LONDON, UK — March 26, 2025 —
Vietnam’s whisky industry has received global recognition.
Về Để Đi, a fast-rising Vietnamese whisky distillery, has won World’s Best New Make & Young Spirit at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards for its Pale Ale New Make — a bold artisanal take on single malt that stood out among international entries.
“This win is delicious,” said Michael Rosen, Founder and CEO of Về Để Đi Spirits, who was in London to receive the award.
“We created this Pale Ale New Make as the base for our inaugural single malt, the first in Vietnam, which we’ll release at the Tet lunar new year 2027. We wanted to create an outstanding New Make, we believe our Pale Ale is, and this award tells us we got there.”
Về Để Đi has won World’s Best New Make & Young Spirit at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards for its Pale Ale New Make | Source: Về Để Đi Spirits
The Về Để Đi distillery is on the outskirts of Hanoi.
This new make uses pale ale malted barley, local yeasts, and is designed to grow even more flavorful as it ages in Hanoi’s subtropical heat and harsh winters. The result? A tropical, malty, floral-forward expression that caught the attention of international judges for its clarity, texture, and originality.
“We’ve worked to create a whisky reflecting the culture, climate and ingredients of Vietnam — we’re trying to reflect all of that in a glass. Our Pale Ale New Make was meant to be a conversation starter, and now that conversation’s happening on a global stage.”
This year’s World Whiskies Awards ceremony, hosted by TheDrinksReport.com as part of the broader World Drinks Awards, brought together distillers from more than 30 countries. The New Make & Young Spirit category is one of the most competitive, recognizing standout products that haven’t yet undergone extended aging but still demonstrate the highest potential and distinctive craftsmanship.
Judges described the Pale Ale New Make as “a bright, expressive spirit with layers of tropical fruit, roasted malt, and subtle esters — balanced, clean, and full of character.”
Về Để Đi is part of a new generation of Vietnamese brands redefining what premium local products can be. The brand launched in 2023 with a small production run, aiming to create whiskies that reflect Vietnam’s diversity and creativity. The name Về Để Đi loosely translates to “Return to Leave,” capturing a sense of movement, diaspora, and discovery that resonates with the founder’s own story.
“When we launched, we weren’t trying to win awards — we’re intent on building something authentic,” Rosen said. “But to be recognized like this so early? It’s humbling. It’s fuel.”
The win also signals a growing global interest in Southeast Asian whiskies, especially as younger drinkers worldwide explore new terroirs and emerging distilleries. With this recognition, Về Để Đi is planning to scale its production and expand distribution into the U.S., Japan, and parts of Europe later this year.
“Our goal isn’t just to be Vietnam’s best — we want to show that Vietnam belongs in the global whisky conversation,” said Rosen. “And we’re just getting started.”
As its own Pale Ale New Make is aging, Về Để Đi has recently introduced it’s Distiller’s Choice, a three cask single malt, the first in its International Series, from a secret distillery and per Về Để Đi, “Aged to perfection in Vietnam.”
Về Để Đi is also offering a limited number of whisky casks filled with Pale Ale New Make for private ownership. Information about purchasing a cask can be found here.
Về Để Đi is making whisky history in Vietnam. A young distillery with an old soul and bold ambition.
For press inquiries, interviews, or distribution opportunities, please contact:
Về Để Đi Spirits
Website: https://www.ve-de-di.com/
Instagram: @vededi.spirits
Press Contact: Michael Rosen, Founder
Phone: +84 90 123 4567
Email: m.rosen@ve-de-di.com
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