Bucharest: Romanian Spirits Tasting Experience at Corks

If you’re curious about Romania beyond its medieval castles and vibrant city life, a spirits tasting at Corks offers a flavorful glimpse into local tradition. This 1.5-hour experience, led by knowledgeable guides, takes you on a journey through the heart of Romanian spirit-making with five different fruit brandies — or horinc, plinc, or uic — crafted by one of the country’s most awarded producers, “La Horincie.”

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love the way it combines authentic tasting with a bit of local history, making it as educational as it is enjoyable. Second, the thoughtful pairing of spirits with a traditional platter of cured meats and cheeses elevates the tasting from simple sips to a real flavor adventure.

That said, it’s a relatively short experience — just under two hours — and doesn’t include transportation or additional food and drinks. But for those eager to explore Romania’s liquid heritage in a cozy, welcoming setting, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who want a taste of local culture without committing to a full-day excursion or wine-tasting experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Romanian spirits: Focuses on five carefully selected fruit brandies, showcasing local craftsmanship.
• Educational and engaging: Learn about the history and production of Romanian brandies from expert guides.
• Tasty pairing: Enjoy a platter of cured meats and regional cheeses to complement each sip.
• Affordable value: At $48, it offers a comprehensive introduction to Romanian spirits without breaking the bank.
• Accessible for most: The experience is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English and Romanian.
• Time-efficient: Perfect for a quick cultural boost during a Bucharest visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Spirit Tasting Experience

Setting the Stage in Bucharest’s Corks

The tour takes place at Corks, a cozy spot likely chosen for its inviting atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. The environment appears to be warm and welcoming, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned spirits enthusiasts alike. The venue’s intimate setting fosters conversation and curiosity, allowing guests to relax and truly savor each sip.

The Five Romanian Spirit Tastings

The core of the experience is sampling five different horinc/plinc/uic — traditional Romanian fruit brandies. The guides do a commendable job of explaining each spirit’s background, ingredients, and nuances, which helps elevate the tasting from simple drinking to an educational event.

• Classic Plum Brandy: Expect a deep, rich flavor with complex notes that reflect the fruit’s full character. This spirit is often considered the flagship of Romanian brandy making.
• Pear Brandy: Smooth and delicately sweet, it’s a delightful contrast to the more robust plum. Many say it’s perfect for those new to spirits or preferring a softer touch.
• Smoked Brandy: A more unusual offering, this spirit features smoky nuances that add depth and intrigue. It’s a good conversation starter, especially for those interested in craft-distilling techniques.
• Fresh Fruit Brandy: Vibrant and straightforward, this brandy emphasizes the pure flavors of the local fruits used in production.
• The Surprise Plinc: A fifth, carefully selected spirit that keeps tasters on their toes — perhaps a unique regional flavor or a special batch.

Learning About Romanian Alcohol Traditions

The guides provide insights into the history of Romanian brandy production. You’ll learn how local orchards contribute to the quality of the spirits, and how Romania’s climate and traditions have shaped its drink-making. One reviewer noted that the explanations made the spirits more meaningful, turning tasting into cultural discovery.

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The Perfect Complement: Traditional Platter

The pairing platter includes cured meats, cheeses, and traditional slnin (smoked pig fat bacon). This selection isn’t just filler — the salty, smoky tastes help balance the spirits’ sometimes intense flavors. Many guests appreciated how the cured meats enhanced their tasting experience and provided a genuine taste of Romanian rural flavors.

Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

The experience is conducted in a cozy and welcoming environment, making it suitable for small groups, couples, or even solo travelers. The guides speak both English and Romanian fluently, ensuring everyone understands the nuances. Some reviewers mention that the intimate setting fostered good conversation and a relaxed vibe, ideal for enjoying the spirits without feeling rushed.

Pricing and Value

At $48 per person, this tasting offers good value. It includes the guided experience, the five spirits, and the tasting platter. Considering the quality of the spirits and the educational component, it’s a solid investment for those interested in Romanian culture or spirits. There’s no need to worry about hidden costs — drinks and explanations are included, but extra food or drinks aren’t part of the package.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tasting is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to learn about Romania’s traditional drinks. It’s also great for those who appreciate authentic, less commercialized experiences. If you’re interested in local culture, local products, and regional cuisine, you’ll find plenty to love here. Conversely, if you’re looking for a full-fledged bar crawl or a drinking tour with multiple stops, this might be too focused and intimate.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, so it’s easy to fit into a day of exploring Bucharest.
• Check availability beforehand to see the starting times and reserve your spot.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all.
• Remember, you must be at least 18 years old — no exceptions.
• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
• While the experience is in Bucharest, no hotel transfers are included, so plan to arrive on your own.

Final Thoughts

A spirits tasting at Corks offers a genuinely enjoyable way to connect with Romanian tradition — through flavor, history, and local craftsmanship. It provides a taste of rural Romania’s spirit-making heritage in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you’re a spirits novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the depth of knowledge, the quality of the spirits, and the pairing that elevates the experience.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers looking for a cultural activity with a relaxed pace, or those interested in exploring Romania’s unique fruit brandies. The combination of education and tasting makes it a worthwhile addition to any Bucharest itinerary.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, participants must be at least 18 years old. It’s an adult-focused activity centered on spirits.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, the guides speak both English and Romanian, ensuring clear explanations and a smooth experience.

Does the price include transportation?
No, transportation to and from the venue isn’t included — plan to arrive on your own.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine — there’s no formal dress code. Just dress for the weather if you plan to walk or arrive early.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue and experience are wheelchair accessible.

What’s the best way to enhance this experience?
Arriving with an open mind and curiosity will make the tasting more enjoyable. Consider pairing it with other local activities afterward.

Are additional drinks or food available?
No, extra food and drinks aren’t included, but you’re welcome to purchase more at the venue if desired.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 1.5 hours. It’s perfect for a short cultural break during your day in Bucharest.

In all, this spirits tasting combines education, authentic flavors, and a warm atmosphere — a small but meaningful window into Romanian culture. If you’re eager to explore beyond the usual sights and into the local flavors, it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: