Filipino craft liqueurs earn global acclaim across multiple categories
Manila, Philippines — Proving once again that Filipino craftsmanship is world-class, Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. proudly brought home several international honors at the World Drinks Awards 2025, held on June 4.
Four products from the company’s flagship Philippine Craft Spirits line were recognized specifically under the World Liqueurs Awards category, for excellence in taste, concept, and innovation—solidifying the brand’s position as a pioneer in the global liqueur scene.
Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao, a silky, brandy-based chocolate liqueur made from fermented roasted cacao beans, took home the title of World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur. Judges praised its “complex nutty and roasted cacao notes” and its “refined creamy mouthfeel.
The zesty Manille Liqueur de Calamansi won Gold and was also named Country’s (Philippines) Best in the Fruit Liqueur category, thanks to its vibrant citrus blend with hints of vanilla and white pepper—a bold Filipino flavor profile that resonated with the judges.
For coffee lovers, the Amadeo Coffee Liqueur was awarded Country’s (Philippines) Best Coffee Liqueur. This rum-based blend of four Philippine-grown coffee beans was lauded for its “sweet intensity, with flavors of pipe tobacco and warm wood spice.”
Meanwhile, the newest addition to the brand’s lineup, Cocohogo Coconut Cream Liqueur, received Bronze in the Vegan Alternative (Philippines) category. Its delicate combination of coconut cream, flesh, and milk provided a rich, dairy-free indulgence.
“These awards reflect the spirit of what we do,” said Olivia Limpe-Aw, President and Master Blender of Destileria Limtuaco. “We take pride in using native ingredients and transforming them into world-class expressions of Filipino identity.” Established in 2000, the Philippine Craft Spirits line has introduced unique local flavors to the global market—gaining traction not only for its product excellence but also for its story of heritage, innovation, and national pride.
For the sixth generation master blender of the oldest distillery in the Philippines, this international recognition is a significant starting point for the brand’s debut in the global scene.
“This award validates the vision we had when we created Cocohogo–a fitting vegan alternative for cream liqueur that showcases the richness of our local ingredients and Filipino craftsmanship. This product just proves that the tradition of excellence and innovations in liquor-making can coexist in every bottle we make,” shared Aaron James Limpe-Aw, Executive Vice President and the one who led the product and brand development of Cocohogo.
The World Drinks Awards is a distinguished award-giving body that celebrates the best beverages in the world including alcoholic drinks, with criteria ranging from taste to packaging and judged by the industry experts from across the globe. One of its sub-categories, the “World Liqueur Awards” specifically recognizes the best liqueurs in the world based on criteria under various sub-categories.
Today, these award-winning liqueurs are enjoyed not only in the Philippines but also across borders, thanks to Destileria Limtuaco’s growing export presence and global distribution efforts. The Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao, Manille Liqueur de Dalandan, and Amadeo Coffee Liqueur are currently available in retail stores including Kultura, Dutyfree, and The Marketplace, and can be ordered online through liquorexpress.ph, Shopee, and Lazada. The Cocohogo Coconut Cream Liqueur will be rolling out nationwide soon.