The Asia Luxury Masters 2023 results

Luxury spirits have become increasingly popular in Asia, and our annual blind-tasting competition showed the depth of quality that is available on the market for consumers to revel in, as Alice Liang reports.

The market for luxury spirits in Asia has witnessed significant growth and transformation over the past decade. Rising incomes, changing consumer preferences, and a growing appreciation for premium beverages have fuelled the demand for luxury spirits in the region.

Markets such as Hong Kong, China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have emerged as key regions for luxury spirits, with consumers demonstrating a growing affinity for high-end alcoholic beverages.

Luxury spirits are often viewed as more than just a drink; they are seen as an experience. Asian consumers seek unique flavours, limited editions, and storytelling associated with their luxury spirits. Moreover, consumers show a deep appreciation for fine craftsmanship and quality in luxury spirits.

Consumers value the meticulous production processes, attention to detail, and use of high-quality ingredients that go into creating such special liquids. The perception is that luxury spirits offer superior taste profiles, smoother finishes, and a more refined drinking experience. Those seeking out luxury spirits are also looking for unique flavours. This has prompted luxury spirits brands to cater to these preferences by offering limited editions, rare blends, and innovative flavour twists.

The 2023 db Asia Luxury Masters competition showcased a wide range of categories, including vodka, gin, rum, whisky, and Cognac. Distilleries and producers from around the world participated, presenting their finest offerings for evaluation.

The competition provided a platform to recognise exceptional spirits, carefully judged by a professional panel, made up of: Mario Calderone, group beverage manager at Hong Kong’s JIA Group; Hugo Poon, head of sourcing & operations at Crop & Vine; Yvonne Wang, Hong Kong-based wine and spirit consultant; and Alice Liang, managing editor of the drinks business Asia.

Vodka

Starting off with the vodka samples, Royal Mash Vintage Vodka 2020 from the island of Jersey was awarded a Gold medal. Priced between HK$350 and HK$400, this vodka impressed the judges with its exceptional qualities. Calderone said the vodka demonstrated excellent balance, showcasing a harmonious combination of flavours. The vodka’s body had a robust and well-rounded character, and a long lingering finish added to its appeal, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Gin

Moving on to the gin category, Australian spirit producer Archie Rose Distillery showcased its exceptional craftsmanship, and received multiple accolades in this section of the competition. Its Distiller’s Strength Gin was awarded a Master medal, praised by Calderone for its balanced profile and strong juniper notes: He said: “It has everything you want in a gin, strong juniper notes on the nose and opens up on the palate… very well made, and perfect for making a Martini.”

Archie Rose’s Signature Dry Gin and Lemon Scented Gum Gin Harvest 2021 both also secured Gold medals. The former impressed Poon with its earthy and floral character, while the latter stood out for its spicy and tropical flavours.

Additionally, Tiger Gin from the UK was honoured with a Silver medal for its “classic London Dry gin profile featuring juniper and citrus notes”, as Wang noted.

Rum

In the rum section, expressions offered unique experiences, with producers coming from as far afield as Australia, Venezuela, and Cambodia. Archie Rose White Cane bagged a Masters medal. Calderone said it had a “very good finish with strong banana notes, making it a delightful rum.”

Hailing from Venezuela, Destilería Carúpano Ron Carúpano 18 Reserva Limitada, with a price point of HK$450-HK$500, won a Gold medal. Poon said it had a “buttery caramel, lightly savoury” profile, with a focus on butterscotch.

Samai Gold Rum from Cambodia, priced between HK$350 and HK$400 also achieved a Gold. Its “rich, toasty caramel notes” enthused Wang.

Whiskey

In the Bourbon section, the Thomas Handy Rye Whiskey and George T Stagg – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey stood out, earning a Master medal apiece. Thomas Handy Rye Whiskey surprised Poon with its “veiled dried-lemon character and gentle notes of vanilla, licorice, and cardamom”; while George T Stagg offered a strong and distinctive profile, characterised by ginger pepper spices and a high alcohol content, according to Wang.

The W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey and 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey also earned Gold medals, offering comprehensive flavours and rich notes of malt, apple, and pear.

In the World Whisky section, Archie Rose distillery demonstrated its expertise with three remarkable entries. Both the Rye Malt Whisky and Single Malt Whisky achieved Gold medals, showcasing the distillery’s mastery in producing exceptional whiskies. The Archie Rose Single Paddock Whisky Harvest 2018 took home a Silver medal, highlighting the brand’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients.

Cognac

Last but not least, Sazerac de Forge FO Cognac blend includes Cognacs made from a number of old and rare native grape varieties. It was awarded a Silver medal with Calderone championing the spirit’s “delightful abundance of sweet orange flavours, complemented by subtle oak notes”.

For the full table of medal winners please see below.

Luxury Masters – Asia 2023