TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS

A growing class of "Made in Singapore" liquors give drinkers a taste of home.

- JOSEPH LOW

Singapore's craft alcohol scene is flourishing, with locally produced spirits gaining popularity. These aren't just any drinks; some brands are achieving international acclaim, propelling Singapore's reputation as a maker of excellent gins, whiskies and vodkas.

Leading the charge are distilleries like Tanglin Gin, Brass Lion, Compendium and The Orientalist Spirits. Their creations are finding their way into Singapore's thriving cocktail scene, where bars showcase unique, Singaporean-inspired flavours.

To be sure, Singapore's reputation as a food paradise isn't just about delicious dishes. It's a melting pot of cultures, a breeding ground for culinary innovation that has given rise to a distinct Singaporean cuisine. This spirit of creativity is now flowing into the world of craft alcohol. Local distillers and brewers are defining what it means to have "Made in Singapore" spirits, establishing benchmarks that Singapore can be proud of.

While Singapore may not have a long history of crafting alcohol, that doesn't hold it back. The six fundamental processes malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation, and bottling - have been adopted and adapted to fit the island nation's tropical climate.

GINS WITH A S'POREAN TWIST

At the recent 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one the world's largest and most prestigious spirits contests, Tanglin Gin Distillery's Tanglin Black Powder Navy Strength Gin made history. It became the first and only gin to achieve a Triple Platinum award, having won Double Gold for five consecutive years.