As the craft spirits industry continues to soar, we at SOCraft—the first Asia-based awards honouring the artistry and innovation of artisanal spirits—find ourselves in a unique position; with a front-row seat, and access to an insider’s view to the opinions of the movers and shakers of the spirits world. Our awards-related activities, fringe conversations and tasting sessions give us key insights into what’s trending and what lies ahead.

“In my experience, when introducing a new craft spirit to a market like Korea — a bartender plays the most crucial role.”

“Profit is necessary to survive as a business and I often say to people – it is hard to be green when you are in the red. Sustainability is always good for the bottom line, often people confuse sustainability programs as a direct cost, but it is really an investment in ‘the now’ that can save so much more in the future, not only financially, but also environmentally.”

A conversation over coffee is what sparked the idea to transform surplus bread into alcohol.

Eugene leads venture investments globally for Diageo, and is responsible for the Distill Ventures program, an industry-leading Diageo-backed accelerator. We gain his insights on what makes a craft spirit investible, top tips for distillers who are looking to take their business top the next level, and whether a sustainable story is a top criterion for investors.

Co-founder Cameron Mackenzie, pens a note on what took them from a small craft distillery to becoming the first-ever gin maker tow in World's Leading Gin Producer three times.

In conversation with Stefanie Goh, Co-Founder of Distilled - An independent, Singapore craft spirits distributor

Valentia Island Vermouth remains steadfast in its sustainability efforts with the support of the Irish Food Board’s Origin Green programme.