Asia looks forward to the inaugural edition of BCB in Singapore. Here’s what we can expect.
Bar Convent Berlin is one the world’s largest trade events held annually. While the main event in Berlin continues to be the marquee event drawing tremendous global attention, the show has now spread its wings to USA (Bar Convent Brooklyn) and for the first time ever, to Asia – to be held this year in Singapore on November 6th and 7th at the Pasir Panjang Power Station.
The event is one of Asia’s most highly anticipated, particularly given the rise and success of regional craft spirits emerging from the continent in recent years.
According to data shared by Statista, the Asian spirits market is expected to grow annually by 3.90% (CAGR 2023 – 2027) while spirits volume is expected to amount to 28.60bn L by 2027. The market for spirits is expected to show a volume growth of 0.6% in 2024.
The growth of spirits in Asia has also led to a hunger for new markets, importers, and distributors who can help the brands scale and gain a foothold across the region. As some of the best bars become more keen to support and showcase homegrown craft spirits, the market seems ready to absorb the range of Asian made spirits on offer.
South Asia in particular is one to watch as an emerging craft spirits market. The last 5 years have seen a rise in craft gins, whiskies, agave spirits, and arrack. Producers of these spirits have put the region on the map by consistently delivering world class liquids for international audiences and are regular recipients of some of the highest industry awarded global accolades.
One can expect to see some of these South Asian brands at BCB Singapore this year – we highly recommend you chat with the founders and hear their story over a sip or two of some quality tipples.
Tamras Gin (Adventurist Distillery, Goa, India) – Tāmras Indian Dry Gin is a small-batch, copper-distilled craft gin made in Goa, India. Tāmras has 16 distinct botanicals that capture the spirit of India and the only gin in the world to distill Lotus flower and Mosambi (Indian sweet lime). Started by a husband and wife team consisting of Devika Bhagat and Khalil Bachooali, to pursue their passion of distilling a premium Gin for Indian and the world, Tamras is the latest feather in the cap of India’s craft distilling movement. Come, taste Tāmras and meet the founders at BCB Singapore.
“Super excited to be at the first ever BCB Singapore and even more excited to introduce our extremely special Tāmras Gin to Asia. Expect some great cocktails to kick you off on your Tamras journey too.” – Devika Bhagat, Founder & Distiller (Adventurist Spirits Distillery).
Ceylon Arrack (Rockland Distilleries, Sri Lanka) – Distilled from the sap of the coconut flower and aged in Halmilla Wood. Ceylon Arrack is one of Sri Lanka’s finest Arracks. A rare handcrafted Arrack. To this day every batch of Arrack receives the personal attention of the Rockland Family Master Blender. Awarded a medal of Commendation by the International Wine & Spirits Association, this Sri Lankan gem is a must try.
Colombo No. 7 Gin (Rockland Distilleries, Sri Lanka) – Colombo Gin is a definitive London Dry Gin from the heart of Sri Lanka, with an unusual list of ingredients. The juniper is distinctive in taste and aroma; surrounded by a beautiful medley of subtle spice notes, Sri Lankan cinnamon bark, and curry leaves that, together, create an unexpected harmony. The gin is handcrafted in small batches from copper pot stills to create a distinctively exceptional, distilled London Dry Gin.
“It’s great to be part of BCB in Singapore, having taken part several times in Berlin, it’s fantastic that this wonderful event is now in our region. It enables us to be closer to our customers & hopefully acquire new customers, and display and sample our fantastic brands.” Graham Merricks, Head of International Sales (Rockland Distilleries).
Hapusa Gin (NAO Spirits, Goa, India) – Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin has led the way in the recent craft gin revolution in India, becoming the first Gin ever to be created with foraged Himalayan Juniper berries. It is a contemporary gin that is uniquely Indian, with botanicals like Raw Mango, Gondhoraj and Turmeric, which have never previously been used to create Gins anywhere in the world. It is a unique mix which comes together to create a bold, earthy gin which is smooth enough to be sipped by itself, straight from the freezer at “mountain temperature”, or as part of classic spirit forward cocktails like the Martini or the Negroni.
“Hapusa has been a regular feature at Bar Convent Berlin since 2018 and the team is excited to bring it to the inaugural edition of BCB Singapore. Singapore was the first country ever to be introduced to Hapusa so we have of course built up a fantastic set of friends and extended family in our time here and we look forward to seeing them all again and sharing a sip of Hapusa at Mountain Temperature at the Hapusa Kiosk.” – Anand Virmani, Founder & Distiller (NAO Spirits).
Maya Pistola Agavepura (Goa, India) – Maya Pistola Agavepura is Asia’s first aged 100% Agave spirit. It is made using Agave Americana which grows wild on the highlands of the Deccan Plateau. It is double distilled and aged on the sunny shores of Goa and is quickly gaining notoriety among bartenders across the country looking for a versatile agave spirit to mix with.
“At our stall at BCB Singapore, one can expect tastings of our three variants – the Joven, Reposado and Añejo, as well as cocktails by some of the best bars in Singapore. I am super stoked to be showcasing Pistola at the inaugural BCB Asia edition.” – Rakshay Dhariwal, Founder – Maya Pistola Agavepura.
We look forward to joining these brands and celebrating Asia’s vibrant spirits community this year. Join us at BCB Singapore on November 6th and 7th, 2023 – book your tickets here and follow BCB Singapore on Instagram.
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