Product Description:
Cambodian molasses meets oak, honey and heritage—rum with depth and direction. Samai Gold Premium Cambodian Rum is a category-defying dark rum made with intention and identity. As the first release from Cambodia’s pioneering rum house, this spirit blends tradition with place—produced from local sugarcane molasses, distilled in copper pot stills, and touched with organic Cambodian honey. It’s aged between two to four years in French and American oak, ex-bourbon barrels and sherry casks, bringing complexity and a layered finish.
This isn’t rum as usual. Samai Gold captures the terroir of Southeast Asia with remarkable clarity—dense tropical molasses, vibrant fruit, and deep oak expression. The distillery, founded in 2014 and helmed by Cambodia’s first female master distiller, Moang Darachampich, has swiftly gained global recognition. Their small-batch ethos and hybrid pot-column distillation technique allow for a spirit that’s both characterful and precise.
Sip it neat to appreciate the detail, or pour over a single cube for a slow-drinking experience. Pairs seamlessly with dark chocolate, grilled pineapple, or caramel-heavy desserts.
The Maker
Samai was born from a simple idea: that Cambodia’s abundant natural resources could yield a spirit unlike any other. In a country known for its rich, high-quality sugarcane, the potential for world-class rum had remained untapped. In 2014, a small team set out to change that, drawing on Latin rum-making traditions while rooting their craft firmly in Cambodian soil.
Central to the story is Ms Moang Darachampich, the first rum master distiller in the kingdom, who joined the founders on their journey to create Cambodia’s first premium rum distillery. Together, they brought vision, skill and a spirit of experimentation to build a new benchmark for Asian rum, crafted entirely from scratch.
Philosophy
At the heart of Samai lies a belief in craft, community and a new generation shaping the future of Cambodian spirits. The name itself comes from the Khmer word for “modern” — a fitting reflection of both the distillery’s pioneering ambition and the entrepreneurial energy of today’s Cambodia.
Samai’s mission is clear: to produce premium-quality Asian rum that stands proudly on the world stage. Each bottle is made from locally grown sugarcane, transformed through innovation, passion and meticulous care. More than just rum, Samai is a symbol of what can be achieved when tradition and modern vision meet — a spirit for Cambodians to celebrate and for the world to discover.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Vanilla and oak
Natural sweetness with notes of vanilla, toasted wood, and a hint of spice.
PALATE
– Honeyed depth
Rich caramelised honey, dark chocolate and oak-spice in layered harmony.
FINISH
– Lingering warmth
Long finish with lingering sweetness and gentle woody heat.
Reviews & Accolades
“A unique and pleasantly surprising taste experience, combining the terroir of Cambodia with traditional rum‑making techniques … spicy and wild, with an exotic fruit burst including banana, tobacco and pineapple … the palate is full‑bodied, balancing ripe fruit and mellow, spicy oakiness … the finish evolves into vegetal notes, nuts and chocolatey wood.” – Spirit Radar, Full-bodied Cambodian Rum Overview
Major Awards
Silver – London International Spirits Challenge, 2023 & 2024
Silver – International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2023
Bronze – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2018
Silver – London ISC, 2017
Bronze – Barcelona Rum Congress, 2018
Finer Details:
Style - Rum
Country - Cambodia
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 41%
Closure - Cork
Spirit Style - Dark Rum
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