Skopje: Unique Smidgin explore and tasting tour

If you’re considering a tour that combines a taste of local spirits with a slice of Skopje’s history, the Smidgin explore and tasting experience might catch your eye. It promises an inside look at how one of Europe’s finest gins is made, paired with tastings of three distinctive gin varieties and a crafted cocktail. While it sounds appealing, especially if you’re a fan of spirits or curious about local production, it’s worth diving into the details before booking.

We love the idea of learning about the creation process of Smidgin gin right where it’s made — inside the historic Ruben Palace. The fact that you get to sample three different flavors and enjoy an expertly crafted “Perfect Serve” cocktail is a definite plus. The tour’s intimate setting and guided aroma tasting of botanicals also add a layer of sophistication that many travelers find engaging.

However, a notable drawback is the mixed quality of the experience, as reflected in reviews. Some visitors have expressed disappointment with hygiene standards, the limited portions of tastings, and the lack of snacks. Plus, the inconsistency in service, especially with the staff’s knowledge and the accuracy of allergy information, could be a concern if you have specific dietary needs.

This experience is most suitable for adventurous spirits lovers, those interested in local distilling techniques, and travelers who appreciate small-group, private tours. If you’re after a deep dive into Macedonian gin with a casual, intimate vibe, it might work well. But if you’re expecting a polished, flawless experience, keep reading.

Key Points

• Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Access: You get to see how Smidgin gin is crafted, from botanicals to distillation.
• Tasting Variety: Sample three different gin flavors — London Dry, Velvet, and Orient — along with a special cocktail.
• Botanical Aroma Experience: Aromatic tasting of botanicals adds a sensory layer to the understanding of gin flavors.
• Expert Guidance: The tour includes insights from knowledgeable guides, though some reviews suggest variability.
• Hygiene & Service Concerns: Not all visitors found the setup very clean or the service fully reliable, so keep expectations realistic.
• Price & Value: At $30, the experience seems fairly priced on paper but some found it less worth the cost due to the small tastings and overall quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect From the Tour

The experience starts inside the historic Ruben Palace, a building locals hold in high regard, known for its beauty and age. The distillery is on the ground floor, making it easy to access. From there, you’re whisked into an intimate setting, where the guide leads you through the story of Smidgin gin’s creation — a process that involves choosing botanicals, understanding distillation methods, and appreciating the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

The tutored tasting of three gin varieties is designed to showcase the different profiles — from the classic London Dry to the Velvet and Orient versions. Expect to get tiny shots, just enough to savor but not enough to indulge in large quantities. The focus is on education and flavor appreciation, with the aromatics of botanicals also highlighted through scent tests.

Following this, you’ll be served a “Perfect Serve” cocktail. There are two flavor options, and the bartender will craft it to highlight Smidgin’s versatility. A small plate of snacks is included, although some visitors note the portion size is modest. After the tasting, the tour concludes with a view of the distillery and a brief walk-through of the Ruben Palace.

The Experience Breakdown

The Setting: Ruben Palace and the Distillery

The tour takes place in one of Skopje’s most iconic historic buildings, the Ruben Palace, affectionately called the MCM building by locals. Its architecture and history make the location a worthwhile highlight, even for those not overly interested in gin. The distillery itself is compact, occupying a ground-floor space that feels cozy but perhaps less spacious than some visitors might prefer.

The Guided Tour

The guide’s role is to explain the process behind Smidgin gin, including the botanical selection and distillation techniques. Some reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, calling them “friendly” and “well-informed.” However, others mention that the new staff member was inexperienced, which slightly affected the overall impression.

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Tasting the Gins

You’ll sample three types of gin: the classic London Dry, Velvet, and Orient. The portion sizes are small, typically enough for a sip or two, which is standard for tasting sessions. One traveler recounted, “We got a small shot glass of each type, just enough to cover the bottom.” That means this isn’t an all-you-can-drink affair, but more of an educational tasting.

Aroma and Botanical Tasting

Adding an aromatic dimension, the guide will introduce the botanicals used in each gin, allowing you to smell and compare. This sensory approach helps deepen your appreciation for the craft — a feature many visitors enjoy.

The “Perfect Serve” Cocktail

Post-tasting, you’ll be served a cocktail crafted by the in-house mixologist. The “Perfect Serve” aims to demonstrate the gin’s versatility. Two flavor options are available, giving some choice, though some travelers note the proportions in the cocktail weren’t always perfect. Still, it’s a nice touch to end the tour on.

Snacks and Atmosphere

A small snack plate is included, but some reviews mention that the snacks were missing or sparse. The atmosphere is intimate, which lends itself well to relaxed conversations and learning.

The Price and Value

At $30 per person, the tour is priced competitively, especially considering the private group setup and guided experience. On their own website, the same experience might be cheaper (~19 euros), which could be worth considering if you’re budget-conscious.

However, some travelers feel that the limited tasting portions and the overall quality don’t quite match the price, especially if the hygiene concerns or service issues impact the experience. The small size of the tastings and the brief duration (about an hour) mean it’s more suited for those genuinely interested in gin rather than casual travelers seeking a full-day activity.

The Not-So-Great Aspects

While the concept and location are compelling, the tour isn’t without flaws. Several reviews highlight hygiene issues — the rooms were described as small and not particularly clean, which could be off-putting. On top of that, the inconsistency in staff knowledge and the incident with allergy information (incorrectly suggesting nuts were in the gin) raised safety concerns, especially for those with allergies.

The small sample sizes of the tastings also might leave those expecting more variety disappointed. And if you’re hoping to enjoy a second or third cocktail, you’ll need to pay extra, which might add up quickly.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is best suited for those genuinely interested in distilled spirits and gin production, or travelers who want a personalized, behind-the-scenes look in a historic setting. The intimate, private group format appeals to those who prefer a more relaxed, guided environment.

If you’re in Skopje and want a quick, educational activity that combines local history with spirits tasting, it can be a fun, unique option. However, if you’re sensitive about hygiene standards, or expect a more polished, extensive tasting, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Skopje Smidgin explore and tasting tour offers a glimpse into the art of gin making set against the charming backdrop of Ruben Palace. It’s a good pick for those curious about locally crafted spirits and willing to accept some service flaws and small portions. The knowledgeable guides and the aromatic botanicals are definite highlights, making the experience memorable for the right reasons.

However, it’s not perfect. Hygiene issues, limited tastings, and some inconsistency in service quality mean it’s best approached with realistic expectations. If you’re a gin enthusiast or someone eager to learn about Macedonian spirits in an intimate setting, this tour can be a worthwhile stop. But for travelers craving a more comprehensive or polished experience, it might leave you wanting more.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, as it involves alcohol tastings and the experience is geared towards adults.

Can I taste more than one “Perfect Serve” cocktail?
Yes, but additional drinks will incur extra charges, so plan accordingly if you want to sample more.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 1 hour, which is fairly quick but enough to get an overview and some tastings.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for those with mobility needs.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak English, Serbian, Macedonian, and Croatian, so choose based on your preference or language comfort.

What should I expect at the tasting?
Expect small shots of three gin varieties, aromatics of botanicals, and a crafted cocktail. Snacks are included but may be sparse.

If you’re after a short, focused experience that combines history, spirits, and local craftsmanship, this tour could be a neat addition to your Skopje itinerary. Just keep in mind the reviews and set your expectations accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here: