Sodabi, or also called Déhan, is an eau-de-vie obtained by an artisanal distillation technique of palm wine. Similar to gin, Sodabi has its origins in the ingenuity of two brothers from the city of Allada, who later saw their name, “SO DÉ ABI” (thunder dropped a discharge) attributed to this spirit . Sodabi will no longer have any secrets for you: History, Distillation Techniques, tasting method etc. Discover Sodabi, our local alcohol with a fantastic taste! During our visits, we will discuss the techniques of elaboration and distillation, methods of tasting through the history of the Sodabi brothers, without forgetting the tasting of Sodabi and cocktails based on Sodabi. Discover the secrets and subtleties of this noble spirit, originally from Benin and made from palm wine. Once the tasting is over, head to a maquis for another tasting: that of the pounded yam, a real must and specialty of Beninese gastronomy! A typical dish from northern Benin, it is eaten everywhere in the country. Watch it being prepared at a local hotspot and get your hands dirty pounding the yam yourself!

• Location: Calavi
• Duration: 6h
• Type of tour: Private tour, small group
• Type of visit: Food tour
• Mode of transport: Minibus

Included :

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  • Visit of distilleries
  • Tasting of Sodabi and cocktails
  • Lunch of pounded yam

• Starting time: 11:00 a.m.
• Meeting point: Maison Kooabô, in the Cocotiers district of Cotonou

Our minibus takes you to Calavi to experience an afternoon of Sodabi and pounded yam tasting.

• Meeting at Maison Kooabô (10:00 a.m.)
• Departure from Cotonou for Glo-Djigbé (10:00 a.m.)
• Visit to a Sodabi artisanal production unit (11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
• History and origins of SODABI
• Palm wine tasting
• Visit to a modern and equipped distillery in Calavi Kpota (12:30-1:15 p.m.)
• Explanation and follow-up of the production process until bottling and labeling
• Tasting of Sodabi and Sodabi-based cocktails
• Participation in a pounded yam preparation workshop followed by lunch (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
• Departure for Cotonou (3:00 p.m.)
• Return to Cotonou (4:00 p.m.)

!!!!: Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, our tastings are limited to 4 glasses in total per person, i.e. 1 glass per type of drink: (1) glass of palm wine, (1) glass of pure Sodabi, (1) glass of arranged Sodabi, (1) glass of Sodabi-based cocktail. However, it will be possible to buy bottles and cocktails on site for your personal consumption or souvenir.

• Visit 2 local distilleries and learn how Sodabi is made
• Tasting of palm wine, Sodabi and cocktails
• Preparation and lunch of pounded yam in a local maquis

• Receive a refund for a cancellation made 7 days before the date of the experience.
• Your experience can be canceled and refunded in full within 24 hours of purchase.

Wearing a cap, walking shoes, sun glasses and sunscreen is strongly recommended.