Manila, Philippines — In a resounding win for Filipino craftsmanship, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the oldest distillery in the Philippines, secured multiple international accolades at the 2025 World Drinks Awards, held June 4. The feat not only cements the brand’s reputation in the global liqueur scene but also underscores the competitive potential of Philippine-made premium spirits in an increasingly sophisticated market.
Four standout products from the company’s flagship Philippine Craft Spirits line emerged victorious in several categories, earning recognition for excellence in taste, concept, and innovation. These awards spotlight the distillery’s ability to merge heritage techniques with bold, modern flavors — a formula that resonates with both local and international palates.
A Sweet Victory for Philippine Flavors
The Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao was crowned World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, impressing judges with its “complex nutty and roasted cacao notes” and “refined creamy mouthfeel.” This silky, brandy-based creation is made from fermented roasted cacao beans, staying true to the company’s ethos of using indigenous, high-quality ingredients.
Meanwhile, the Manille Liqueur de Calamansi — a vibrant blend of citrus with hints of vanilla and white pepper — clinched Gold and was named Country’s (Philippines) Best in the Fruit Liqueur category. Judges praised its bold Filipino flavor profile, calling it a refreshing yet sophisticated spirit.
For coffee enthusiasts, the Amadeo Coffee Liqueur earned Country’s (Philippines) Best Coffee Liqueur. Made with four varieties of locally grown beans, this rum-based drink was lauded for its “sweet intensity, with flavors of pipe tobacco and warm wood spice.”
The latest addition to the lineup, Cocohogo Coconut Cream Liqueur, won Bronze in the Vegan Alternative (Philippines) category. Combining coconut cream, flesh, and milk, it offers a rich, dairy-free indulgence that reflects the brand’s commitment to innovative, inclusive products.
A Legacy of Innovation and Pride
“These awards reflect the spirit of what we do,” said Olivia Limpe-Aw, President and Master Blender of Destileria Limtuaco. “We take pride in using native ingredients and transforming them into world-class expressions of Filipino identity.”
Founded in 1852, Destileria Limtuaco is now helmed by its sixth-generation leadership. The Philippine Craft Spirits line, launched in 2000, has steadily introduced unique local flavors to global markets, positioning the brand not just as a heritage name but as a modern innovator in premium liqueurs.
Executive Vice President Aaron James Limpe-Aw, who led the development of Cocohogo, added: “This award validates the richness of our local ingredients and Filipino craftsmanship. It shows that tradition and innovation can coexist in every bottle we make.”
The Global Stage for Filipino Spirits
The World Drinks Awards is a respected international platform that celebrates the best in the beverage industry, with criteria covering everything from taste to packaging. The competition’s “World Liqueur Awards” segment specifically recognizes the finest liqueurs worldwide, based on rigorous blind tastings by industry experts.
Winning at this level places Philippine-made spirits alongside established global brands, opening new opportunities in export markets. Industry observers note that such wins can accelerate brand penetration in specialty bars, hotel chains, and high-end retail channels abroad.
What This Means for the Philippine Beverage Industry
For the broader Philippine beverage sector, Destileria Limtuaco’s victories serve as both inspiration and proof of concept: that with consistent product quality, compelling branding, and authenticity, local producers can thrive globally.
With products now available through Kultura, Duty Free, The Marketplace, and online platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and liquorexpress.ph, the distillery is well-positioned to leverage its global recognition to boost domestic and international sales. The Cocohogo Coconut Cream Liqueur will also be rolling out nationwide soon.
For a company rooted in over 170 years of tradition, the message is clear — the future of Filipino spirits lies in blending the best of local heritage with forward-thinking innovation. And on the world stage, that’s a winning recipe.
