THE GIN PASSPORT ATLAS - DISTILLERY STORY- PINNED ON THE MAP - ASIA
SANEHA GIN, Chalong Bay, Phuket, Thailand
I had the most wonderful time visiting Chalong Bay Distillery while on holiday in Thailand in 2025, learning more about what they are making, where they have come from and, perhaps more excitingly, what they have planned for the future.
Chalong Bay is predominantly a rum distillery, producing its own spirit from fresh Thai sugarcane juice rather than molasses. Founded by French couple Marine Lucchini and Thibault Spithakis, the distillery combines French distilling traditions with locally grown sugarcane, creating a rum that feels very much of its surroundings.
The distillery is tucked away in Chalong and has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where you can stop for a meal and cocktails, as well as join cocktail masterclasses and tours.
At the heart of it is a beautiful copper still made in France, originally built for Armagnac, which was shipped to Thailand and installed at the distillery. Sadly this had been dismantled for repairs and maintenance when I visited, but that only means more efficiency and better spirit when it's back together again. The whole operation feels hands-on and rather personal, which I always enjoy seeing.
I was able to taste several of their excellent rums during my visit, along with a gorgeous vodka and, of course, their two gins, Saneha Natural and Saneha Luminous.
Saneha means passion, which seems rather appropriate. The gin is made using a sugarcane-based spirit and Thai botanicals, giving it a character that is quite different from a gin made with a highly neutral grain spirit.
I was particularly pleased to see the awards Saneha has picked up, including recognition from The Spirits Business, an organisation I judge for. I can imagine this being a bit of a Marmite gin, though, because the base spirit has considerably more personality than some gin drinkers might expect.
Personally, I think that's exactly what gives it a sense of place.
I love a gin that reflects its terroir and sense of place, and Saneha certainly does. It is smooth and complex, with a subtle sweetness and warmth from the sugarcane, while the botanicals bring plenty of character. A more neutral base might allow the juniper to shout a little louder, but I'm not convinced it needs to.
Saneha was launched in 2021, followed by the more recently developed Luminous, giving the team another opportunity to experiment with Thai ingredients and the distinctive character of their sugarcane spirit.
What really impressed me, though, was the team behind the distillery.
Lek invited me, Ing gave me a wonderfully detailed tour — which we didn't quite manage to finish, so I clearly have an excuse to return — and Tom, Dylan and Robin joined us for plenty of conversation, tasting and a rather late natter.
I was genuinely impressed by the knowledge, enthusiasm and sheer talent within the team. With Marine's vision and such a strong group of people pushing the business forward, I suspect we haven't seen the best of Chalong Bay yet.
When, not if, I return to Phuket, I'm looking forward to seeing how the distillery has grown, discovering whatever new expressions they've been working on and, naturally, finishing that tour.
A huge thank you to everyone at Chalong Bay for allowing me to commandeer so much of your time. It was an absolute pleasure.
"Thai sugarcane, French know-how and a distillery full of ambition"
Show me a bottle
and I'll tell you a story.
