01/04/2026
UPDATE: Happy April Fool's Day everyone. Thank you to everyone who joined in, commented on, and shared our post. Apologies if you were fooled. Have a wonderful Pi Mai Lao.🙏
The Lao Distilling Company Pushes the Boundaries of Umami with World-First ‘Padaek Vodka’
Following the successful launch of Lao Gin in 2023 and the recent release of Lao Vodka, The Lao Distilling Company (LDC) is proud to announce a bold new evolution in the world of savory spirits: Padaek Vodka. This limited-edition expression marks the first time that the "soul of Lao cuisine" has been elevated to a premium sipping spirit.
Drawing inspiration from the complex, funk-forward profiles found in global culinary trends, Padaek Vodka is distilled from the same high-quality rice as the original. During the final distillation, a proprietary blend of locally sourced, artisanal fish sauce is introduced. The result is a crystal-clear spirit that offers an initial wave of salted caramel on the nose, followed by a deep, earthy umami finish that lingers long after the first sip.
"Our mission has always been to distill the essence of Laos into a glass," says LDC’s Head of Development, Mr. Sommut Bormenthae (ທ້າວ ສົມມຸດ ບໍ່ແມ່ນແທ້) "While Lao Gin celebrates the freshness of local botanicals and Lao Vodka the purity of the rice grain, Padaek Vodka celebrates the fermented heartbeat of the Lao kitchen. It is a challenging spirit, certainly, but for the adventurous palate, it is the ultimate expression of our terroir."
Padaek Vodka is designed to be the centrepiece of the "Ultimate Lao Bloody Mary" or served neat alongside a spicy papaya salad. Only 401 bottles will be produced in this initial run.
The Lao Distilling Company continues to lead the region’s craft movement by merging traditional Lao ingredients with international distilling standards. For more information on the release or to join the waiting list for a tasting, please visit our official website or follow us on social media.
