Singapore has evolved so much more beyond its eponymous Singapore Sling. It has now become a global craft alcohol hub. What is more, Singapore’s strategic location in Southeast Asia gives its local distilleries access to unique tropical botanicals, spices, and regional maturation techniques. So, if you’re planning to visit Singapore and are curious about the local alcohol there, unsobered has curated a guide to seven standout Singaporean and Asian spirits every traveler or liquor enthusiast needs to try, including tasting notes, local flavors, and where to sample them.
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Produced by Brass Lion Distillery, Singapore’s pioneer micro-distillery, this dry gin is an excellent neutral spirit for those who want to try something new and yet want to be cautious in their choices. It is distilled in infrared copper and has a total of 22 botanicals, including lemongrass, torch ginger flower, and kaffir lime.
Best Way To Drink: Classic Gin and Tonic garnished with a slice of orange or a stem of lemongrass
Where It’s From: Singapore
The Tanglin Orchid Gin is crafted at Dempsey Hill by Singapore’s first official gin distillery. The ingredients that go into this gin might surprise you. Apart from using the vanilla orchid and organic juniper, it also uses Indian aamchoor powder! The result is a deliciously citrusy, herbal spirit that keeps you sipping.
Best Way To Drink: Sip neat over ice or in a craft Martini
Where It’s From: Singapore
Distilled by Compendium Spirits, which is famous for taking iconic local food and drink culture and turning them into fine spirits, their Rojak gin is distilled from fermented mead. This distilled spirit is then re-distilled with torch ginger and lemon peel to mimic the fragrant, tangy flavor of Singaporean Rojak.
Best Way To Drink: In a refreshing Highball with soda water and a squeeze of calamansi
Where It’s From: Singapore
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Rachelle The Rabbit’s Hom Mali Rice Whiskey is an innovative spirit fermented, distilled, and matured under Singapore’s tropical conditions. It is prepared from the fragrant Hom Mali rice of Singapore, which gives it a distinct, soft floral and earthy note. The tropical maturation also adds some warm oak notes to the dish.
Best Way To Drink: Neat or in a Southeast Asian twist on an Old Fashioned
Where It’s From: Singapore
Singapore Distillery has made a name for itself for creating vibrant, flavor-forward local spirits. Their Coconut Pandan Gin is no different. It has a creamy and herbaceous flavor that combines fresh coconut hearts, grated coconut, and fragrant pandan leaves. It is the perfect tropical drink to sip on by the beach!
Best Way To Drink: Mix into a tropical cocktail or a boozy rendition of a Chendol or Piña Colada
Where It’s From: Singapore
Originating in Taiwan, this is one of the most premier world-class whiskies in Asia. It is widely featured in Singapore’s elite cocktail bars and whisky dens, and is a must-try for whisky enthusiasts. The spirit is matured in oak barrels under tropical heat, and the flavor profile is quite sophisticated. It has notes of caramel, dark chocolate, ripe melon, and tropical spices.
Best Way To Drink: Served neat in a Glencairn glass with a few drops of room-temperature water
Where It’s From: Taiwan
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This single malt whisky is historic. It was the very first locally produced single malt whisky that ever came out of Singapore. It is distilled and aged entirely on the island by Brass Lion Distillery. Its unique flavor profile is in part owing to the climate of Singapore. Tropical maturation accelerates barrel extraction, and this yields notes of wood-kissed vanilla, dried fruit, biscuity malt, and undertones of nutmeg spice.
Best Way To Drink: Served neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its unique tropical aging profile
Where It’s From: Singapore
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Singapore has certain strict laws when it comes to alcohol. You are not allowed to drink in public between 10:30 PM and 7 AM. So, make sure you’re mindful of that. What is more, due to Singapore’s customs laws and high duty rates, alcohol can be quite expensive. If you’re looking to buy bottles to take home, it is best to purchase them duty-free at the airport, right before you fly home.
Experiencing the local spirits of Singapore is an adventure worth embarking on, especially if you consider yourself a connoisseur of spirits. Just make sure you comply with the alcohol laws there and avoid drinking in public during the prohibited hours.
