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Spirit of Thailand
A distinctive Father’s Day gift, the Original Thai Single Malt Whisky offers something beyond the familiar dram.
A remarkable shift is under way in the global whisky landscape. Beyond the long-established centres of Scotland and Ireland, a new generation of distillers is redefining what single malt whisky can be. Often grouped under the banner of ‘New World Whisky’, these producers are drawing on local climates, ingredients and traditions to create spirits for curious, discerning drinkers. Among the most notable recent entrants is Prakaan, Thailand’s first premium single malt whisky.
Since its global launch last year, Prakaan marks a significant milestone for the country’s spirits industry and signals its ambition to join the global conversation. Early recognition has followed swiftly, with Prakaan receiving a series of international awards including being crowned Category Winner at both the 2025 and 2026 World Whisky Awards.
The Tribura Series offers three distinct whiskies – Select Cask, the award-winning single malt, Double Cask, a complex interplay of wood, and Peated Malt, a smoky, tropical departure from the norm – each designed to showcase a different facet of the distillery’s approach. Together, they form a range of single malts with a distinctly Thai flavour: tropical fruit, gentle spice, honeyed sweetness and layered aromatics. Prakaan offers something recognisably new while remaining grounded in the discipline of single malt production.
That balance between tradition and innovation is central to Prakaan’s identity. The whisky is distilled twice in Scottish copper pot stills, a nod to established craft, before being matured in a combination of American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks. Yet the maturation process is shaped by local conditions. Ageing occurs in underground warehouses, where Thailand’s hot, humid climate accelerates interaction between spirit and wood, contributing to a depth and intensity that distinguishes it from cooler-climate counterparts.
Location plays a defining role. Prakaan Distillery sits in Kamphaeng Phet, in northern Thailand, within the Western Forest Complex – a vast, natural conservation area that’s home to a Unesco World Heritage site and a vital stronghold for surrounding wildlife. This environment provides not only natural resources, including local spring water, but also a sense of cultural continuity. The name Prakaan, meaning fortress, honours the ancient stone defences of the region, linking the whisky to a legacy of Thai craftsmanship and resilience.
Premium whisky is no longer judged solely on age statements or heritage; provenance and character are increasingly part of the consideration.
Father’s Day (21 June 2026) has long been associated with established single malts, but less familiar whiskies with a clear sense of place and craft can be an intriguing option. Prakaan offers whisky connoisseurs a chance to broaden their range, while giving newer enthusiasts an opportunity to explore a New World category that continues to evolve. Thailand’s original single malt whisky suggests the map of fine spirits is still shifting, carefully crafted one bottle at a time.
PRAKAAN SELECT CASK
Aged in ex-bourbon oak casks; 43% ABV
NOSE Soft tropical fruit and zesty citrus with honey sweetness, creamy vanilla and undertones of lemon cake.
PALATE The sweetness of caramelised pineapple slices and chewy toffee, complemented with the rich perfume of freshly ground spices and hints of candied lemon peel.
FINISH Mature and long-lasting with ripe fruitiness.
PRAKAAN DOUBLE CASK
Aged in ex-bourbon and sherry oak casks; 43% ABV
NOSE Ripe tropical fruit smothered in layers of melting chocolate and vanilla, balanced with notes of raisin and candied citrus peel.
PALATE Pineapples in syrup and ripe mangoes with elegant oaky vanilla and the dark sweetness of warm toffee.
FINISH Full-bodied and smooth with oaky and leathery tones, with a light touch of grated orange zest.
PRAKAAN PEATED MALT
A unique smoky character whisky; 43% ABV
NOSE Fresh tropical fruit with a layer of soft wood smoke. Notes of spices and rich vanilla sauce.
PALATE Sweet and textured with smoke to the fore and a gentle rounded quality, with caramels and honey with citrus and pineapple shining through.
FINISH Warming and long, descending slowly from bright fruitiness to sweet smoke.
WHERE TO BUY
Prakaan is available for purchase online via Amazon and thewhiskyexchange.com
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Sponsored by Prakaan Whisky
