The inaugural Spirit of Craft Awards (SOCraft Awards) has unveiled its inaugural contingent of awardees for 2024/25. SOCraft Awards was launched in January 2024 and is Asia’s first awards that honour the art and craft in the world of artisanal spirits. See the full list here.
“A massive congratulations to all the awarded craft spirits in this inaugural edition of SOCraft Awards. 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,”
Ivy Woo, Managing Director of FoodNews Creative Marketing Agency, Founder of SOCraft Awards and Co-Founder of Singapore Cocktail Festival.
SOCraft Awards assembled a Judging Committee of 12 thought leaders, each representing a key geographical market in Asia’s drinks and spirits industry. The winning list of global craft spirit makers was determined by a panel voted by the committee of 36 judges over six judging rounds, made up of Asia’s bar elites, spirits experts and drinks critics. Environmental responsibility is a key judging pillar. Judging was conducted blindly and each judge tasted no more than 10 spirits per session over a 120-minute seating. Judges independently evaluated each spirit based on Aroma and Bouquet (20 points), Mouthfeel (20 points), Taste (20 points), Finish (20 points) and Overall Impression (20 points)
Craft spirits with excellent green efforts were recognised with an additional GREEN RING based off a written submission that was reviewed and scored separately by sustainable advocates Heidi (Yu) Spurrell, Founder of Future Green; and Sasha Wijidessa, Co-Founder of future-forward bar, Fura. Judges assessed entries across Choice of Production Materials (5 points), Waste Management (5 points), Emissions Management (5 points) and Support for Local Community (5 points).
A total of 43 craft spirits were awarded. 13 were awarded 1 STAR, five with 1 STAR and GREEN RING, eight with 2 STARS, 15 with 2 STARS and GREEN RING and two with 3 STARS and GREEN RING.
Isle of Raasay Single Malt from Scotland and Launceston Distillery Single Malt Tawny Cask Matured from Tasmania Australia were awarded three STARS.
Canada’s Macaloney’s Distillery win the hearts with the Macaloney An Loy, and Macalaoney Cath-Nah-Ave Single Malt awarded two STARS and GREEN RING.
Australia’s Bass & Flinders has three entries with Ochre Fine Brandy and Orient Gin getting 1 STAR each and the Monsoon Gin getting two STARS.
From Cambodia, Jason Kong Gin gets 1 STAR and a GREEN RING. The gin is infused with sustainably sourced organic butterfly pea flowers and distilled with 11 regional botanicals including indigenous rose-apples and cassia bark from Cambodia’s northern plans. The SEEKERS Mekong Coffee Liquor gets 2 STARS and a GREEN RING. This liquor is produced with premium Arabica and Robusta beans offering apricot and toffee notes to plum and black pepper hints, wild berry fruitiness with deep dark chocolate, toasted nuts and tangy wild jackfruit.
Tanglin Gin represents Singapore with its Tanglin Black Powder Gin getting two STARS and Triple Tangerine Mandarin Orange Liqueur awarded one STAR.
Over three months, entries from across 15 countries including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Scotland, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Netherlands, and the U.S. – made their way to Singapore for judging, which took place from 2 to 4 May 2024.
SOCraft Awards defines craft spirits as handcrafted and produced by an independent distillery. All craft spirit makers must adhere to these criteria to be considered for entry:
- Market themselves as craft
- Be majority independently owned
- Produce no more than 750,000 gallons annually in accordance with the American Craft Spirits Association
