Long known as a cornerstone for the growing regional craft beer scene in this vibrant and diverse continent, the Asia Brewers Network is now expanding its horizons with the launch of a new initiative: distillAsia. We’ve watched breweries blossom, styles evolve, and a community solidify, now it’s time to raise a glass – or perhaps a tumbler – to a new chapter: the rise of craft distilling in Asia.
This April, Bangkok will play host to distillAsia 2025, a landmark event poised to become the premier conference for the region’s craft distilling industry. Launched by the Asia Brewers Network, distillAsia 2025 promises to be a crucial catalyst for this exciting sector.
distillAsia 2025, Bangkok – April 3rd
“We’ve witnessed the rapid development of craft distilling across Asia in recent years,” says Charles Guerrier, Founder, Asia Brewers Network. “And feel the time is ripe to bring the community together to share knowledge, exchange experiences and collectively elevate the craft distilling scene across the region.”
While beer and spirits may seem like distant cousins, they share a common ancestor: the art of fermentation. Many of the core principles – the importance of quality ingredients and the magic of yeast – translate seamlessly between the two. And just as the craft beer revolution saw brewers pushing boundaries and experimenting with flavours, so too are craft distillers across Asia now exploring the possibilities of local ingredients, traditional techniques, and innovative approaches to spirit production.
Presentations. Workshops. Discussion Panels
distillAsia recognizes this growing movement and aims to provide a platform for its continued development. The show will feature a comprehensive conference program designed to address the specific needs and opportunities available to Asia’s distillers. Expect in-depth discussions on everything from raw material sourcing and quality control to the latest distillery technological developments and market trends.
The speaker lineup is a testament to the event’s ambition. Industry leaders like James Young, founder of Australia’s Old Young’s Distillery and Icons of Gin Brand Innovator of the Year 2023, will share their expertise and inspire attendees with their stories of success (and lessons from failure!). Other experts, such as Ed Tiedge, Master Distiller at Về Để Đi Distillery in Vietnam, and Jah Kongbantad of Bangkok’s Kaori Craftroom will offer practical insights into the challenges and rewards of establishing a distillery in the region and recipe creation insights.
Two discussion panels have also been added to the conference programme where experts and the audience will be debating the direction the craft distilling industry is likely to take in the coming years. “Tradition v Innovation: Which Way Forward For Asian Spirits?” will explore the potential for the development and rise of unique regional spirits over the coming years while “Accelerating Growth In The Craft Spirits Market” will discuss the role communal initiatives can play in developing the marketplace.
“Our goal is to provide distillers with practical insights and strategies for success,” continues Charles Guerrier. “We want attendees to leave distillAsia 2025 equipped with actionable knowledge that they can implement in their own businesses.”
For those looking to get hands-on there’ll be a sampling workshop where delegates will get to taste unique spirits and explore how they’ve been created as well as a marketing workshop focusing on brand development and digital marketing strategies.
The distillAsia conference programme features experts from the world of distilling
Global experts on-hand to answer your questions
Partnering with this year’s show will be still producer Carl GmbH from Germany, sharing their 155 years of distilling experience, and Fermentis, a global leader in yeast and fermentation. Their booths at the craft expo will be a chance for delegates to see what’s new, make connections, and perhaps even find the missing piece of your own distilling puzzle.
Let’s not forget the host city. Bangkok, with its vibrant street life, rich culinary scene, and a growing number of innovative bars, provides the perfect backdrop for distillAsia 2025. It’s a city that knows how to celebrate flavour, and there’s no doubt that DistillAsia will add to that celebratory spirit.
It’s an exciting time for Asian spirits. With the launch of distillAsia, the Asia Brewers Network is not just hosting a conference; it’s signaling a sign of things to come. It’s a chance for brewers looking to expand their repertoire and distillers alike to learn, connect, and raise the bar for craft in Asia.
“We believe that fostering a strong sense of community is essential for the growth of the craft distilling industry,” says Charles Guerrier. “distillAsia 2025 is designed to be a place where distillers can come together, learn from each other, and support each other’s success.”
distillAsia 2025, The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok
3rd April 2025
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit https://distillasia.com/
