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

Introduction: Discovering Vietnam’s Hidden Craft Spirit Scene

If you’re curious about Vietnam’s evolving alcoholic beverage landscape, this Sip Saigon craft spirit tasting offers an insightful glimpse into the country’s small-batch distilling craft. Hosted in a cozy, private venue in District 1, this tour combines cultural curiosity with a tasting journey that’s both fun and educational.

What we love about this experience? First, it’s guided by passionate local experts who truly know their stuff, including Vietnamese food writer Jovel Chan and Vietnam’s first wine blogger, Phuong Maxy. Second, the exclusive spirits—from sake and gin to unique fruit liquors—are carefully curated, many are seasonal or only available here. And third, the intimate setting makes for a relaxed, engaging atmosphere that’s perfect for small groups.

One thing to consider is the duration of about an hour, which is ideal if you’re in a tight schedule but might leave some wanting more in-depth tasting or cultural context. This experience suits cocktail lovers, culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for a genuine taste of Vietnam’s craft spirit scene.

Good To Know

• Authentic local guides bring stories and insights behind each spirit.
• Exclusive spirits include Vietnamese sake, first-of-its-kind Soju, and seasonal fruit liquors.
• Intimate venue offers a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.
• Tasting of four spirits plus a bespoke cocktail provides variety and fun.
• Affordable price at $32.50 offers excellent value for a curated experience.
• Includes light snacks and retail discounts to enhance the tasting.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Unique Venue and Atmosphere

The tour takes place in a private, cozy space in District 1, which transforms from a daytime café into a charming cocktail bar at night. Jovel and her team have curated a setting that feels both welcoming and exclusive, perfect for small groups—maxing out at 15 travelers—ensuring everyone gets personal attention. As one reviewer notes, the “cute spot, well worth visiting,” and the space adds a layer of authenticity, giving the feeling of enjoying drinks in a friend’s home rather than a commercial bar.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Passionate

Having Jovel Chan and Phuong Maxy leading the tasting really elevates the experience. Jovel, a seasoned food writer and tastemaker, shares captivating behind-the-scenes stories about the spirits’ production, giving context that makes each sip more meaningful. Phuong, Vietnam’s first wine blogger, adds her expertise, especially on the nuances of the spirits’ flavors, making the tasting both educational and approachable.

According to reviews, Jovel’s warmth and extensive knowledge make the experience “a lovely journey through Vietnamese craft gin, rhum, ruou, makkoli, and beer.” Guests appreciate her storytelling, which enriches the tasting with insights into the craft distillers and history behind each spirit.

The Curated Tasting: Spirits and Flavors

You’ll sample four carefully selected Vietnamese craft spirits. These include a range of types—sake, gin, rum, whiskey, and vodka—many of which are seasonal or exclusive to this event. One reviewer highlights the “great variety of products (all Vietnamese) from gin to rum to rice wine to makgeolli,” emphasizing the diversity on offer.

The spirits are often small-batch and limited release, making this tasting rare and more valuable. For example, tasting a first-of-its-kind Soju, a Korean-style spirit adapted here, adds a novel element, especially for those unfamiliar with Vietnamese distilling traditions. Guests also get the chance to make a bespoke cocktail with one of the spirits, providing a fun, hands-on conclusion to the experience.

Light Snacks and Retail Discounts

Complementing the drinks are light snacks that help balance the flavors without overwhelming the palate. These are perfect for those who want to enjoy the spirits without feeling overly full.

Shopping for souvenirs? The tour offers a 10% discount on retail items, cocktails, and snacks, adding extra value. If you find a particular spirit or local product you love, this is a great chance to bring something home.

Price and Value

At $32.50 per person, this experience offers very good value, especially considering the curated selection, expert guidance, and exclusive spirits. Guests consistently mention the generous pours and the depth of knowledge shared, making it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s craft distilling scene.

Booking and Practical Details

Booking generally opens about 34 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour lasts around an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule. The meeting point is at Saigon Social, a local craft store and coffee shop, conveniently located near public transportation.

While tips aren’t included, guests often find the guides so engaging that tipping feels well earned. The tour is flexible in terms of cancellation, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours beforehand, which adds reassurance for travelers.

Authentic Insights from Past Participants

One review highlights the “wide variety of products from gin to rum to rice wine to makgeolli,” and praises Jovel’s extensive knowledge about each distillery and craft liquor history. Another guest called it an “awesome” experience with “generous pours and fun company,” emphasizing the relaxed vibe and the chance to learn about Vietnam’s craft liquor expansion firsthand.

These reviews show that guests value the personalized storytelling, the variety of spirits, and the chance to try rare, local products they wouldn’t find easily elsewhere. The small group size ensures everyone gets attention and can ask questions, making this more than just a tasting—it’s a mini culture.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for:

• Cocktail or spirits enthusiasts eager to explore Vietnamese innovations beyond beer or wine.
• Culture lovers interested in understanding local traditions through their distilled beverages.
• Travelers seeking authentic, small-group experiences that blend education and fun.
• Foodies who enjoy pairing flavors and discovering new tastes.
• People on a budget looking for an affordable yet enriching activity in Ho Chi Minh City.

It’s less suitable for those seeking a prolonged tour or in-depth history, given the hour-long format, but it’s ideal for a quick, quality introduction to local craft spirits.

Final Thoughts

Sip Saigon’s craft spirit tasting offers a uniquely Vietnamese perspective on alcohol, blending expert guidance with exclusive spirits in a relaxed setting. The focus on small-batch, seasonal, and limited-release drinks makes it stand out, especially for those eager to experience something beyond the usual tourist fare.

At just over $32, it’s a surprisingly good deal considering the quality of the spirits, the personalized service, and the insider knowledge. Whether you’re a spirits novice or a seasoned connoisseur, this tour delivers both entertainment and education in equal measure.

If you want to learn about Vietnam’s craft distilling scene while sampling delicious, locally-made spirits, this experience is a must-try. It’s especially suited to those who appreciate authentic, intimate gatherings with a local flavor twist.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While primarily a tasting experience, non-drinkers can still enjoy the storytelling and snacks. It’s best to check with the provider ahead of time if you prefer to skip the spirits.

How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but meaningful experience during your day in Ho Chi Minh City.

What spirits will I taste?
You’ll sample 4 Vietnamese craft spirits including sake, gin, rum, whiskey, vodka, and possibly unique seasonal infusions like fruit liqueurs.

Is the venue accessible and easy to find?
Yes, the private venue is located in District 1, near public transportation, in a friendly and well-curated space that feels like a home.

Can I get a discount on retail items?
Yes, participants receive 10% off on retail items, cocktails, and snacks, which is a nice perk if you fall in love with a particular spirit.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included but are appreciated if you feel the guides did a great job.

How do I book this experience?
Booking is straightforward online via Viator, usually well in advance—about 34 days on average—especially during peak season.

In summary, if you’re after an authentic, intimate introduction to Vietnam’s craft spirits, this tour delivers a well-balanced mix of taste, culture, and fun. Perfect for curious travelers wanting to add a little local flavor to their Ho Chi Minh City adventures.