Set against the rice fields of Chiang Dao, Choeng Doi is crafting spirits that feel both deeply local and refreshingly modern. Our team at Time Out have had a sneak peek at the distillery just last month (of which you can read about here) and needless to say, we’re impressed.
Their flagship, Sonklin: Original, is a rice spirit made from 100 percent Thai sticky rice, double-distilled and polished through coconut carbon for a clean, aromatic finish that’s smooth enough to sip neat or mix into cocktails. It’s an elegant showcase of how rice – long the backbone of Thai cuisine – can be transformed into something new in the glass.
Officially opening their doors to the public this November, Choeng Doi will start with booking-only tours of their facilities and the local area, led by experienced, private guides who really know their stuff. A signature cocktail starts the show before a tour of the distillery that ends with guided tasting at the visitor centre. For those who want to go deeper, longer distillery experiences are in the works – including full-day programs and multi-day stays where guests can learn, observe and even take part in the production process. The experience doesn’t end there: a small gift shop will offer bottles, merch and local crafts, plus a Distillery Exclusive spirit available only on-site.
You’ll also find Sonklin poured in select Chiang Mai and Bangkok cocktail bars – from Brine in Nimmanhaemin to Bar Not Found in Chang Phuak – where inventive drinks like the cacao-infused ‘cacao serenity’ and the aromatic ‘northern rice’ showcase its versatility. As co-founder Pachara ‘Jeen’ Snidvongs explains, ‘Our goal has always been to take what grows around us – rice, cane, botanicals – and give people an experience that’s distinctly Thai but at the same time completely new.’
Choeng Doi Distillery. Tours and Tasting from B400. Chiang Dao. By appointment only.