Lao Distilling Company Wins Best Contemporary Gin at IWSC

Lao Distilling Company, the Lao PDR's first professional craft gin distillery, has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Trophy for Best Contemporary Gin at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London. Launched in late 2023, Lao Gin has already made a significant impact in the global spirits industry, surpassing established international brands with decades of experience.

Located in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, Lao Distilling Company operates a small distillery that produces Lao Gin in 60L batches. The company's vision is to showcase the rich diversity of Lao culture and create a distinctive brand identity within the global spirits industry.

Lao Gin stands out with its striking, minimalist design featuring a matte-black bottle, chrome lettering, and a circular window representing the moon over the Mekong River, as depicted in the Lao flag. The gin is made from jasmine rice and contains classic gin botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, and angelica root, along with fresh local botanicals like lemongrass, ginger, pandan, and makrut lime. This unique blend results in a smooth, balanced premium gin with a distinctive Lao profile, capturing the essence of local culture while honouring its London Dry lineage.

The judges praised Lao Gin for its vibrant nose of lemongrass and toasted wheat, mingled with bright citrus and fresh basil. Lao Gin's success follows its earlier award, a Gold Outstanding medal, which saw it progress to the Trophy judging stage.

While the name may be unfamiliar to many gin connoisseurs, Lao Gin has already made a significant impact. The company's IWSC Trophy is putting Laos firmly on the map for modern gin production. Currently, Lao Gin is available exclusively in Laos, but the distillery plans to bring the gin to international markets later this year.

The premium gin market is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast period (2024-2030). The latest market research by HTF Market Intelligence assesses the future growth potential of the Premium Gin market and provides information and useful statistics on market structure and size. The study identifies and analyses changing dynamics, emerging trends, and essential drivers, challenges, opportunities, and restraints in the market.

For global gin enthusiasts, the win by Lao Distilling Company marks a significant milestone. It not only highlights the potential of the Lao PDR in the spirits industry but also showcases the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit of the country. As Lao Gin continues to gain recognition, it is poised to become a significant player in the global gin market.