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

A Taste of Vietnam’s Craft Spirit Scene in Ho Chi Minh City

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If you’re curious about Vietnam beyond its famous pho and bustling markets, exploring its craft spirits offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s evolving local alcohol scene. This review covers Sip Saigon, a unique tasting experience that showcases Vietnam’s new wave of small-batch spirits, from traditional rice liquors to innovative infusions.

What makes this tour stand out? Firstly, it’s hosted in a cozy, private venue in District 1—a perfect setting for intimate learning and tasting. Secondly, the guides — including renowned food writer Jovel Chan and Vietnam’s first wine blogger Phuong Maxy — bring authentic insights and behind-the-scenes stories that elevate the experience. Lastly, the selection of spirits is impressively curated, with some of them being seasonal, exclusive, and only available during the tasting.

However, a possible consideration is that this experience lasts around an hour, so those seeking a longer, more immersive activity might want to plan additional adventures afterward. Also, given the small group size (max 15 people), it’s best to book in advance, which is usually recommended about a month ahead.

This experience would suit cocktail lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone interested in trying something off the beaten path in Ho Chi Minh City. If you enjoy discovering local products and want a taste of Vietnam’s craft spirit-making tradition, this tour offers both education and enjoyment.

Good To Know

• Authentic Vietnamese Craft Spirits: Focus on small-batch, seasonal, and exclusive liquors.
• Expert Guides: Led by passionate locals who share behind-the-scenes stories.
• Intimate Setting: Private venue in District 1 creates a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.
• Hands-On Experience: Includes a cocktail-making session to try your hand at mixing.
• Value for Money: At $32.50, it offers a well-rounded tasting with snacks and retail discounts.
• Limited but Popular: Book well in advance to secure your spot.

Exploring the Sip Saigon Experience

Setting and Atmosphere

This tour takes place in a private, cozy space in the heart of District 1. During the day, it operates as a café, turning into an intimate bar by night—think of it as a home away from home, where the ambiance is relaxed and welcoming. The venue’s small size ensures you’ll get plenty of interaction with guides and fellow participants, making it perfect for a casual yet informative outing.

The Guides and Their Expertise

The guiding team adds significant value to this experience. Jovel Chan, a respected Vietnamese food writer and Travel + Leisure SEA Tastemaker, along with Phuong Maxy, the country’s first wine blogger, bring deep knowledge and genuine passion. Their storytelling isn’t just about the spirits but also about Vietnam’s brewing traditions and the stories behind each bottle.

From reviews, we learn that Jovel is described as a “lovely lady and host,” who takes her guests on a tour of diverse spirits like gin, rum, and rice wine, making the tasting educational and fun. One reviewer mentioned how Jovel’s insights into the expansion of craft liquors and the details about each distillery added depth to the experience, making it much more than just a tasting.

The Selection of Vietnamese Craft Spirits

The core of the tour is sampling four different spirits, which rotate seasonally. Expect to taste a mix of traditional and innovative drinks, including Vietnamese sake, first-of-its-kind Soju, Makgeolli, and fruit liquors like dragonfruit, passionfruit, and apricot. Many of these are not widely available on the market, giving visitors access to rare and exclusive products.

Reviewers highlighted the diversity of flavors—ranging from gin, rum, whiskey, to rice wine—and praised the generous pours. One remarked, “Great variety of products (all Vietnamese) from gin to rum to rice wine to makgeolli,” adding that the guides’ knowledge made all the difference.

The Cocktail Experience

After sampling, you get a chance to craft your own drink with one of the featured spirits. This interactive element offers a fun, hands-on way to understand how local ingredients can be transformed into cocktails. It’s a thoughtful addition that appeals to those who love to learn by doing.

Light Snacks and Retail Discounts

Complementing the drinks, light snacks are provided, enhancing the tasting experience without overwhelming the palate. Plus, participants enjoy a 10% discount on retail items, cocktails, and snacks, encouraging visitors to purchase their favorite spirits or souvenirs.

Price and Value

At $32.50, this experience offers excellent value given the expert-guided tasting, cocktail-making activity, snacks, and exclusive spirits. Considering the small group size and personalized attention, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in Vietnam’s emerging craft alcohol scene.

Booking and Practicalities

The tour is booked an average of 34 days in advance, so early reservation is advised. The experience lasts approximately one hour, making it a quick yet fulfilling activity. Meeting at Saigon Social, a local craft store and coffee shop, is convenient for those staying in District 1 and near public transport.

Authenticity and Unique Insights

The reviews reinforce the authenticity of this tour. Visitors appreciated the depth of knowledge shared by the guides—who not only explained how the spirits are made but also included behind-the-scenes stories about local distilleries and the evolution of Vietnam’s craft liquor industry. Guests also noted the generosity of pours and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer even said, “Well worth visiting to learn a bit more about the history, plus generous pours and fun company.”

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for cocktail lovers, culture seekers, and curious travelers who want more than just a standard bar crawl. If you’re interested in learning about Vietnam’s modern craft spirit scene or enjoy tasting exclusive, locally produced beverages, this hands-on tour provides both education and entertainment. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples who appreciate personalized attention and a relaxed setting.

The Sum Up

In summary, Sip Saigon offers a genuine and engaging glimpse into Vietnam’s rising craft spirit industry. The guides’ local expertise, combined with exclusive spirit tastings and a fun cocktail-making element, make it a memorable activity in Ho Chi Minh City. The intimate venue and thoughtful details like snacks and retail discounts further enhance the value.

This tour is best suited for those who want a quick but meaningful taste of Vietnam’s emerging alcohol culture—whether you’re a seasoned spirit enthusiast or simply curious about local flavors. Its intimate atmosphere and expert guidance make it a delightful way to spend an hour, gaining insights that you won’t find in typical bar scenes.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about an hour, making it a perfect quick activity to fit into a day of sightseeing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Saigon Social, a local craft store and coffee shop, and ends back at the same spot.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the main activity involves tasting spirits, the experience is more about education and culture. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the stories and snacks.

What spirits are included in the tasting?
The selection features four Vietnamese craft spirits, which may include sake, gin, rum, whiskey, vodka, and fruit-infused liquors, with some options being seasonal and exclusive.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least a few weeks ahead, as the tour is popular and books on average 34 days in advance.

Are tips included?
Tips and gratuities are not included in the price, so consider bringing some cash if you wish to thank your guides.

This guided tasting tour in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about drinking—it’s about discovering a new facet of Vietnam’s vibrant local culture, in a setting that feels both authentic and personal. Whether you’re a spirits aficionado or a curious traveler, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Vietnam itinerary.