The Smidgin Experience – A Unique Gin & Cocktail Tasting Tour!

If you’re visiting Skopje and want a taste of the city’s modern craft spirit scene, the Smidgin Experience offers a fun, intimate peek into how one of the world’s top gins is made — all wrapped in a historic setting. This tour isn’t just about tasting gin; it combines history, craftsmanship, and a bit of local flavor, making it a standout in the city’s activity lineup.

What we really like about this experience is how it manages to be both educational and relaxing — you’ll learn about the process of creating Smidgin London Dry, which has earned international recognition, and you get to enjoy beautifully crafted cocktails. Plus, the setting inside the Ruben Palace adds a touch of charm and history that makes the whole thing feel special.

A potential downside? It’s a short, one-hour experience, so those after a deep dive into distillery operations might find it a bit light on details. Also, since the tour is about the gin creation process and tasting, it might not satisfy those looking for a broad sightseeing experience in Skopje. Still, if you’re into spirits or looking for a memorable, quality-led activity, this tour hits the right notes.

All in all, this experience is perfect for gin lovers, craft spirits enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Macedonian juniper and local distilling traditions. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, informative vibe with a chance to taste some exceptional gin.

Key Points

• Exclusive Inside Look: You’ll explore the Smidgin distillery located in the historic Ruben Palace.
• Recognition: Smidgin London Dry has been awarded as the Best Gin from Mainland Europe and ranks among the Top 6 Gins worldwide.
• Educational and Tasting Focus: The tour includes aroma tastings of botanicals and a tutored tasting of three different gins.
• Cocktail Experience: You’ll get to sample two “perfect serve” cocktails made with different flavors, showcasing versatility.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Expect friendly, well-informed hosts who make the experience engaging.
• Affordable Luxury: At $49.55, the price offers solid value considering the quality of the gin, the history shared, and the cocktails.

Getting a Feel for the Smidgin Experience

The entire tour takes around an hour, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into a busy day of sightseeing or as a relaxing evening treat. The meeting point is at the Boulevard Ilinden, right in Skopje’s city center, close to public transportation and easy to find.

You’ll start inside the Ruben Palace, which itself is a fascinating location — one of the oldest buildings in Skopje that survived the 1963 earthquake. Walking through history while learning about the building’s past adds a layer of depth to the experience. The blend of historical ambiance with the modern craft of gin-making creates a unique atmosphere that many reviews highlight as unforgettable.

The tour guides are knowledgeable, happy to share insights into why Macedonian juniper is prized worldwide — adding a sense of pride and local flavor that makes the experience all the more engaging. You’ll also get a detailed aroma tasting, where you can sniff and compare different botanicals used in the gin. For those who love spirits, this is a real treat.

Exploring the Gin and Its Production

The core of the experience centers around Smidgin’s story and how this award-winning gin is crafted. The guides explain each step, from selecting botanicals to the distillation techniques that allow Smidgin to stand out globally. As one reviewer put it, “the atmosphere throughout the tour is unforgettable — there’s something truly special about experiencing such a high-quality product in a setting rich with charm.”

You’ll learn why Macedonian juniper is sought after by gin makers worldwide, adding a local twist to the story of this spirit. The tasting of three gins — Smidgin Classic, Smidgin Velvet, and Smidgin Orient — gives you a well-rounded understanding of the brand’s range, each with its own flavor profile. As one reviewer mentioned, “you really get to appreciate the product and taste gin like you have never tasted before.”

The guides are also eager to share tips for making the perfect gin and cocktails at home, which can add a fun, practical edge to the tasting session. If you’re into mixology or just want to learn how to enjoy gin properly, this is a bonus.

Cocktails and Social Vibe

After the educational part, it’s time for the fun to start — the two “perfect serve” cocktails. These are crafted using different Smidgin flavors, allowing you to taste how versatile the gin can be. Each cocktail is served professionally, and the atmosphere encourages conversation and appreciation of the craft. Many reviews note how hospitable and friendly the hosts are, making the experience as much about the company as the drinks themselves.

For those who enjoy a good cocktail, this portion of the tour is often highlighted as a favorite. The cocktails aren’t just standard mixes; they’re thoughtfully crafted to showcase Smidgin’s range and quality.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $49.55 per person, the experience offers good value, especially considering the recognition Smidgin has received and the quality of the drinks and knowledge shared. You’re not only tasting some of the best gin from Europe but also gaining insight into its creation and the craftsmanship behind it. Several reviewers have expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity to learn about the process and enjoy well-prepared drinks in a cozy, historic environment.

Compared to larger, less personal distillery visits, this tour’s private, intimate setting makes it feel special and exclusive without breaking the bank.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for gin aficionados, craft spirits lovers, or anyone curious about Macedonian juniper and local distilling traditions. It’s also a neat activity for those wanting a relaxed, engaging way to spend an hour in the city center. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even alone, the friendly guides and convivial atmosphere make it easy to feel comfortable and engaged.

While it’s not a full-blown distillery tour with lengthy production insights, it’s perfect for a quick, high-quality immersion into the world of premium gin — especially if you enjoy tasting and learning about spirits.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the experience is primarily focused on gin tasting and education. It’s best for adults who appreciate spirits and craft cocktails.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about an hour, making it a concise activity that fits well into a busy sightseeing day.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll explore the distillery, learn about gin production, do aroma tastings of botanicals, participate in a tutored gin tasting of three gins, and enjoy two crafted cocktails.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the ticket mobile?
Yes, it’s a mobile ticket, so no need to worry about printing anything.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it more personal.

What are the meeting points?
The experience starts at Boulevard Ilinden 80 in Skopje, at the Smidgin distillery.

How far in advance should I book?
Most people book around 16 days ahead, so it’s advisable to reserve early to secure your spot.

Is weather a concern?
Since it’s an indoor activity, weather isn’t a big issue. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Smidgin Experience offers a well-structured, enjoyable hour in Skopje that blends history, craftsmanship, and spirits in a friendly setting. It’s a great pick for those who want to experience a top-ranked gin while soaking up local charm and learning some cocktail tricks. The knowledgeable guides, the recognition of Smidgin’s quality, and the cozy historic backdrop all make it stand out.

If you’re into gin or want a unique activity that’s different from traditional sightseeing, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s best suited for adults who appreciate a good drink and a bit of storytelling, but it’s also a wonderful introduction to Macedonian distilling pride.

Whether you’re a dedicated gin enthusiast or just looking for a memorable, local experience, the Smidgin Tour is worth considering when in Skopje. It’s a tasteful way to spend an hour and a great reason to get to know the city’s modern spirit scene. Cheers!