Singapore’s reputation in the world of spirits has dramatically elevated following a landmark win by a local distillery at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London. Brass Lion Distillery, founded by entrepreneur Jamie Koh, secured the prestigious International Gin Producer of the Year 2025 award, a distinction often referred to as the “Oscars” of the spirits industry. This achievement not only celebrates a homegrown brand but firmly establishes Singapore as a premier player in the global craft gin market, underscoring the influence of unique Southeast Asian botanicals.
Local Craftsmanship Earns Global Recognition
The victory highlights a remarkable journey that began with Koh’s vision in 2012: to craft a distinctive Singaporean gin. Her extensive six-year research odyssey culminated in the flagship spirit, the Singapore Dry Gin, which leverages regional flavors. Fast forward to 2025, Brass Lion’s innovative approach has yielded a diverse portfolio featuring imaginative expressions like butterfly pea and combinations of mandarin orange peel and star anise.
The recent IWSC judging panel awarded the distillery the top producer trophy and heaped praise upon individual products. Notably, the Pearl Jasmine Gin was crowned the World’s Best Flavoured Gin. It achieved an unprecedented score of 99 out of 100 points, the highest mark across all categories in this year’s competition. Furthermore, the Hawthorn Gin demonstrated exceptional quality, earning a gold medal with 95 points.
IWSC judge Oliver Ward lauded the brand’s groundbreaking work, stating that Brass Lion is currently holding “the most exciting forefront of gin right now,” adding that they are producing “Asian gin with much more provenance and authenticity.”
Impact and Access to the Award-Winning Spirit
Winning the International Gin Producer Trophy signifies the pinnacle of success for any gin maker, confirming the world-class quality emanating from the island nation. This recognition arrives as Singapore continues to garner attention for its dynamic bar scene, which already boasts some of the world’s most highly-regarded establishments.
The distinct profile of Brass Lion’s spirits is now integral to Singapore’s cocktail culture. The distillery’s gin is a key component in the modern interpretation of the iconic national cocktail, The Singapore Sling, which guests can sample at the legendary Long Bar in Raffles Hotel Singapore.
For enthusiasts eager to experience the award-winning spirits directly, Brass Lion offers bottles for purchase through their official website. With the festive season approaching, these regionally inspired spirits are also positioned as unique and high-quality gifts.
Experience the Craft
Beyond purchasing, those interested in the craft process can gain deeper insight by participating in a distillery tour and tasting session. These tours offer a firsthand look at the production of their full range of gins, completing the journey from botanical sourcing to the final, critically acclaimed product.
This international recognition solidifies Singapore’s status not just as a hub for exceptional dining and sophisticated bars, but also as a serious innovator in the global spirits manufacturing landscape. The success of Brass Lion Distillery sets a new benchmark for Asian craft spirits, signaling a vibrant future for gin globally.