The Asia Spirits Ratings has announced The Donn by Craft Irish Whiskey as its Whisky of the Year for 2025, celebrating an exceptional spirit that impressed judges with its depth of flavour, balance, and world-class craftsmanship.

Produced in Ireland with meticulous attention to distilling tradition and barrel selection, The Donn stood out for its rich profile, layered complexity, and long, refined finish — qualities that resonated strongly with retail buyers, duty-free selectors, and beverage directors seeking premium whisky expressions for the Asian market.

As Asia continues to embrace premium whiskies — from single malts and blended Irish expressions to craft barrel-finished styles — The Donn’s win highlights Ireland’s rising influence in the global whisky renaissance and its growing relevance in top Asian spirits programs.

A win that signals a commercial opportunity

The award reflects The Donn’s strength not only as a connoisseur-quality sip but also as a market-ready whisky for Asia’s luxury retail and hospitality channels, including:

• Independent spirits retailers
• Duty-free and travel retail
• Luxury bars & hotel programs
• Premium gifting and collector markets

With increasing whisky sophistication across Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong, The Donn is well-positioned for expansion and visibility across Asia’s most influential whisky destinations.

“The Donn showcases the elegance, depth, and craftsmanship that define the modern Irish whisky movement. It's a win as Whisky of the Year highlights not only its excellence in the glass but also its strong commercial appeal for Asia’s premium spirits market. We see this whisky flourishing across high-end retail, travel-retail, and luxury bar programs across the region.” — Sid Patel, CEO, Asia Spirits Ratings & Beverage Trade Network

Explore 2025 Winners

Discover all medal-winning spirits at the Asia Spirits Ratings Winners Page — featuring brands selected to perform across Asia’s premium retail and hospitality landscape.

If you're sourcing premium whiskies for Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India, or other Asian markets, explore this year’s winners to find products ready for strong shelf and back-bar performance.

View The Donn and all winners online