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

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

Imagine discovering Vietnam through its craft spirits—from Vietnamese sake to first-ever Soju and seasonal fruit liquors. For about an hour, in a cozy, intimate space in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, you get to taste four hand-picked local spirits guided by industry insiders like Jovel Chan and Phuong Maxy. The whole experience costs just $32.50 per person, booked usually 34 days in advance—a smart choice for those who appreciate authentic, small-batch drinks and a taste of local culture.

What we love about this experience? First, the personalized attention in a private venue makes the tasting feel special—no noisy crowds here, just a laid-back space where you can truly focus on the flavors. Second, the guides’ deep knowledge and stories behind each spirit elevate the tasting from simple drinking to learning about Vietnam’s burgeoning craft scene.

A possible consideration? The experience is relatively short—just around 60 minutes—so if you’re craving a long, leisurely session, it might feel a bit brisk. Still, for those seeking a focused and high-quality introduction to Vietnamese spirits, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for cocktail lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Vietnam’s emerging craft scene. If you appreciate small-group, authentic experiences that combine taste, storytelling, and local craftsmanship, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Unique access to Vietnam’s craft spirits from a private, cozy venue in District 1.
• Guided by industry insiders who share stories, production insights, and tasting notes.
• Tastes from a curated selection of four spirits including sake, gin, rum, whiskey, and seasonal fruit liquors.
• Includes a bespoke cocktail demonstrating local spirits’ versatility.
• Affordable value considering the personalized experience, exclusive spirits, and knowledgeable guides.
• Ideal for those wanting an authentic, in-depth look at Vietnam’s craft alcohol scene in a short time.

In-Depth Review: Discovering Vietnam’s Craft Spirit Scene

Location, Setting, and Atmosphere

This experience is held in a private, intimate venue located within a hidden space in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. By day, it operates as a cosy café and craft store, but by night, it transforms into a warm, inviting cocktail bar that feels more like a friend’s living room than a tourist spot. The setting itself is part of the charm—an unpretentious space where you can unwind and focus on the tasting.

The venue’s private status means small groups—typically no more than 15—allowing for personal interaction, making it perfect for travelers who prefer a more authentic and less commercialized experience. The location’s proximity to public transportation also helps keep logistics simple.

The Guides and Their Stories

Led by Jovel Chan, a Vietnamese food writer and Southeast Asia Tastemaker, along with Phuong Maxy, Vietnam’s first wine blogger, the guides bring genuine passion and expertise. According to feedback, Jovel in particular is a lovely host who shares behind-the-scenes stories and tasting notes, helping you understand the craftsmanship and history behind each spirit. One reviewer called her “a lovely lady and host,” which hints at a warm, engaging atmosphere.

You’ll learn about how these spirits are made, what makes them unique, and the seasonal or regional factors influencing their flavors. Such insights turn a simple tasting into an educational experience that enhances your appreciation—valuable for those who love learning as part of their travels.

The Spirits and Tasting Experience

The core of this experience is the guided tasting of four Vietnamese craft spirits. These include sake-like rice wines, gin, rum, whiskey, and vodka, with a rotating selection based on what’s seasonal or exclusive. Many of these small-batch spirits aren’t widely available on the market, which makes this a rare chance to taste hidden gems.

The spirits are described as “seasonal, exclusive, and not widely available”, adding an element of discovery. The tasting is structured with tasting notes provided by the guides, who explain how each spirit is made, what flavors to notice, and what makes Vietnamese craft spirits different from mainstream products.

There’s also a cocktail component—a bespoke drink crafted with one of the featured spirits—which allows you to experience how these liquors can be used creatively. The light snacks provided are thoughtfully paired to complement the drinks, enhancing the tasting without overwhelming the palate.

Authenticity and Exclusivity

What really sets this apart is the exclusivity. Many spirits sampled are not available elsewhere, or only during this experience. The small-batch nature of these spirits means you’re tasting something as close to the source as possible. This elevates the experience from a typical bar visit to a genuine cultural exploration.

According to reviews, the generous pours and friendly atmosphere make it feel more like a soirée among friends than a tourist trap. This is a place to really savor the flavors and stories behind each drink.

Cost and Value

For $32.50, you get guidance, four spirits, a cocktail, light snacks, and a private venue—a very fair price considering the personalized attention and exclusive spirits. The inclusion of a 10% discount on retail items, cocktails, and snacks is an added bonus for those wanting to purchase bottles or enjoy more drinks later.

Review Highlights

Two reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides, great variety, and generous pours make this experience worthwhile. One reviewer from the US, a craft beer and bourbon enthusiast, appreciated the tour of Vietnamese craft gin, rhum, makkoli, and beer, calling the host “lovely”. The other reviewer praised the wide selection of Vietnamese products and the fun space—noting that the history of craft liquors was well explained.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: Just about 1 hour, making it perfect for a quick yet rich experience.
• Group size: Limited to 15 people, ensuring personalized attention.
• Booking: Usually booked around 34 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• Accessibility: Located near public transportation, convenient for most travelers.
• Tips & Gratuities: Not included, so optional but appreciated.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This tasting is perfect for adventurous drinkers, culture lovers, or foodies seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnamese craftsmanship. It’s ideal if you prefer a small, private setting over larger tours, and if you want to support local producers through your palate. Travelers interested in cocktail-making will also find the interactive element engaging.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For less than the price of a fancy cocktail downtown, you gain access to exclusive spirits and insider stories that make your Vietnam trip more meaningful. The knowledgeable guides and authentic products ensure you’re not just tasting but also learning about Vietnamese craft traditions. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply curious about Vietnam’s emerging craft scene, this experience offers a well-rounded, memorable introduction.

The private setting combined with careful curation makes it a value-packed option that stands out from more generic bar crawling. It’s a small-group experience that encourages conversation and discovery—perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides share tasting notes and stories in an accessible way, making it a great introduction to Vietnamese spirits for newcomers.

How long does the tasting last?
The entire experience lasts about an hour, enough time to enjoy four spirits, a cocktail, and some snacks without feeling rushed.

Can I buy the spirits I taste?
While the tour includes a 10% discount on retail items, whether individual bottles are available for purchase depends on the local stock. It’s worth asking the guides during the experience.

Is the venue accessible?
It is located near public transportation, which makes it convenient, but specific accessibility features are not mentioned.

What’s included in the price?
You get an English-speaking guide, tasting of four spirits, a bespoke cocktail, light snacks, and a discount on future purchases.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travelers with changing schedules.

This Vietnamese craft spirit tasting offers a rare glimpse into the local craftsmanship and innovative small-batch spirits that are shaping Vietnam’s drinks scene today. If you’re after a personalized, educational, and delicious experience that supports local producers, this tour is well worth considering. It combines authenticity, knowledge, and fun in a way that leaves many travelers eager for more.