All the medallists from the Asia Spirits Masters 2025
With one category establishing itself as a clear stand out, Melita Kiely takes us through the best of the best at this year’s Asia Spirits Masters.
Hot, humid, and humming with activity – Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most vibrant metropolises.
They say New York never sleeps – but neither does Hong Kong. The trio of main geographical areas – Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories – are each towered by clusters of skyscrapers and contrasted with areas of natural beauty and sandy beaches.
The multiculturalism of Hong Kong adds to its multifaceted appeal in abundance – particularly when it comes to food and drink. Myriad cultures influence the region’s cuisine and cocktails, creating vast choices for consumers.
Looking more broadly across Asia, and at the spirits available in the region, much of this also rings true. There’s a beautiful combo of local and international spirits that have all found favour in different pockets of the continent.
And in May this year, an experienced panel of professional tasters put a selection of spirits available in the market to the taste test.
Shielded in the cool confines of air-conditioned Yurakucho in Central, Hong Kong, Melita Kiely, editor-in-chief of db Asia sister title The Spirits Business magazine, and chair of The Global Spirits Masters Competitions, chaired the drinks business Asia Masters spirits tasting.
Joining her for the tasting were Lok Cheung, bar manager at acclaimed bar Coa in Hong Kong, Luca Andrei, general manager of Cocktail Artisan Events, and Manuel Arce, spirits director at Nimbility.
Reflecting on the tasting, there was no shortage of variety spanning the spirits available in Asia. Those products that performed best showcased care and craft in production, with well-managed wood strategies evident across numerous flights.
But there was spirit category in particular that stood out: whisky.
“What’s interesting to see in whisky is how each category has a distinctive style, and to see producers trying to showcase where they are from,” noted Arce. “The Americans had a very distinctive character; Australia was also very clear. It’s great to see brands being assertive about their styles and what they’re trying to achieve, and I think that is how you succeed in a saturated market.”
See below for a full list of the medal-winning spirits:
| Vodka | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Vodka 57 | Vodka 57 Pure Glacier Vodka | Gold |
| Royal Mash | Royal Mash Vodka | Silver |
| Gin | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| NTG | Noto Gin Wishing Star | Silver |
| Archie Rose Distilling Co. | Signature Dry Gin | Silver |
| Owl Man Distillery | The Guia | Silver |
Partner Content
| American Whiskey – Tennessee | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey – Batch 905 | Master |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey | Master |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey | Gold |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 | Gold |
| Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey | Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey | Silver |
| World Whisky | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Archie Rose Distilling Co. | Rye Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling Co. | Single Malt Whisky | Gold |
| Archie Rose Distilling Co. | Double Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Bacardi India Private | Legacy Premium Indian Whisky | Silver |
| Archie Rose Distilling Co. | Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt Whisky | Silver |
| Rum White | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Island Beverages | The Godfather Batavian Arrack | Gold |
| Island Beverages | Nusa Cana Tropical Island Rum | Silver |
| Island Beverages | Nusa Cana Coconut Island Rum | Silver |
| Rum Gold | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Island Beverages | Nusa Cana Spiced Rum | Silver |
| Tequila Blanco | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Casa Coracho | Coracho | Silver |
| Casa Coracho | Coracho Blanco Rosa | Silver |
| Tequila Reposado | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Casa Coracho | Coracho | Silver |
| Augusto | Augusto Tequila Reposado – Aged Exclusively in Spanish Sherry Barrels | Silver |
| Tequila Añejo | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Casa Coracho | Coracho | Silver |
| Casa Coracho | Coracho anejo cristalino | Silver |
| Bacardi | Patrón El Alto | Silver |
| Tequila – Extra Añejo | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Casa Coracho | Coracho | Gold |
| Cognac | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Cognac Frapin | Cognac Frapin Imperial | Gold |
| Cognac Frapin | Cognac Frapin Rudy Gobert XO | Gold |
| Cognac Frapin | Cognac Frapin 1270 | Silver |
| Liquers | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Bacardi | Benedictine 1888 | Silver |
| Pre-Mixed | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Owl Man Distillery | Espresso Martini | Silver |
About the competition
With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, the drinks business Asia Masters spirits tasting provides a chance for your spirits to star. The 2025 competition was held in Hong Kong, employing experienced judges. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals according to their result, and expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolade – the title of Master. This report features the medal winners only.
Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or, to enter future competitions – giving your spirits the chance to feature online and in print – please call: +44 (0) 7772 019 932 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com
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