The Spirit of Craft Awards (SOCraft Awards) is an international craft spirits competition designed to connect craft spirit makers globally with the dynamic Asian drinks industry, including importers, buyers, and bartenders. After a debut in 2024, SOCraft Awards is back for 2025.

The competition, which involves six rigorous judging rounds in a blind-tasting format, made a splash last year, attracting entries from 15 countries spanning from Australia to Europe – an impressive 70% of which were products making their first appearance in Singapore or the region.

This year, the SOCraft Awards is placing an even greater emphasis on sustainability, with an expanded panel of sustainability judges and a celebratory festival planned to showcase the winning spirits. But what does it take to be a part of this competition?

Well, craft spirits producers from anywhere in the world are welcome to participate, but they must meet certain criteria to ensure that the true spirit of craft remains at the heart of the competition. Firstly, they must already be marketing themselves as craft producers. Secondly, a majority of their stake must be independently owned. And finally, their annual production must not exceed 750,000 gallons. These requirements ensure that the competition remains focused on smaller, independent producers, rather than large-scale distilleries.

This year's SOCraft Awards will boast a Judging Committee of 10 thought leaders, each representing a key geographical market within Asia’s drinks and spirits industry. This committee jointly selects a panel of 36 judges, made up of independent and highly regarded bar owners and bartenders, spirits writers, and importers and distributors from across Asia.

Entries are assessed in a blind-tasting format, taking place from 5-7 May 2025. Each judge will taste no more than 10 spirits per session, within a 120-minute seating. Spirits will be judged against a 120-point scale, considering Aroma and Bouquet (20 points), Mouthfeel (20 points), Taste (20 points), Finish (20 points), and Overall Impression (20 points).

Adding to the focus on sustainability, a dedicated "Sustainability Panel" will also award up to 20 points for each spirit's Sustainability Footprint. This panel will evaluate factors such as the production materials used, the distillery’s waste and emission management, and their support for the local community.

The five leading green advocates on the panel are: Demie Kim, bartender-owner of Zest in Seoul (No.9 The World's 50 Best Bars 2024 and Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2024); Laura Prabowo, co-founder of Penicillin in Hong Kong (No.24 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2021); Rohan Matmary, head bartender at Bar Trigona (No.36 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2019 and 2020); and Sasha Wijidessa, co-founder of Singapore’s future-forward Fura (No.42 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2024). Angelo Gerard Dela Cruz, Bartender at Greatroom, Manila Marriott Hotel and winner of the Marriott International Sustainable Bartender Award in 2024 also joins the panel.

At the end of the competition, winning entries will be awarded 1 Star, 2 Stars, or 3 Stars (Platinum) rating. Furthermore, spirits achieving a score of over 15 points for their sustainability footprint will receive a special ‘Green Ring’ designation. This recognition highlights the commitment of these producers to sustainable practices and provides consumers with a clear way to identify eco-friendly spirits.

So, when can you get involved?

Submissions for the SOCraft Awards 2025 are already open now and close on 15 March 2025 at 12 AM (UTC/GMT +8:00). Craft distilleries interested in learning more about the submission requirements can visit the official website: https://www.spiritofcraftawards.com/enter. The judging will take place between 5-7 May, and the official announcement of the winners will be on 19 May 2025!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team