Asia provides almost unparalleled opportunities for spirits producers to grow their international footprints and reach new audiences – SB rounds up 10 of the best value spirits available in the region.

The Spirits Business held its annual Asian Spirits Masters last month, where an experienced panel of judges recognised the best bottlings in the business.

Looking across multiple categories, from Gin to Asian Whisky, a wide range of spirits were awarded the top accolades of Master and Gold medals for their quality.

The individual scores of each entrant have not been revealed, however these are five of the highest rated medalists in the competition, in no particular order.

While some expressions are not standard priced, our judges have given each spirit listed here the seal of approval for offering excellent quality within their respective price categories.

Click through to the following pages to view the top 10 best value for money spirits in Asia of 2017.

Plymouth Gin Navy Strength

Price: £33

The first Master medallist of the competition was awarded to Plymouth Gin Navy Strength, which was described as a “proper juniper gin” with “big bold flavours”. The Plymouth Gin Distillery in The Barbican, Plymouth, England has been in operation since 1793 and is the only remaining gin distillery in the city. One judge remarked, “I thought it was really good; best thing I’ve tasted so far. It’s exactly what I want in a mixing gin.” Another agreed, adding: “It stands up in a Martini, or a gin and tonic; you can do anything with it.”

Dewar’s Signature

Price: approx £250
Dewar’s Signature was awarded a Master medal for its “fresh, fruity notes” and “good balance”. Shearer said: “This was the first one where I thought we’re really getting into blends – this is perfect. It’s malty enough, it has complexity from the grain, a Speyside honey, a little bit of peat, and sweet, tropical notes.”

Ballantine’s 30

Price: approx £230

Two Masters were awarded in the Age Statement flight, the first of which went to the “well­rounded” Ballantine’s 30, which was praised for its notes of “richness, cinnamon, nutmeg, baked fruit, caramel, vanilla”. Made by Chivas Brothers, Signature blends whiskies aged between 14 and 30 years that are then aged in oak barrels to marry.

Nomad Outland Whisky

Price: approx £30

The second Master, Nomad Outland Whisky, was admired for its “rich Sherry notes”. “What struck me was how vibrant it was, and how clean at the same time as having all those sumptuous flavours,” one judge remarked, adding “it’s simple but in a really nice way.” The release is a collaborative blended whisky by The Dalmore master distiller Richard Paterson and Sherry producers Gonzalez Byass.

Tomintoul Five Decades

Price: approx £250
Tomintoul Five Decades scooped a Master in the Scotch Whisky Single Malt flight, described as “really rich – almost like almonds on the nose,” by a panel member. “It has a buttery aroma, which followed through onto the palate, but it didn’t mask the complexity,” they added. “I thought it was the most drinkable.” The whisky was created by master distiller Robert Fleming to mark the distillery’s 50th anniversary, and comprises whiskies from each decade: 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2005.

Beefeater London Dry

Price: approx £18
Chivas Brothers’ Beefeater London Dry Gin scooped a Gold from the panel and was praised for being “slightly sweet, well balanced and zesty”.The gin was first created in 1820 by James Burroughs, and is made according to the same recipe to this day. Owned by Pernod Ricard, the Beefeater distillery is one of nine currently still operational in London.

Chivas Regal Extra

Price: approx £35
Chivas Regal Extra was praised for its “spicy finish” and “deep, slight, peat note” in the Scotch Whisky Blend – Non Age Statement flight, where it secured a Gold medal. Crafted by Chivas Brothers, this blended expression features a large portion of Oloroso Sherry cask-matured malt whisky, resulting in a sweet and fruity flavour.

Purity Vodka 17

Price: approx £35
Purity Vodka 17 secured a Gold medal in the Vodka Super Premium flight, praised for its “really nice body” and pine notes juxtaposed with sweetness. “I liked the very short finish, astringent pine, spice on the nose, citrusy and spice on the finish. I think the viscosity is good and it’s a very well-­made spirit,” a judge commented.

The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old

Price: approx £135
The “well balanced and rich” Glenlivet 21 Year Old secured a Gold medal in the Scotch Whisky Single Malt round. The whisky is aged in a combination of hand-selected American oak and ex-sherry casks, and each individual batch is said to have its own “special nuances”.

Dewar’s White Label

Price: approx £20
Dewar’s White Label secured a Gold medal for its notes of “vanilla spice” and “stone fruits” in the Scotch Whisky Blend – Non Age Statement flight. In 1899, John Dewar’s son – John A. Dewar – unveiled White Label as the company’s flagship product. The liquid contains approximately 40 different whiskies, with Aberfeldy as its primary malt source, and is said to be the best-selling blended Scotch in the US, according to owner Bacardi.