Skopje: Unique Smidgin explore and tasting tour

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Introducing the Skopje: Unique Smidgin Explore and Tasting Tour

If you’re considering a different kind of activity in Skopje, the Smidgin explore and tasting tour offers a peek into the city’s modern craft spirit scene combined with a touch of history. While the experience is marketed as an exclusive insight into one of Europe’s finest gins, actual visitor reviews suggest it may not fully meet expectations, especially considering the price.

We love that this tour promises a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Smidgin gin, a chance to sample three different types of gin—London Dry, Velvet, and Orient—and enjoy an expertly crafted “Perfect Serve” cocktail. The inclusion of aroma tasting of botanicals and a tour of Ruben Palace with the distillery adds an authentic local flavor.

However, some guests have noted hygiene concerns, limited tasting portions, and inconsistent guide knowledge. If you’re after a polished, value-for-money experience with a little more substance, this might be a mixed bag. Still, if you’re a gin enthusiast or curious about local spirits, it could be worth a try. This experience might suit those looking for a quick, themed activity rather than a deep dive into distilling.

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Key Points

Authentic insight into the production of Smidgin gin within a historic setting.
Tastings of three different gins with guided aroma exploration.
Expertly crafted “Perfect Serve” cocktail options to showcase versatility.
Tour and history combined with a visit to Ruben Palace, adding cultural context.
Questionable hygiene and limited tasting quantities raised concerns from past visitors.
Value for money is debated, especially considering the official price versus cheaper online options.

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An Overview of the Experience

The tour takes place inside Ruben Palace, a beautifully historic building in Skopje, famously known among locals as the MCM building. The distillery is located on the ground floor, making it easily accessible and part of a walk-through of the palace’s grounds. The setting itself offers a sense of local tradition, with the old architecture adding an atmospheric backdrop to a modern spirit craft.

The core of the experience revolves around learning how Smidgin gin is made. Guests are guided through the selection of botanicals, distillation techniques, and what makes Smidgin stand out in Europe’s crowded gin scene. While some reviewers mention that the guide—who was described as new and untrained—lacked depth in the knowledge, others appreciated the friendly atmosphere and personal approach.

The Tasting Component

You’ll taste three of the distillery’s creations: London Dry, Velvet, and Orient. The shots are small, roughly enough to cover the bottom of a shot glass, which is standard in tutored tastings but leaves some feeling it’s not quite enough. Several reviews mentioned disappointment here, especially when asked about allergy concerns. One guest was told one of the gins contained nuts—an important detail for allergy sufferers—only to be corrected later by a colleague. No nut-free alternatives are available, and the portion sizes are quite modest.

The “Perfect Serve” Cocktail

After the tasting, you’ll be served one “Perfect Serve” cocktail, carefully crafted by a mixologist. Guests often have a choice between two flavor profiles, designed to showcase the versatility of Smidgin gin. While some found the cocktail well-made and refreshing, others felt that it didn’t quite match the quality of premium gin experiences elsewhere. One reviewer pointed out that they received only one cocktail instead of two, which felt a little underwhelming considering the price.

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Aromas and Botanicals

The aroma tasting of botanicals is a distinctive feature, allowing guests to identify key scents used in the gin. This sensory exploration can be quite enjoyable, especially for those interested in the details of gin crafting. However, the overall experience can be marred if the hygiene standards are not maintained, as some visitors described the rooms as small and not very clean.

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The Setting and Atmosphere

The historic Ruben Palace adds a layer of charm, immersing visitors in a piece of Skopje’s architectural history. The rooms are small, which creates an intimate but sometimes cramped environment. The atmosphere is casual, with a friendly guide attempting to share insights, though some participants felt the experience lacked polish and professionalism.

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, making it a short and manageable activity—roughly 24 minutes according to some guests. The brevity may suit those with limited time but can leave others feeling it was over before it truly began.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At $29 per person, the price sits at the higher end for what’s essentially a guided tasting and a single cocktail. Some guests discovered the same tour on the company’s website for about half the price, raising questions about value.

The offerings include a visit to the distillery, the historic Ruben Palace, three gin tastings, botanicals aroma experience, snacks, and one expertly crafted cocktail. For gin lovers or those interested in spirits, this provides a niche experience, but it might not justify the cost for everyone, especially considering the limited quantities and the mixed reviews on guide knowledge.

Guests should note that additional cocktails are charged extra, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or minors under 18. Also, if you’re allergic to nuts, it’s essential to clarify allergy info beforehand, as some past guests found the communication unclear or inconsistent.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers interested in spirits, especially gin aficionados wanting to learn about a rising local brand. It could also appeal to those with a taste for history, given the location inside Ruben Palace. However, if you’re seeking a premium, highly polished tasting experience with substantial pours, you might find this tour a little underwhelming.

Because of the small group size and casual atmosphere, it’s also good for travelers who prefer intimate, informal activities over large, commercial tours. Still, keep expectations realistic: this is more about sampling and learning than indulging.

The Sum Up

The Skopje: Unique Smidgin explore and tasting tour offers a quick glimpse into the craft of gin making within a historic setting, combining local heritage with the modern spirit scene. It’s a decent activity for gin enthusiasts or those curious about Skopje’s contemporary sides, especially if they enjoy a touch of history and aromatics.

However, the experience’s value is somewhat diminished by small tasting portions, hygiene concerns, and inconsistent guide expertise—issues some guests highlighted. It’s a budget-friendly option if booked directly online but appears overpriced compared to the cheaper official price.

In essence, it’s a fun, informal activity that can add a bit of local flavor to your trip, but don’t expect a fully polished, comprehensive tasting tour. It’s best for curious travelers who prioritize authenticity and a relaxed vibe over perfection.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women, mainly because it involves alcohol tasting.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at the Smidgin Distillery located inside Ruben Palace, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
The activity takes around 24 minutes, according to reviews, but it includes the visit to Ruben Palace and the distillery.

What is included in the price?
You get tutored tastings of three gins, aroma tasting of botanicals, one “Perfect Serve” cocktail, snacks, and a tour of the distillery and Ruben Palace.

Can I taste more than one cocktail?
Additional cocktails can be purchased at extra cost, but only one is included in the standard package.

Is it worth the price?
Opinions vary, but some guests feel it’s overpriced, especially considering the small portions and guide shortcomings. It’s worth checking the direct website for cheaper prices.

Are the gins and the experience authentic?
Yes, you get to learn about and taste Smidgin gin, a notable European brand, and explore the distillation process, even if the guide’s expertise may be inconsistent.

The Skopje: Unique Smidgin explore and tasting tour offers a niche, casual insight into local gin production with a historic backdrop. It’s worth considering if you’re a spirits lover or want an authentic taste of local craftsmanship, but manage expectations about value and depth.