Samai embodies the audacity of a high-end Cambodian rum, blending local sugarcane, copper still and international ambitions.
Cambodia is best known for its majestic temples, vibrant cuisine, and idyllic beaches—but it's also home to a bold project in the world of spirits: Samai , the country's first premium, artisanal rum distillery . Founded in Phnom Penh in 2014, the brand has established itself as an innovative player, blending Cambodian terroir, distillation expertise, and international ambition.
This article offers a complete overview of Samai : its history, its production, its flagship products, its international recognition, and why it deserves to be valued (especially for a French audience interested in Southeast Asian brands).
What is Samai?
Samai (whose name evokes the idea of a “new era” or “new time”) is a Cambodian premium rum distillery . It was founded in 2014 in Phnom Penh by two Venezuelans, Daniel Pacheco and Antonio Lopez . The company is distinguished by being the first distillery of its kind in Cambodia.
It emphasizes artisanal production, with control from A to Z: from the local ingredient (sugar cane, molasses) to the bottling.
History & origin
- 2014 : Creation of the Samai distillery in Phnom Penh.
- It was born from the ambition of its founders to create a “craft” rum in a country not yet well known for its artisanal spirits .
- Since then, Samai has developed a range of products, positioned itself in export markets (Singapore, France, Spain) and won international awards.
Production, ingredients & method
Samai 's quality rests on several points:
- Local ingredients: Molasses comes from sugar cane grown in Cambodia (Koh Kong province) for example.
- Artisanal distillation: Use of copper pot stills to obtain more aromatic and complex rums.
- Aging: Some rums are aged in imported casks (American oak, Sherry… depending on the edition) to enrich the aromatic profile.
- Integrated process: The entire production (fermentation, distillation, aging, bottling) is carried out on site.
Flagship product range
Among the brand's most notable expressions:
- Samai Aged White Rum : an aged white rum, combining finesse and freshness.
- Samai Gold Rum : made from Cambodian molasses enriched with a little organic honey, aged and with mild aromatic profiles.
- Samai Kampot Pepper Rum : an original combination of molasses and the famous Kampot pepper — a much-loved local twist!
- Samai PX Rum Liqueur : a blend of Cambodian rum and sweet Pedro Ximénez wine, in a more “liqueur-like” version.
- Various limited editions (Flag Series, single barrel, etc.) are also available and highly sought after among enthusiasts.
Awards & Recognition
The brand has been evaluated on specialized platforms:
- On RumX, Samai has an average rating of approximately 7.1/10 based on 278 reviews .
- Prices vary depending on the edition: for example, the “Gold” bottle can be found for around €41-46 in some European shops.
- Distinguished by international competitions (examples: IWSC, London Spirits Competition) which strengthens its credibility.
Why Samai is interesting (and why talk about it)
- Premium & local : This is one of the rare examples in Southeast Asia of a local distillery that has managed to position itself in the high-end segment.
- Terroir & singularity : The use of Cambodian sugar cane , Kampot pepper or organic honey gives Samai a distinctive profile — perfect for a “premium creator” niche market.
- Export & international visibility : Its presence in France and Europe provides a bridge between Cambodia and the Western market, which may interest an audience curious about “ made in Cambodia ” products. In September 2025, for example, Samai was present at the International Gastronomy Village to showcase its Cambodian Rum , at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, within the Cambodian pavilion managed by Yuvachun and the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in France .
Conclusion
Samai is more than just a rum : it's an invitation to discover Cambodia in a new light—through its raw materials, emerging expertise, and bold spirit. For French or international readers seeking premium new products, unapologetic exoticism, and artisanal quality, Samai is well worth a visit (and perhaps a glass).