Spirit Master: Yomatsuri Single Malt

Established in 2015, Rachelle The Rabbit (RTR) is said to be Singapore's largest distillery – known for showcasing its Southeast Asian flavours under the Compendium Spirits brand. Now venturing into whisky, the distillery has launched its debut single malt, 10-year-old Yomatsuri.

Recently rewarded with a Gold medal at The World Whisky Masters 2024, the 10-year-old single malt caught the judges' attention for its “elegant, tasty and lovely balance with a slight balsamic sharpness and fruity notes of grapes, raisins and cooked apples, accompanied by lovely gently oak spice". Inspired and named after the Night Festival of Chichibu Shrine, Yomatsuri is the first Singapore-Japanese collaboration with the company's subsidiary, Arima Nishiki, in Hannō city. Yomatsuri whisky is said to symbolise 'the ultimate experience of togetherness and joy,' paying homage to shared culture and philosophy. Distilled in the Saitama prefecture in Japan and offered at 44% ABV, the single malt is the result of more than 130 years of traditional brewing techniques and pure mineral-rich water originating from the Hanno Alps – creating a fragrant whisky with notes of caramel and wildflowers reminiscent of a mountain spring. “Being honoured with the global World Whisky Masters Gold award is a strong testament to RTR Distillery’s commitment to using 100% natural ingredients, blending traditional and modern methods to achieve exceptional quality whisky," said Koh Pei Hua, head of marketing at RTR Distillery. "We are excited to continue to innovate and propel Singapore whisky onto the world stage.” RTR Distillery was founded in 2015 as Singapore's first licensed liquor producer, certified by the country's Food Agency and Customs. In 2023, the company acquired Japanese sake brewery Arima Nishiki Shuzo. Accompanying the launch of Yomatsuri single malt in 2024, RTR also purchased a new facility at 6 Chin Bee Crescent in Singapore to increase the company's production capacity and business scope.