Chiang Dao, Thailand, April 11, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Choeng Doi Distillery is setting new standards for premium spirits in Thailand. Founded and independently owned by Thais, the distillery is committed to using the finest ingredients and the country's artisanal perfection. Each spirit is made from regional raw materials and distilled in one of Thailand's most modern distilleries, nestled in the foothills of the Chiang Dao mountains.

The Choeng Doi Distillery is located in Chiang Dao – a region renowned not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for its deep connection to the land and its long agricultural tradition. The distillery's water comes from the UNESCO Doi Luang Chiang Dao Biosphere Reserve, a protected highland area famous for its purity and ecological richness. This mountain water is naturally soft and mineral-rich, providing the perfect foundation for a pure and expressive fermentation.

All raw materials for production are either grown on the distillery's own farm or sourced within a two-hour drive. This regional sourcing model not only ensures traceability but also reflects the terroir. From the special Khao Niew Sanpatong (Sanpatong sticky rice) variety to the surrounding flora that influences fermentation, every element is shaped by the soil, climate, and biodiversity of the region.

Chiang Dao offers more than just resources – it offers rhythm, tradition, and awe. It is a place where agriculture and crafts are in harmony with nature, and where Choeng Doi can create something unique.

With a focus on quality, sustainability and cultural authenticity, Choeng Doi offers a unique Thai spirits experience – sophisticated, expressive and deeply rooted in the region.

Sonklin is the first bottling from the Choeng Doi Distillery – a modern interpretation of traditional rice distillates. Made exclusively from Khao Niew Sanpatong rice grown on the estate, this distillate is fermented, double-distilled in copper pot stills and columns, and gently filtered through coconut charcoal to achieve a pure, subtly aromatic profile.

Sonklin combines subtle grain notes with a slightly sweet finish, paying tribute to Thailand's agricultural heritage without neglecting a modern, international perspective. Every sip testifies to careful cultivation, precise distillation, and deep respect for the Thai terroir. This is Thailand's spirit.

The label design is inspired by หงส์ในโคม (Hong Nai Khom), a traditional northern Thai fabric motif depicting a swan nestled in a lantern. The pattern symbolizes grace, light, and the harmony between earth and sky, reflecting Sonklin's dual nature: deeply rooted in Thai heritage yet light, modern, and expressive. The visual identity is minimalist yet powerful—a contemporary homage to the artistic and cultural spirit of Chiang Dao.

Choeng Doi Distillery strives to minimize environmental impact at every stage – from sourcing raw materials to serving.

Although current regulations prohibit the use of renewable energy to power the stills, the distillery instead uses firewood from dead trees, reforested orchards, and bagasse (sugarcane fibers) from the pressing process. The moisture content is strictly monitored to ensure clean and complete combustion.

Other sustainability measures include: – Used molasses is reused by a local company to maintain newly paved roads. – Spent grain is delivered to a nearby farm as feed for ducks and geese. – Waste liquid is treated with EM microorganisms (Effective Microorganisms) before further processing off-site. All partner farms commit to low-chemical or chemical-free cultivation methods, refraining from burning fields, and ecologically holistic land management.

What sets the Choeng Doi Distillery apart is not just its location, but also the methods and reasons behind its production. Sonklin is more than just a rice distillate – it's a distilled expression of Thai culture and craftsmanship, created with dedication and respect.

While many spirits in the region are still industrially produced, Choeng Doi is giving Thai distillation a new voice – one that is transparent, traceable, and terroir-driven. All ingredients, from the grain to the glass, are sourced from the immediate vicinity of the distillery, ensuring that the final product captures the taste and spirit of Northern Thailand.

Sonklin's uniqueness lies in its clarity and subtlety. Instead of overwhelming with artificial flavors or aggressive spiciness, it invites the connoisseur to discover the gentle nuances of Thai sticky rice, the minerality of Chiang Dao spring water, and the soft aromas of fermentation, imbued with native plants. It is refined yet authentic – a new benchmark for modern Thai spirits.

It is important that Sonklin is a spirit that can proudly present itself on the world stage, not as an imitation, but as an authentic ambassador of Thailand – showing what the country has to offer when tradition, agriculture and craftsmanship come together.