These top winemakers and spirit distillers are creating fine wines and liquors that are fuelling the growth of the industry—and slaking the thirst of a market with an appetite for premium liquors
With the alcoholic drinks market in Asia projected to bring in US$618.5 billion in 2023, the leaders in the industry are in charge of a large market that is expected to grow steadily in the next five years, powered by the region’s growing thirst for premium alcohol. The winemakers and spirits distillers on Asia's Most Influential are championing the region’s capabilities by highlighting the quality of both land and ingredients, as well as the skill of local farmers and artisans. Moreover, they chart the drink scene’s evolution by promoting spirits from independent producers and encouraging sustainable practices, ensuring the long-term growth of this burgeoning industry.
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Olivia Limpe-Aw, president and CEO, Destileria Limtuaco (Philippines)
Though it is the oldest surviving distillery in the Philippines—at over 170 years old—Destileria Limtuaco continues to innovate. The spirits maker has introduced a spate of modern brands to its lineup over the past decade, including Manille calamansi liqueur, Very Old Captain artisan crafted dark rum and Intramuros cacao liqueur. On the pulse of the times, the company has also refreshed the image of its iconic whisky, White Castle, forgoing bikini-clad models in its annual calendar in favour of modern personalities: a male YouTuber in 2021, a trans social media star in 2022 and the full-figured actress Ria Atayde in 2023.
Helmed by fifth-generation distiller Olivia Limpe-Aw—the first woman to lead the family company—Destileria Limtuaco produces a gamut of libations, including Napoleon VSOP Brandy, Maria Clara Sangria, Chinese herbal wines, which it introduced more than 150 years ago, and craft liqueurs that feature the bounty of the country such as mango and dalandan. To preserve its legacy, Limpe-Aw has also gathered the distillery’s historical artefacts along with personal heirlooms at the Destileria Limtuaco Museum in Intramuros.
Read Olivia Limpe-Aw’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential