Skopje: Unique Smidgin explore and tasting tour

Travel lovers exploring North Macedonia often seek authentic experiences that go beyond the usual sights. The Skopje: Unique Smidgin explore and tasting tour promises an introduction to the city’s hidden gem—its very own craft gin, Smidgin—set within the historic Ruben Palace. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply curious about local spirits, this one-hour journey offers a snapshot into the art of distillation combined with a taste of Skopje’s local culture.

What makes this tour stand out? We appreciate that it gives you exclusive insight into the creation of one of Europe’s finest gins, guiding you through its botanical ingredients and distillation process. The tutored tasting session of three distinct gins—London Dry, Velvet, and Orient—lets you savor the nuanced flavors crafted by expert hands. The aroma tasting of botanicals adds sensory depth, and finishing with a perfectly crafted “Perfect Serve” cocktail enhances the experience.

However, it’s worth mentioning that some travelers have found the overall value questionable, especially if expectations about the tour’s length and offerings aren’t fully aligned. The tour’s quick pace and small space might not suit everyone, particularly those requiring larger groups or more extensive tasting.

This experience could suit visitors who are interested in spirits, enjoy intimate tours, and appreciate a mix of history and craft. It’s perfect for those on a tight schedule who want a glimpse of Skopje’s local craftsmanship in a setting rich with history.

Good To Know

• Exclusive insight into Smidgin gin’s production in the historical Ruben Palace
• Tutored tasting of three unique gin varieties—London Dry, Velvet, and Orient
• Aroma tasting of botanicals, enhancing sensory appreciation
• Expertly crafted “Perfect Serve” cocktails showcasing gin versatility
• Located in a historic building, blending culture, history, and craft
• Short, one-hour duration ideal for a quick but memorable experience

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Setting: Ruben Palace and the Smidgin Distillery

The tour begins at Smidgin Distillery, located on the ground floor of Ruben Palace, one of Skopje’s most iconic and oldest buildings. Often called the MCM building by locals, Ruben Palace provides a stunning, historic backdrop for your gin journey. Walking into this space gives you an immediate sense of stepping into a place where history and craftsmanship collide.

While the distillery itself is small—fitting into just a couple of rooms—it’s enough space for an intimate, focused experience. Unfortunately, some visitors have noted that the rooms are not overly hygienic, which can be a concern if cleanliness is a priority. Still, the charm of being in such a historic site often outweighs these minor drawbacks.

The Guided Tour: Crafting the Spirit

What sets this tour apart is the detailed explanation of the gin-making process, including the choice of botanicals and the distillation techniques involved. The guide, though sometimes new or less experienced, is generally knowledgeable about the product and eager to share insights. One review mentioned that the guide was a bit inexperienced, which might affect the flow of the tour, but overall, the information provided is engaging.

You’ll learn about Smidgin’s history and see the steps involved in creating this prized gin. The process involves selecting botanicals, which are then distilled to create the distinct flavors of London Dry, Velvet, and Orient. This educational element helps you appreciate the artistry behind each sip.

The Tasting Session: Sipping and Smelling

The core of the experience is the tutored tasting of three types of gin. The servings are modest—just enough to cover the bottom of a shot glass—so don’t expect large pours. The focus is on quality and flavor recognition rather than quantity. The gins are described as Europe’s finest, and while the reviews are mixed, the opportunity to compare the different styles is valuable for enthusiasts.

The aroma tasting of botanicals is another highlight, allowing you to smell the raw ingredients that contribute to the gin’s complexity. This sensory component adds a layer of appreciation, especially for those new to spirits.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The “Perfect Serve” Cocktail

A standout feature is the expertly crafted “Perfect Serve” cocktail, which you’ll sample after the tasting. You may choose between two flavors, demonstrating the gin’s versatility. One reviewer noted that the cocktail was basically a gin and tonic with proportions not quite right, but others appreciated the effort and craft behind it.

Snacks are included, but some visitors have reported that they did not see any during their tour, indicating that snacks might be limited or optional. The focus remains on the drinks and the story behind them.

Atmosphere and Overall Vibe

The tour’s atmosphere is unique—walking through a historic building with a modern craft spirit in hand. It’s a cozy, intimate setting that—despite some hygiene concerns—offers a memorable environment for learning about and tasting gin. The experience is capped at small groups, often private, which enhances the personal interaction with guides.

Critical Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the experience offers a neat introduction to Smidgin gin, some aspects may not appeal to everyone. The small size and somewhat unclean rooms might detract from the overall enjoyment, especially for those sensitive to hygiene standards.

The duration is just about an hour, making it a quick stop rather than an in-depth tour, which might disappoint travelers expecting a more comprehensive exploration. Plus, some reviews mention that the cocktails and tastings are quite modest, and if you’re hoping for large pours or more extensive sampling, you might find yourself wanting more.

Price-wise, at $30 per person, the cost seems reasonable considering the guided tasting, botanical aroma experience, and the “Perfect Serve” cocktail. However, if you wish to taste additional drinks, extra charges apply, which could add up quickly—something to keep in mind if you plan to indulge.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience will appeal most to spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, or those interested in local craftsmanship who enjoy small, guided tastings in a historic setting. It’s particularly suitable for visitors with limited time in Skopje who want a quick, engaging activity that combines culture, history, and a taste of modern Macedonian innovation.

It’s less suited for families, pregnant women, or children under 18, as alcohol consumption is involved. Also, those seeking a large or more social tasting experience might find this tour too brief or intimate.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Skopje: Unique Smidgin explore and tasting tour offers a charming peek into the world of Macedonian gin-making. Its strongest points are the knowledgeable guides, the historic ambiance, and the focus on sensory experience—all within a beautifully historic building.

While the small size, hygiene concerns, and limited duration might not meet everyone’s expectations, the core experience remains valuable—particularly if you are genuinely interested in understanding how local spirits are crafted. The tour delivers good value for money, especially when considering the guided nature and the exclusive insight it offers into a European spirit.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a short, memorable cultural activity that blends history with craft, especially if you enjoy spirits or are curious about Macedonian innovation. It’s not a large-scale tasting or party, but rather a focused, intimate experience rooted in local tradition.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or pregnant women?
No, the tour involves alcohol tasting, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women or anyone who does not drink alcohol.

Can I taste more than one cocktail during the tour?
Additional cocktails beyond the included “Perfect Serve” are available but will incur extra charges.

Where exactly does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Smidgin Distillery located in Ruben Palace, on the ground floor of this historic building.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1 hour, making it a quick but informative activity.

Is the tour private or for groups?
It is usually offered as a private group, which enhances the personalized experience.

Are snacks provided during the tour?
Snacks are included, but some guests have reported not seeing any during their visit, so it might be limited.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing more travelers to participate comfortably.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, Serbian, Macedonian, and Croatian, catering to diverse visitors.

To sum it up, if you’re keen on discovering a local spirit in a historic setting, enjoy guided tastings, and want a quick inside look at Macedonian craft, this tour could be a highlight of your Skopje trip. Just keep expectations in check regarding size, hygiene, and duration, but know that you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for Macedonian gin and its makers.

You can check if your dates are available here: