Established in 2015, Rachelle The Rabbit (RTR) Distillery has emerged as Singapore's largest distillery, renowned for its innovation and dedication to showcasing the rich flavours of Southeast Asia. Through its flagship brand, Compendium Spirits, RTR has set the benchmark for excellence in the Singaporean whiskey-making industry, embracing the philosophy of offering the "Best of Asia Distilled." In a discussion with Koh Pei Hua, Head of Marketing at RTR Distillery, we took a look at everything that sets RTR apart from the rest and positions itself as the future of Singaporean spirits.

From Meadery to Distillery

As Singapore’s first licensed liquor producer, certified by the Singapore Food Agency and Customs, RTR began its journey as a meadery. From 2016 to 2019, the company focused on producing naturally fermented mead before evolving into a full-fledged distillery. The launch of Compendium Spirits marked a turning point, with a mission to innovate across a wide spectrum of spirits while incorporating unique regional characteristics. The result is a curated "compendium" of flavours, reflecting both tradition and modernity.

Showcasing Southeast Asian Flavours

Today, Compendium Spirits is celebrated for its diverse range of products, which includes Single Grain Rice Whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, liqueurs, and soju. This portfolio demonstrates a perfect balance between old-world distilling techniques and new-age innovations in aroma and taste. In-house fermentation processes, coupled with premium raw materials sourced from across Asia—such as honey, molasses, and Gula Melaka—ensure a smooth and refined taste in every sip.

Image Credits: Rachelle The Rabbit (RTR) Distillery

Singapore’s First Locally Crafted Whiskey

RTR made history by producing Singapore's first locally crafted whiskey, a Single Grain Rice Whiskey created from fragrant Thai Jasmine Hom Mali rice. This spirit, known for its bold and complex profile, stands out in a market that traditionally relies on imported alcohol bases. RTR's dedication to using Southeast Asian ingredients such as honey, coconut, and sugarcane in fermentation underscores the brand’s commitment to authenticity and excellence.

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International Expansion and Innovation

Innovation remains at the heart of RTR's growth. In 2023, the distillery expanded its operations by acquiring Arima Nishiki Shuzo, a 135-year-old alcohol producer in Japan. This strategic move led to the launch of RTR's Singapore-Japanese collaboration, the Yomatsuri 夜祭 Single Malt Whisky. Inspired by the Night Festival of Chichibu Shrine, this award-winning whisky is crafted with over a century of traditional Japanese brewing techniques and the pure, mineral-rich waters of the Hanno Alps. The result is a light, fragrant whisky with hints of caramel and wildflowers—a unique offering in the Asia whisky category.

Image Credits: Rachelle The Rabbit (RTR) Distillery

Future Ambitions and Global Reach

Looking ahead, RTR's ambitions stretch far beyond Singapore. With the opening of its new facility at 6 Chin Bee Crescent (6CBC), RTR is poised to significantly increase its production capacity to 600 tons annually by the end of 2024. This facility will also enhance whisky ageing capabilities, allowing the distillery to expand its reach into new markets, including the UK, SEAPAC countries, and the Greater China Region.

Best of Asia Distilled

The vision for RTR is clear: to bring the authentic tastes of Asia to a global audience. As the distillery continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the craft spirits industry, its ultimate goal is to cement Singapore's reputation as a world-class producer of premium spirits.

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In keeping with their motto, to bring forth the best of Asia distilled, RTR is not only shaping the future of Singaporean whiskey but also elevating Southeast Asia’s craft spirits to new heights.

Header image sourced from Rachelle The Rabbit (RTR) Distillery.

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