Vietnam has officially made its mark on the global whisky map. Về Để Đi (VDD), the country’s first single malt whisky distillery and Southeast Asia’s first independent single malt producer, has been awarded “Best in the World” at the World Whiskies Awards 2025 in London.
The accolade came in the New Make & Young Spirits category for VDD’s pale ale new make single malt, a recognition that has placed Vietnam in the spotlight of the international whisky community.
What makes VDD unique is its craft beer-first approach. The distillery develops three core brews — pale ale, brown ale, and imperial stout, as the foundation for its whiskies. This philosophy is guided by Master Distiller Edward Tiedge, a former Wall Street trader and US Marine Corps Captain who trained in Cognac before bringing his eau de vie vision to Vietnam.
Adding to this team is Ms. Lan Anh, one of Vietnam’s first female brewers, who has risen from brewing at 7 Bridges to Turtle Lake Brewing, and now plays a crucial role at VDD.
Currently aging in ex-bourbon and new American oak #4 char barrels, VDD’s first official release is scheduled for Tet 2027, marking a historic milestone, Vietnam’s first commercially available single malt whisky.
With Hanoi’s subtropical climate shaping unique maturation conditions, the upcoming release is set to deliver a distinct flavor profile, strengthening Southeast Asia’s presence in the global whisky industry.