The Asia World Spirits Competition brings together some of the region’s most respected and knowledgeable industry figures to assess entries from across the globe. Each judge brings a unique perspective, shaped by their professional background and personal passion for spirits.

One such judge is Yi Xian Kwek, Co-Owner of The Single Cask Singapore, a destination renowned for its curated selection of unique and independent bottlings. With his deep appreciation for spirits from around the world and his enthusiasm for discovering what’s “out of the ordinary,” Yi Xian offers insights that encourage producers to stand out and stay true to their craft.

Having this competition in this region makes things interesting as we get to taste more interesting things from producers in this region. Their reach might not be as far as other parts of the world, but it still gives them recognition and the potential and confidence to put themselves on a bigger stage.

Given the current market sentiments, it's interesting that there are still so many entries in this year's competition. It's good to see producers still doing their best to keep going despite the downturn experienced worldwide.

I think the most fun part is coming together with friends from the industry and tasting entries with them. The discussions and fun had during the sessions are what make it more interesting and enjoyable.

There are many whisky distilleries popping up around the region, and as a whisky enthusiast, it would be interesting to see how their products will fare against whiskies from the more mature producers. 

Agave and baijiu also seem to be the up-and-coming spirit styles gaining traction. The fact that more people are starting to appreciate these categories comes to show that the old stigma of them being less favorable to drink is a huge encouragement.

Being from Singapore, we are already blessed with being able to get to taste almost everything there is out there. I would hope that more people will be open to keep trying new things, regardless of what kind of spirits they are. My hope is that the lesser-known spirit types be introduced to those who have less access to them. Just keep trying everything!

I'm generally a person who likes to taste things that are out of the norm. I love trying things that are out of the ordinary and unique in their own way. Why try to be the same as everyone when you can put your own style to it and stand out from the rest?

Be bold and be daring. If you love what you've done, showcase it to the world so that more people will learn to appreciate your style. Don't be afraid to be different because this will set you apart from the others.

Judges like Yi Xian Kwek remind us that the Asia World Spirits Competition is more than just a stage for recognition - it’s a platform that celebrates individuality, creativity, and resilience in the spirits industry. By valuing uniqueness and encouraging producers to push boundaries, Yi Xian and his fellow judges help shape a competition that reflects the vibrant diversity of the Asian market.