First Impressions
Saigon Baigur is the first premium dry gin distilled in Ho Chi Minh City — created by Jochem Lisser and Florian Draaisima at District 9 Distilling Company using traditional copper pot stills. Twelve Vietnamese botanicals join four classic gin ingredients: Buddha's hand flowers, lotus flowers, black cardamom, Saigon cinnamon, Phu Quoc spice, lemongrass, bird's eye chilli, dragon fruit, lime zest, and more. Gold at the World Gin Awards.
Tasting
Sixteen botanicals — twelve Vietnamese, four classic. The nose is bold bright juniper with lemongrass and black pepper reminiscent of pho. On the palate at 43%, bold and well-rounded: juniper, lemon, black pepper, lemongrass, cardamom warmth, gentle chilli heat, and dragon fruit sweetness. The finish is lemongrass and Saigon cinnamon.
The Bottom Line
Saigon Baigur earns an 8 — Vietnam's first premium gin, and it tastes unmistakably of Vietnam. The lemongrass, bird's eye chilli, and pho-like spice profile create a gin of genuine cultural identity. World Gin Awards Gold confirms the quality. Best in a G&T with a kaffir lime leaf. At £47, Ho Chi Minh City's finest spirit.
