Awards aim to connect the global craft spirit makers with Asia’s thriving bar industry
May 22nd, 2024
SOCraft Awards have announced the inaugural contingent of awardees for 2024/25. The winning list was determined by a panel of 36 judges over six judging rounds, consisting of Asia’s bar elites, spirits experts and drinks critics.
Award highlights
- 13 craft spirits with 1 STAR
- Five craft spirits with 1 STAR and GREEN RING
- Eight craft spirits with 2 STARS
- 15 craft spirits with 2 STARS and GREEN RING
- Two craft spirits with 3 STARS and GREEN RING
See the full list of 2024/25 SOCraft winners here.
Officially launched in January 2024, SOCraft Awards is Asia’s first awards that honour the art and craft in the world of artisanal spirits. It also sets a pioneering precedent by integrating environmental responsibility as a key judging pillar. Over three months, entries from across 15 countries – 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.
How Craft Spirits Are Judged And Awarded
SOCraft Awards assembled a Judging Committee of 12 thought leaders, each representing a key geographical market in Asia’s drinks and spirits industry. Together, the Committee voted for a panel of 36 judges, consisting of independent and acclaimed bar owners and bartenders, spirits writers, importers and distributors from Asia.
To ensure a fair judging process, judging was conducted blindly. 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 also recognised with an additional GREEN RING. This is based-off a written submission that was reviewed and scored separately by sustainability 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).
(images credit SO Craft Awards)
