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

If you’re looking for a way to get a taste of Skopje’s modern craftsmanship while soaking in its historic charm, The Smidgin Experience offers just that. This one-hour tour at the Ruben Palace, now home to the renowned Smidgin distillery, combines the story of Macedonia’s first and globally acclaimed gin with a hands-on tasting session that’s as engaging as it is delicious. With a small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and a setting steeped in history, it promises not only to educate but also to entertain your senses.

What really sets this tour apart? It’s the seamless blend of history, botanicals, and expert-led tastings—all wrapped up in a charming, accessible environment. The fact that Smidgin gin won the “European Best Gin” award and ranks among the top six gins worldwide makes it an experience worth considering whether you’re a gin lover or simply curious about local spirits. One thing to note: the tour is quite popular, often booked 16 days in advance, so planning ahead is advised.

One potential consideration is the duration—at just about an hour, it’s a quick dive into gin making and tasting, so if you’re after a full-day experience, this might be a bit light. However, for those keen on a focused, high-quality introduction to Macedonian gin craftsmanship paired with history, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for adults interested in spirits, history buffs, or travelers seeking authentic local experiences. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples who enjoy tasting and learning in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Key Points

• Unique Setting: Hosted inside the historic Ruben Palace, blending Skopje’s past with contemporary craft.
• Award-Winning Gin: Smidgin London Dry has international recognition, making the tasting special.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guests rave about the guides’ expertise and friendly manner.
• Hands-on Experience: Learn about the botanicals, distillation, and crafting of the gin.
• Tasting & Cocktails: Enjoy a tutored tasting of three gins and two expertly made “perfect serve” cocktails.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The environment is described as memorable, combining history and high-quality spirits.

A Deep Dive Into the Tour Experience

Starting at the Ruben Palace, a building with its own story in Skopje, the tour feels like walking into a piece of living history. The tour runs in a private setting, meaning only your group participates, allowing for personalized attention and questions. The guides, often described as knowledgeable and hospitable, walk you through the history of the building and the distillery, adding context that elevates the experience beyond just tasting.

As you venture inside, you’ll immediately sense the blend of old-world architecture with modern craftsmanship. Guests mention the atmosphere as unforgettable, with some noting the building’s resilience—surviving Skopje’s 1963 earthquake—as adding an extra layer of character. The guides often share stories about the history of Macedonian juniper, which is highly prized worldwide and a key ingredient in Smidgin gin.

The core of the tour is the production process. You’ll get a detailed explanation—from selecting botanicals to the distillation process—highlighting what makes Smidgin gin stand out. Several reviews commend the guides’ ability to communicate complex processes in an accessible way, often sharing tips about gin and cocktails along the way.

After the educational part, the experience shifts to tasting. You’ll be introduced to three distinct gins: Smidgin Classic, Velvet, and Orient. Guests enjoy aroma tasting of botanicals, which helps understand the nuanced flavors that go into each bottle. Reviewers often describe the gins as exceptional, with some outright calling Smidgin the “best gin” they’ve tried.

The final part involves drinking two “perfect serve” cocktails, crafted using the same or different flavors of Smidgin gin. These cocktails are prepared expertly, and the guides offer tips on how to recreate similar drinks at home. Guests have expressed appreciation for the high-quality craftsmanship and the chance to see how versatile the gin can be in cocktails.

Throughout this journey, the tour maintains an intimate, relaxed atmosphere—and the setting encourages questions and interaction, which many reviewers value highly. One guest shared that the combination of knowledge, quality gin, and friendly hosts made it one of their favorite experiences in Skopje.

The Value in the Experience

For just under $50 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive look at Macedonian gin, with multiple levels of engagement—history, botanicals, production, and tasting. Considering the international recognition Smidgin has received, including awards from the Gin Guide competition, this tasting is a great value for those interested in spirits.

The inclusion of two cocktails allows participants to see the different flavor variants in action, broadening understanding of how botanicals influence taste. The guided aroma tastings and explanations about juniper and other botanicals make this a rich sensory experience. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about appreciating the craft and the story behind each sip.

On top of that, the small group format ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for travelers who prefer more intimate experiences over large, noisy tours. Guests consistently praise the guides’ knowledgeable and hospitable approach, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

While the tour is briefly timed, it packs enough information and tastings to make it feel substantial. Some travelers might wish for a longer experience, but the value here lies in quality over quantity.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour begins at Boulevard Ilinden 80, right in the city center, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing or to visit afterward for a relaxed stroll. It’s a private activity, so only your group joins, ensuring a focused experience. It’s also accessible via public transportation, which is a plus for those staying in central Skopje.

Booking ahead is recommended since the activity is popular, often booked around 16 days in advance. The cost is $49.55 per person, and considering the award-winning gin, expert guidance, and tasting experience, it feels like good value.

The experience lasts approximately one hour, making it easy to include in a day packed with sightseeing or other activities. Since it’s indoor and typically held in good weather (though weather isn’t specified as a concern), it’s suitable year-round.

Note: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, making it accessible for many guests.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy spirits, cocktails, or learning about local craftsmanship. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group, personalized tours with a history twist. Gin enthusiasts will find it particularly rewarding, especially given the international accolades Smidgin has received.

Travelers interested in Skopje’s architecture and history will enjoy the setting within Ruben Palace, which adds a cultural dimension. It’s also a nice choice for couples or small groups seeking a fun, relaxed activity that combines education with indulgence.

If you’re looking for a quick, insightful, and delicious way to explore Macedonian produce and tradition, The Smidgin Experience is a solid pick. Just remember to book in advance, and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable tasting journey.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
This tour is geared toward adults, particularly those interested in spirits and cocktails. Since it involves tasting alcohol, it’s best suited for guests of legal drinking age.

How long does the tour last?
It takes approximately 1 hour, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Boulevard Ilinden 80, Skopje, and concludes back at the same point.

Is there a need to book in advance?
Yes, since the tour is popular and often booked about 16 days ahead, reserving early is advised.

What is included in the price?
For around $50, you get a guided tour of the distillery, aroma tasting of botanicals, a tutored tasting of three gins, and two crafted cocktails.

Can I buy the gin after the tour?
Yes, guests often have the opportunity to purchase Smidgin gin directly from the distillery.

Is the tour accessible and suitable for most travelers?
Yes, it is accessible for most travelers and is held in a private setting, making it comfortable and personalized.

In short, The Smidgin Experience offers a genuine glimpse into Macedonian gin craftsmanship within a historical setting. It balances education, tasting, and atmosphere, making it a standout activity for those visiting Skopje who want to enjoy a little local luxury with a story to tell.