Asia’s first craft spirit awards unveils list of winners (including one from Thailand)

What are we drinking tonight? The Spirit of Craft Awards (SOCraft Awards) have unveiled their inaugural list of winners this week, honouring the art and craft of the artisanal spirit. One entry from Thailand has also made the list.

SOCraft’s inaugural list of craft spirit makers covers four continents. In total, 43 craft spirits were awarded stars, ranking from one to three stars, with special “green ring” awards presented to sustainably-produced spirits. 

Ivy Woo, Founder of the SOCraft Awards, explains, “Aside from providing a gateway for global craft spirit makers to connect with buyers and consumers in Asia, the awards also aim to be a source of inspiration for drink makers here. SOCraft Awards is where they can discover some of the most amazing small-batch spirits in the world. In this first edition, at least 70% of the entries are new to our market.” 

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SOCraft, Asia’s first craft spirit awards, unveils list of winners (including one from Thailand)

What is a craft spirit?

The SOCraft Awards define craft spirits as handcrafted and produced by an independent distillery. To be considered for the awards, all craft spirit makers must already be marketing themselves as craft, be majority independently owned, and produce no more than 750,000 gallons annually. 

How were craft spirits judged at the SOCraft Awards?

The jury for the SOCraft Awards consisted of a panel of 36 judges, consisting of bar owners, bartenders, spirit writers, importers, and distributors from Asia. 

The judging was conducted blindly, and each judge tasted no more than 10 spirits per session, over a 20-hour seating. Craft spirits were evaluated based on 1) aroma and bouquet, 2) mouthfeel, 3) taste, 4) finish, 5) overall impression. 

Additionally, craft spirits with outstanding sustainability efforts were also recognised with a “green ring.” This is determined by 1) choice and production of materials, 2) waste management, 3) emissions management, and 4) support for local community. 

Unlike other awards, SOCraft does not present its winners in a ranking, but rather awards individual craft spirits with one, two, or three stars. Each spirit is scored independently, and not against another. 

SOCraft Awards winners 2024

Thailand is represented by one entry, Issan Rum. Made from hand-peeled monovarietal red sugarcane that is pressed on the same day, the white rum is distilled in small copper pot stills, giving the rum a unique flavour and sweetness. It is currently produced in Nong Khai, Thailand. 

One Star Winners

Arak Bumbung Original (Indonesia)
Bass & Flinders Ochre Fine Brandy (Australia)
Bass & Flinders Orient Gin (Australia)
East Indies Archipelago Dry Gin (Indonesia) + Green Ring
Freimeisterkolletiv – Haselnuss Wacholder 051 (Germany)
Hunter Island Tasmanian Poitin (Australia)
Isle of Raasay Gin (Scotland) + Green Ring
Issan Rum (Thailand)
Jason Kong Gin (Cambodia) + Green Ring
Juno Monica’s Gin (New Zealand) + Green Ring
Luxe Brew Sakura Cherry Blossom Liqueur (Australia)
Maya Pistola Agavepura Anejo (India) + Green Ring
Mother of Pearl Vodka (Australia)
Sampan Cellar Series Cognac 2019 (Vietnam)
Sintesi (Italy)
Strange Nature Gin (New Zealand)
Tanglin Triple Tangerine Mandarin Orange Liqueur (Singapore)
Westward Pinot Cask (USA)

Two Star Winners

Avallen Calvados (France) + Green Ring
Bass & Flinders Monsoon Gin (Australia)
Dunedin Dry Gin (New Zealand) +Green Ring
Freimeisterkolletiv – Orange, Bitters, Wein 969 (Germany)
Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin (India)
Juno Extra Fine Gin (New Zealand) + Green Ring
Le Rhum Par Neisson (Martinique)
Lochlea Distillery Our Barley (Scotland) + Green Ring
Luxe Brew Moonshadow Chocolate Liqueur (Australia)
Macaloney An Loy (Canada) + Green Ring
Macaloney Cath-Nah-Ave Single Malt (Canada) + Green Ring
Maya Pistola Agavepura Joven (India) + Green Ring
Maya Pistola Agavepura Reposado (India) + Green Ring
Roots Dry Gin (New Zealand) + Green Ring
Seekers Mekong Coffee Liqueur (Cambodia) + Green Ring
Stranger & Sons Gin (India) + Green Ring
Tanglin Black Powder Gin (Singapore)
Taylor & Smith Dry Gin (Australia)  + Green Ring
Taylor & Smith Gin (Australia) + Green Ring
Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon (USA) + Green Ring
Vesta Coffee Vodka (New Zealand) + Green Ring
Westward American Single Malt Cask Strength (USA)
Westward American Single Malt Stout Cask (USA)

Three Star Winners

Isle of Raasay Single Malt (Scotland) + Green Ring
Launceston Distillery Single Malt Tawny Cask Matured (Australia) + Green Ring

The SOCraft Awards are the first Asia-based awards that honour the art and craft of artisanal spirits-making. Find out more at Spirit of Craft Awards.