Heritage, innovation, and Filipino flavor took center stage—and the world took notice—as Destileria Limtuaco proudly brought home multiple international honors at the World Drinks Awards 2025, held on June 4.
Four standout products from the company’s flagship Philippine Craft Spirits line were recognized under the World Liqueurs Awards category for excellence in taste, concept, and innovation—further cementing 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, earned the prestigious title of World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur. Judges praised its “complex nutty and roasted cacao notes” and “refined creamy mouthfeel.”
The zesty Manille Liqueur de Calamansi captured Gold and was named Country’s Best (Philippines) in the Fruit Liqueur category, winning over judges with its vibrant citrus blend accented by hints of vanilla and white pepper—a bold Filipino flavor that shone through.
For coffee lovers, the rum-based Amadeo Coffee Liqueur was awarded Country’s Best (Philippines) in the Coffee Liqueur category. Made with four varieties of Philippine-grown coffee beans, it was lauded for its “sweet intensity, with flavors of pipe tobacco and warm wood spice.”
The newest addition, Cocohogo Coconut Cream Liqueur, secured a Bronze in the Vegan Alternative (Philippines) category. Its delicate blend of coconut cream, flesh, and milk offered a rich, dairy-free indulgence that stood out to the judges.
“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.” Since its launch in 2000, the Philippine Craft Spirits line has introduced uniquely local flavors to the global market—earning recognition not only for product excellence but also for celebrating heritage, innovation, and national pride.
For Aaron James Limpe-Aw, Executive Vice President and sixth-generation member of the country’s oldest distillery, this recognition marks a milestone for the brand’s international journey. “This award validates the vision we had when we created Cocohogo—a fitting vegan alternative to cream liqueur that showcases the richness of our local ingredients and Filipino craftsmanship. It proves that tradition and innovation in liquor-making can coexist in every bottle we produce.”
The World Drinks Awards is a globally respected competition that celebrates the best beverages across multiple categories, with criteria ranging from taste to packaging, judged by experts from around the world. Its World Liqueurs Awards segment specifically honors the finest liqueurs across diverse sub-categories.
Today, these award-winning liqueurs are enjoyed both in the Philippines and abroad with Destileria Limtuaco’s expanding global distribution network. Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao, Manille Liqueur de Dalandan, and Amadeo Coffee Liqueur are available at retail outlets such as Kultura, Duty Free, and The Marketplace, as well as online via liquorexpress.ph, Shopee, and Lazada. The Cocohogo Coconut Cream Liqueur will be rolling out nationwide soon.
