Sip Saigon: First-of-its-kind Vietnamese Craft Spirit Tasting

A Refreshing Take on Vietnamese Craft Spirits

If you’re into cocktails, local flavors, or just curious about Vietnam’s emerging craft spirit scene, the Sip Saigon tasting offers something quite special. While we haven’t personally hopped into this experience, reviews and detailed descriptions point to an engaging, authentic journey into Vietnam’s small-batch distilling craft.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides—including a Vietnamese food writer and Vietnam’s first wine blogger—bring a genuine passion and insider knowledge. Second, the exclusive spirits—ranging from traditional sake to innovative Vietnamese gin, rum, and fruit liquors—are hard to find elsewhere. Third, the personalized, intimate setting ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd, but part of a curated experience.

That said, it’s a relatively short experience at around one hour and priced at $32.50, which might seem steep for some travelers seeking a more extensive tour. However, the focus on quality, local authenticity, and expert-guided tasting makes it a worthwhile splurge—especially for spirits enthusiasts or those curious about Vietnam’s craft scene.

This experience is best suited for those who love discovering new flavors, enjoy a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, and want to learn about local spirits from passionate insiders. It’s particularly appealing if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City and want a taste of Vietnam’s artisanal distilling culture in a private, friendly setting.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Authentic Vietnamese Craft Spirits: Tasting exclusive, small-batch spirits like sake, gin, rum, and fruit liquors.
• Expert-Led Experience: Hosted by passionate guides including a renowned food writer and the country’s first wine blogger.
• Intimate Setting: Held in a cozy, private venue in District 1, perfect for personal connection and relaxed learning.
• High-Quality Value: For $32.50, enjoy four spirits, a bespoke cocktail, light snacks, and retail discounts.
• Unique Access: Many spirits are seasonal or exclusive, offering a rare chance to sample products not available on the market.
• Ideal for Spirits Lovers: Suitable for those interested in craft beverages, local culture, and authentic experiences.

What to Expect from the Sip Saigon Craft Spirit Tasting

This experience takes you into Vietnam’s burgeoning craft spirit scene, right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The venue itself strikes a balance between casual café by day and intimate cocktail bar by night, creating a welcoming atmosphere for learning and tasting.

The Location and Atmosphere

The tasting is hosted in a private space within Saigon Social, a spot that feels more like a friend’s cozy lounge than a commercial bar. The location in District 1 means it’s easily accessible and near public transportation, making it convenient for visitors exploring the city.

Guests are welcomed by a team of passionate guides, notably Jovel Chan, a recognized food writer and travel tastemaker, along with Phuong Maxy, Vietnam’s first wine blogger. Their enthusiasm and deep knowledge make the experience both educational and fun, often sprinkled with behind-the-scenes stories about each spirit’s origin and production.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The core of the experience focuses on sampling four carefully curated Vietnamese craft spirits. These include a rotating selection—sometimes a Vietnamese sake, like Ruou, or locally crafted gin, rum, whiskey, and vodka. Many of these are seasonal or limited-edition, making this tasting not just informative but also a bit of a treasure hunt.

Guests are guided through each spirit, learning about how they’re made, their local significance, and what makes each unique. Reviewers have pointed out how Jovel’s storytelling enriches the tasting, making it more than just drinking—it’s about understanding the culture behind each bottle.

Tasting and Making Cocktails

After exploring the spirits, you get to craft a bespoke cocktail using one of the featured products. This hands-on component elevates the experience, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of cocktail creation and flavor blending.

Snacks and Retail Discounts

To complement the drinks, light snacks are offered—likely local bites that balance and enhance the spirits’ flavors. Guests also enjoy a 10% discount on retail items and cocktails, which can be handy if you wish to purchase bottles or enjoy more drinks during your visit.

The Spirits: A Closer Look

The highlight here is the diversity of spirits. From traditional rice-based sake to innovative fruit-infused liquors, the selection showcases Vietnam’s creative spirit producers. Reviewers have appreciated the wide variety, noting that all products are Vietnamese, and many are exclusive or seasonal.

Particularly praised are the generous pours and authentic taste, which demonstrate the quality and craft behind each bottle. The spirits are described as thoughtfully curated, with some reviewers mentioning that Jovel’s extensive knowledge makes the tasting both educational and engaging.

What Reviewers Say

One reviewer from the US, a craft beer and bourbon enthusiast, appreciated how Jovel guided them through the Vietnamese craft gin, rum, and rice wine, noting that she shared fascinating stories about each distillery. Another reviewer highlighted the “great variety of products” and the “fun space” with friendly company, making the experience both informative and lively.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: About 1 hour, making it a perfect quick yet enriching activity.
• Price: $32.50 per person, which includes four spirits, a cocktail, snacks, and retail discounts. While not inexpensive, the focus on exclusive, high-quality spirits offers good value.
• Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging atmosphere.
• Booking: On average, secured 34 days in advance, which indicates high demand and the importance of planning early.
• Accessibility: The venue is near public transportation, simplifying logistics.

What’s Included and Not

Included are the guided tasting, spirits, cocktail workshop, snacks, and discounts. Tips aren’t included but are customary if you enjoy the experience. No transportation is provided, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tasting is ideal for spirits aficionados, those curious about Vietnamese craft beverages, or travelers keen to support local producers. It’s perfect for small groups looking for a relaxed, interactive activity that combines culture, taste, and education. If you enjoy learning stories behind the bottles and savoring unique flavors, this experience hits the mark.

The Sum Up: A Must-Do for Spirit Lovers in Ho Chi Minh City

The Sip Saigon Vietnamese craft spirit tasting offers an authentic, high-quality look into Vietnam’s craft distilling scene. The combination of expert guidance, exclusive spirits, and a cozy setting makes this a memorable activity—especially for those with a penchant for discovering new flavors.

While it’s relatively short, the experience packs in meaningful insights and delicious tasting moments that justify the price. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour enjoying local culture through its burgeoning craft spirits, making it perfect for curious travelers and connoisseurs alike.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, authentic, and well-curated tasting experience that supports local artisans and educates your palate, this tour is a great choice. Just remember to book early to secure your spot and enjoy the full array of Vietnamese craft spirits on offer.

FAQ

How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts approximately one hour, making it a perfect quick activity within your day.

Where does the tasting take place?
It’s held in a private, cozy venue within Saigon Social, located in District 1, easily accessible by public transportation.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided tasting of four Vietnamese craft spirits, a cocktail-making session, light snacks, and a 10% discount on retail items and cocktails.

Are spirits seasonal or limited?
Yes, many of the spirits are seasonal and exclusive, providing a rare chance to sample products not widely available.

Can I purchase bottles after the tasting?
Yes, guests receive a discount on retail bottles, which you can buy to take a piece of Vietnam’s craft scene home.

Is this experience suitable for non-drinkers?
While primarily a tasting, non-drinkers might enjoy the storytelling and snacks, but the main activity involves alcohol sampling.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended, as the tour is popular and booked an average of 34 days in advance.

This detailed look at the Sip Saigon craft spirit tasting reveals an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable, delivering genuine insight into Vietnam’s emerging artisanal distilling scene. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s local culture in a relaxed, friendly setting.