Vietnamese Craft Liquor Tasting Led by Food & Drink Writer

Explore the captivating world of Vietnamese craft spirits at an exclusive tasting event led by renowned food and drink writer Jovel Chan. Set in a hidden bar in District 1, this intimate 1.5-hour session offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural backstories and distillation processes behind four artisanal liquors, including gin, rum, vodka, and sake. Engage in hands-on cocktail making as you uncover the nuances of Vietnamese cocktail culture. Whether you’re a spirit enthusiast or simply curious, this event promises to expand your horizons and leave you craving more.

Good To Know

• Immersive tasting experience of 4 artisanal Vietnamese craft spirits, including gin, rum, vodka, and sake, led by acclaimed food writer Jovel Chan.
• Hands-on cocktail-making session with expert guidance on balancing flavors and techniques to create custom-made Vietnamese-inspired cocktails.
• Unique cultural insights into the backstories and flavor profiles of each craft spirit, exploring the evolution of Vietnamese cocktail culture.
• Final Q&A session with the host, providing in-depth knowledge on the distillation process, food pairings, and tips for recreating Vietnamese cocktails at home.
• Limited capacity event (10 guests) in a hidden private bar setting, offering a personalized and exclusive tasting experience.

Overview of the Experience

The Vietnamese Craft Liquor Tasting is led by acclaimed food writer Jovel Chan, offering participants a 1.5-hour immersive experience in a hidden private bar above the Mama Pho restaurant in District 1.

Priced from Kč 1,143 per person, this exclusive tasting is limited to just 10 guests. Travelers can conveniently reserve their spot with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

During the session, attendees will discover Vietnam’s craft spirit scene, taste a curated selection of artisanal gins, rums, vodkas, and more, and learn to mix classic cocktails under Jovel’s guidance.

Tasting and Learning Experience

Guests receive a warm welcome upon arrival, with a selection of Vietnamese craft spirits served to set the tone for the tasting. Jovel Chan, the food writer, then introduces your to the Vietnamese craft spirit scene and local distilleries. The guided tasting features 4 artisanal spirits:

| Spirit | Region | Distinctive Flavor |

| — | — | — |

| Gin | Central Vietnam | Bright, floral |

| Rum | South Vietnam | Rich, caramelized |

| Vodka | North Vietnam | Smooth, clean |

| Sake | Central Highlands | Delicate, fruity |

Each spirit offers a unique backstory, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese cocktail culture.

Hands-On Cocktail Making

After the tasting, participants engage in a hands-on cocktail-making session.

They choose one featured spirit to mix classic cocktails like gin and tonic or rum on the rocks.

Jovel Chan provides guidance to enhance the experience, sharing tips on balancing flavors and techniques.

Jovel Chan shares expert tips on balancing flavors and techniques to enhance the cocktail-making experience.

Participants learn to create their own cocktails, putting their newfound knowledge of Vietnamese craft spirits into practice.

This interactive segment allows them to deepen their understanding of the mixology involved in crafting memorable drinks.

The hands-on session culminates in a chance to savor the custom-made cocktails, complementing the earlier tasting.

Interaction and Insights

How does the experience conclude?

The tasting and cocktail-making conclude with a final Q&A session with Jovel Chan. This allows participants to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese craft spirits and gain tips for recreating cocktails at home.

Participants can address any lingering questions about the distillation process, food pairings, and finding the best Vietnamese spirits. Jovel shares her expertise, offering insights that go beyond the tasting.

This interactive discussion ensures participants leave the event with a well-rounded appreciation for Vietnamese cocktail culture and the evolving flavors of the country’s craft spirits.

Getting to the Venue

Where’s the hidden private bar located for the Vietnamese Craft Liquor Tasting experience?

The venue is situated above the popular Mama Pho restaurant in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

To access the bar, guests will need to follow the hidden staircase at the back of the restaurant.

The intimate setting provides an exclusive atmosphere for the tasting.

Participants should bring a valid ID card, as it will be required for entry.

The group size is limited to 10 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

Attendees are advised to dress comfortably and avoid bringing alcohol or drugs to the event.

What to Expect During the Tasting

Upon arriving at the hidden bar, guests are warmly welcomed with a selection of Vietnamese craft spirits.

Guests are warmly welcomed with a selection of Vietnamese craft spirits upon arriving at the hidden bar.

The tasting experience begins with an introduction to the Vietnamese craft spirit scene and local distilleries. Participants then embark on a guided tasting of four artisanal spirits, including gin, rum, vodka, sake, and fruit liquors sourced from various regions of Vietnam.

Each spirit offers distinctive flavors and backstories, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese cocktail culture.

After the tasting, participants engage in a hands-on cocktail-making session, blending one of the featured spirits into classic cocktails.

Highlights of the Featured Spirits

The featured spirits showcased during the tasting offer a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse and innovative craft spirit scene.

The lineup includes:

• A bold and aromatic gin distilled in the highlands, highlighting native botanicals like kumquat, lemongrass, and star anise.

• A smooth and complex rum made from wild honey and sugarcane, offering hints of caramel and tropical fruit.

• A crisp and refreshing rice vodka, triple-distilled for exceptional purity and smoothness.

• A luscious fruit liquor crafted from local longans, delivering a sweet and creamy finish.

Each spirit tells a unique story of Vietnam’s burgeoning craft spirit culture.

Important Considerations for Participants

Although the Vietnamese Craft Liquor Tasting offers an engaging and insightful experience, there are a few important considerations for participants to keep in mind.

The event isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with food allergies. Participants should bring a comfortable outfit and a valid ID card, as copies are accepted.

The event is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with food allergies. Participants should bring a comfortable outfit and valid ID.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.

However, the overall customer reviews highlight the unique perspective on Vietnamese cocktail culture and the evolving flavors, making this tasting a must-try for spirit enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Do the Spirits Featured in the Tasting Change?

The featured spirits likely change regularly to showcase the diversity of Vietnam’s craft spirit scene. Participants can expect to sample a rotating selection of gins, rums, vodkas, sakes, and fruit liquors during each tasting.

Can Participants Request to Try Specific Spirits Not on the Menu?

While the tasting menu is fixed, participants can request to try specific spirits not currently featured. The host aims to accommodate special requests whenever possible, providing a tailored experience for each group.

What Is the Attire Recommended for the Tasting Experience?

The organizers recommend wearing comfortable clothes for the tasting experience. As the event involves hands-on cocktail making, it’s best to dress in a casual and practical manner that allows easy movement and participation.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Group Bookings?

The experience doesn’t offer discounts for group bookings. However, you can book the tasting for a group of up to 10 participants. Pricing remains at Kč 1,143 per person, with the option to reserve spots without upfront payment.

Can Participants Purchase the Featured Spirits to Take Home After the Tasting?

Yes, participants can purchase the featured Vietnamese craft spirits to take home after the tasting. The host provides guidance on acquiring the best spirits and where to find them locally or online.

The Sum Up

This exclusive Vietnamese craft liquor tasting is a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and flavors of the country’s artisanal spirits. Led by a renowned expert, you will savor four distinctive liquors, learn about the distillation process, and mix their own cocktails, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s vibrant drinking culture. It’s a must-attend event for spirit enthusiasts seeking a captivating and educational experience.