A large caramel colored bottle of liquid with a red screwtop cap. The label says: Mekhong The Spirit of Thailand.

Mekhong Thai Spirit

Name: Mekhong Thai Spirit
Brand: Hotaling
Price: 29.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Mekhong Thai Spirit is a Rum.

What is Mekhong Thai Spirit?

Mekhong Thai Spirit, often mistaken for a whiskey, is actually a unique rum-based spirit flavored with sugar cane and rice. Despite its relatively low alcohol content of 35%, it played a crucial role in Thai diplomacy during the Vietnam War, with the Thai government gifting bottles to American soldiers to boost morale and strengthen ties between the two nations.

Why do we love Mekhong Thai Spirit?

Cocktail enthusiasts should seek out Mekhong Thai Spirit for its distinctive flavor profile that blends the sweetness of sugar cane with the aromatic spices of Southeast Asia. Unlike traditional rums, Mekhong is actually a hybrid spirit made from 95% sugar cane and 5% rice, giving it a unique character that sets it apart in tropical cocktails and adds an intriguing twist to classic rum-based drinks.

How do you drink Mekhong Thai Spirit?

Mekhong Thai Spirit shines in tropical cocktails that complement its unique rum-like sweetness and spice notes, though it's also delightful sipped neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its complexity. This versatile spirit is perfect for warm weather sipping, pairing beautifully with the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, especially spicy and citrusy dishes that echo its own zesty character.

$29.99

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Tasting Notes

How It's Made

Fun Facts

Product Details

Nose: Sweet molasses and brown sugar aromas dominate, with hints of tropical fruit like pineapple and mango. Subtle notes of rice and herbs add complexity.

Palate: Smooth and slightly sweet, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices. The rice base provides a neutral backdrop, allowing subtle hints of lemongrass and ginger to emerge. Light bodied with a gentle warmth.

Finish: Medium length with lingering sweetness. Fades to a pleasant mix of spice and fruit, leaving a warm, slightly dry sensation. Notes of cinnamon and dried fruit linger.

Mekhong Thai Spirit is crafted through a unique blend of sugar cane and rice distillates, infused with a secret mixture of herbs and spices. This distinctive production process, which combines elements of rum and whiskey-making techniques, results in a spirit that defies easy categorization and captures the essence of Thailand's diverse flavors.

Despite its name and reputation as Thailand's first domestically produced spirit, Mekhong is not actually a rum. It's a unique hybrid spirit made from 95% sugar cane and 5% rice, giving it a flavor profile that's been described as "rum-like whiskey."

Mekhong played a surprising role in Cold War diplomacy. During the Vietnam War, American soldiers stationed in Thailand developed such a taste for the spirit that it became known as the "Spirit of Thailand." This helped cement U.S.-Thai relations and boosted Thailand's economy during a crucial period.

The spirit's name comes from the Mekong River, which forms part of Thailand's border. However, in a twist of irony, Mekhong isn't produced anywhere near the river—it's actually made in Bangkok, hundreds of miles away from its namesake.

Main Ingredient: Sugarcane molasses
Country of Origin: Thailand