where people really care about what they’re doing. The reception area is very simple, just a small wooden counter where they check you in, and everyone there is, like, super friendly and relaxed.

The group for the tasting was, in a way, pretty small, maybe about a dozen people, which was actually a relief. You really don’t want to be fighting for attention in a big crowd. It made the whole thing feel more or less personal. Our guide, a person named Alex, came over and introduced himself; he was apparently going to be our host for the next couple of hours. He just had this really calm and knowledgeable air about him, not stuffy at all, you know? Basically, you could tell he was going to make the experience a good one. He led us into the tasting room, which was, like, set up with these long tables, and at each seat, there was a placemat with four empty glasses just waiting for us. It’s almost like the start of a very promising show.

A Closer Look at the Gins: From Classic to Contemporary

Okay, so first up was the gin tasting, and Alex really started things off well. He gave us a little history of Broken Bones, you know, how they started and their whole philosophy on spirits. For example, he explained that they get their botanicals from local suppliers whenever they can, which is pretty neat. The first gin we tried was their London Dry. It was, sort of, exactly what you hope for in a classic gin; it has a very direct piney juniper taste up front, but then, like, a really clean citrus finish that hangs around for a bit. It’s pretty much the kind of gin you’d want in a perfect G&T, right?

Next, we tried something a little different, their Navy Strength Gin. And seriously, you have to be ready for this one because it’s definitely potent. It’s basically their London Dry but, like, a much more intense version, with a really oily texture that coats your mouth in a very satisfying way. Alex told us a story about how Navy Strength gin had to be strong enough that if it spilled on gunpowder, the gunpowder would, you know, still light, which was a cool piece of history. The final gin was the star, in my opinion: their ‘Ljubljana Dragon’ Gin. To be honest, this one was completely unique. It has this kind of spicy, almost floral quality from some local herbs, maybe a hint of ginger and rosehip in there? It was absolutely fantastic and a drink you remember for a long time.

Sipping on the Whisky: What to Expect from Their Single Malts

As a matter of fact, after cleansing our palates with some water and crackers, it was time for the whisky. I was really looking forward to this part. Alex shifted gears smoothly, you know, talking about malted barley and the patience required for making good whisky. He started us off with their youngest single malt, a three-year-old expression aged in bourbon casks. The color was, like, a pale straw, and on the nose, you could really pick up notes of vanilla and, sort of, green apple. The taste was very bright and lively, with almost no harshness at all, which is pretty amazing for such a young spirit. You can definitely tell they are good at what they do.

Then, for the grand finale, he poured the ‘Broken Bones Single Cask’ whisky. This one was aged for about six years in a Slovenian oak cask, which apparently gives it a unique character. Visually, it was a much deeper amber, almost a little reddish. Alex told us to, like, warm the glass in our hands a little before sipping. The smell was just incredible, you know, like dried fruit, honey, and a hint of something a bit spicy, maybe like cinnamon. The taste was so much richer and more layered than the first one. It was incredibly smooth, with a long, warming finish that just made you want to sit and think for a while. It’s the kind of drink that tells a story all on its own, pretty much.

Behind the Scenes: How the Spirits are Made

Anyway, with the tasting part done, we got a tour of the actual production area, which was honestly a highlight. It’s one thing to taste the spirits, but it’s a whole other thing to see where they are born. Alex led us over to their main copper pot still, a huge, gleaming piece of machinery that’s obviously the heart of the operation. He explained, in other words, how the shape of the still influences the final character of the spirit, from the wide base to the long, elegant swan neck. It’s sort of a mix of art and science, right? You could feel the passion in his voice as he described the process.

“So, we think of this still as a member of our team, you know? It’s literally got its own personality, and on some days, it behaves a little differently. You just have to listen to it.”

We then walked over to the barrel room, which was, you know, just as impressive. The room was cool and smelled amazing—that same oaky, sweet scent from when we first arrived, but, like, a hundred times stronger. Rows upon rows of barrels were stacked, each with markings indicating what was inside and when it was filled. Alex explained the difference between the American oak bourbon barrels and the Slovenian oak barrels they use, and how each one gives the whisky a totally different set of tastes over time. You just kind of stand there in awe, thinking about all the time and effort that goes into every single bottle.

Is the 2025 Broken Bones Tasting for You? My Honest Take

So, at the end of the day, who should book this experience? I mean, if you have even a passing interest in gin or whisky, you’ll probably have a great time. It’s very well-suited for beginners because the guides are so good at explaining things in a way that’s not intimidating at all. But, you know, if you’re a seasoned spirit drinker, you will still appreciate the quality and the unique character of their products, especially that Dragon gin and the single cask whisky. It’s not just a quick tasting; it’s more or less a full educational experience that lasts a couple of hours.

My advice is to definitely book your spot in advance, especially if you plan on going on a weekend, as the small group sizes mean it likely fills up. Also, maybe have a decent meal before you go; you’re trying several strong spirits, so it’s just a smart move, right? In terms of value, I felt it was pretty reasonable. You get to try four premium spirits, get a full guided tour from a real expert, and you walk away knowing a lot more than you did when you arrived. It feels less like a transaction and more like you’ve been invited into their world for a little while. Seriously, it’s an afternoon very well spent.

Key Takeaways from the Experience

• The Atmosphere: It’s honestly very relaxed and welcoming, a mix of industrial cool and warm hospitality.

• The Spirits: You get a really good range, from a classic gin to a unique Dragon Gin, plus two very different single malt whiskies.

• The Guide: The hosts are clearly very passionate and make the information super accessible, you know, for everyone.

• The Tour: Seeing the copper still and the barrel room is, like, a major highlight and adds so much to the story.

• Who It’s For: Pretty much perfect for both beginners and experienced drinkers looking for a quality, personal tasting experience.

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