Witness the Perfection in Gin Making: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Smidgin Distillery
Smidgin’s gin is crafted using the highest quality juniper berries found in North Macedonia, known for their unique flavor and sought after by gin makers globally.
Smidgin, a small-batch craft gin distillery, was born out of the passion of two gin enthusiasts seeking the perfect gin. Located in the MCM, a cultural heritage building in Skopje, Smidgin offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the behind-the-scenes process of creating the European Best Gin and one of the 6 Best Gins worldwide. Visitors can learn about the history, smell the botanicals, and participate in tutored tasting sessions.
Smidgin’s gin is crafted using the highest quality juniper berries found in Macedonia, known for their unique flavor and sought after by gin makers globally. These berries are harvested from wild juniper bushes that grow on the mountain slopes, a process that occurs only once every three years, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
The juniper from Macedonia is not like the agricultural juniper grown in India; it is wild and collected by hand, making it one of Macedonia’s most significant plant exports and the most sought-after for gin making. This unique sourcing is why Smidgin is made right next to the berries, ensuring the highest quality.
Smidgin adheres to the strict rules for a ‘London Dry’ gin, meaning juniper is the dominant botanical and the gin is properly distilled. The gin is made in a “one-shot” process, requiring precision and care, as any alteration after distillation is not possible. This meticulous approach ensures the best treatment for the Macedonian juniper berry.
Besides Smidgin Clasic, distilery offers premium editions. Smidgin XO is aged in a French oak Chardonnay cask, offering a blend of chocolate, vanilla, and crème brulée with a touch of smoke and citrus. Smidgin Velvet combines fruity and floral tones with a natural violet color, incorporating lavender, blueberry, cranberry, rose hip, and a unique herb from Thailand, enhanced by butterfly pea flower from Thailand for its natural violet color. Smidgin Orient is an oriental spiced gin, rich in spices and flavors from the East, including almond, licorice, and nutmeg, with orange, cinnamon, and star anise adding depth to its flavor and aroma.
