Asia’s first craft spirits competition returns for its second edition, spotlighting a stellar lineup of global makers across nine countries. 

The Spirit of Craft Awards (SOCraft Awards) – a global platform honouring excellence in craft spirits – proudly announces its 2025/26 winners, marking the competition’s second year of spotlighting outstanding producers from around the world. After several rounds of rigorous judging, a panel of 20 industry experts – including Asia’s top mixologists, spirits critics, and beverage authorities – determined this year’s standout entries. 

An overview of the results

25 craft spirit winners are awarded: 

• Two craft spirits with 3 Stars (Platinum) 
• Six craft spirits with 2 Stars 
• 17 craft spirits with 1 Star 
• 17 craft spirits with Green Rings 

The SOCraft Awards launched in January 2024 and is Asia’s first awards body to not only honour the art and craft of artisanal spirits, but also set a pioneering precedent by integrating environmental responsibility as a key judging pillar. This year, entries from across nine countries – Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, England, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Switzerland – made their way to Singapore for judging, which took place from 6 to 7 May 2025. 

Highlights from SOCraft Awards 2025/26 

1. Asia emerges as a craft spirits powerhouse 

Cambodia’s Casa Seekers Mekong Bitter emerged as one of this year’s crème de la crème spirits, securing a 3 Star (Platinum) status, with judges praising its “well-harmonised flavours and approachable complexity” as a standout aperitivo. The win highlights the region’s growing craft influence, alongside award-winning gins from the Philippines, Indonesia’s traditional arak, and agave from India. 

2. Oceania leads with 14 award-winning spirits 

Spirits from Australia and New Zealand dominated this year’s awards, largely driven by gin, though distillers from both countries also earned stars for whisky and vodka, reflecting their broad craftsmanship. 

3. New World Whiskies emerge in the spotlight 

Australian and New Zealand distillers made waves this year, with Launceston Distillery leading the charge. The Tasmanian distiller has now secured 3 Star (Platinum) status for two consecutive years, earning top honours for its Single Malt Tawny Cask Matured whisky and proving that South Hemisphere craft expressions can rival traditional whisky powerhouses in quality and innovation. 

4. Gin reigns supreme 

12 craft gins earned a star this year, cementing gin’s status as Asia’s darling. The winning bottles hailed from the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Belgium. 

In particular, the Philippine-based Archipelago secured 2 Star status for both its Black Bamboo Gin and Navy Strength Gin, with the former especially praised for its appeal to London Dry gin drinkers who appreciate a juniper-forward gin. 

5. Vodka’s comeback gains momentum 

Three vodkas from Switzerland, Australia, and the Philippines earned a star each, while Australia’s Juno Vesta Coffee Vodka clinched 2 Star status, signaling a revival for the category within Asia. 

Judging and awarding the craft spirits 

This year, the Judging Committee for SOCraft Awards consisted of 10 thought leaders, each representing key markets in Asia’s drinks and spirits industry. The Committee then jointly selected a panel of 20 judges, including independent bar owners, bartenders, spirits writers, and importers from across Asia. 

From 6-7 May 2025, a blind-tasting session took place, as each judge tasted no more than eight spirits per 60-minute session, with sparkling water and bespoke glassware sponsored by Perrier and Kes-shō, respectively. 

The spirits were scored independently, and awarded 1 Star (scoring over 75 quality points), 2 Stars (scoring over 85 quality points) or 3 Stars (Platinum, with a total score of over 105 points), and a ‘Green Ring’ if they achieve more than 15 green points for their sustainability efforts. 

For the full list of winners and the judging criteria for SOCraft Awards 2025/26, refer to the Annex 

What makes SOCraft Awards different? 

• The SOCraft Awards is Asia’s first awards platform dedicated to celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship behind artisanal spirits. Designed as a gateway to Asia for global craft producers, it also serves as a source of inspiration for the region’s drink makers. 
• The Awards is the first Asia-based spirits awards to include “Sustainability” as a core judging criterion. SOCraft Awards strongly believes that true excellence in craft spirits must go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. 
• Judging for SOCraft Awards is conducted in “small-batch” sessions. To ensure fair and thoughtful evaluation, judges sample no more than eight spirits per sitting, honoring the passion behind every bottle. 
• SOCraft Awards does not accord “best of” winners across categories, and firmly believes that every craft spirit is unique and precious in its own way. Each spirit is scored on its own merits – not against others – and awarded 1 Star, 2 Stars, or 3 Stars (Platinum). 

For more information on SOCraft Awards, visit our website at www.spiritofcraftawards.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.