Lady Trieu Gin: The story of 3 Vietnamese women bringing their heritage to the world

Each botanical used by Lady Trieu is intrinsically linked to a region of Vietnam. What is the significance of championing local ingredients?

Bringing the spirit of Vietnam to the world, one gin at a time

From the very beginning of 2020, we have embraced experimentation and innovation to create The Lab Series—a collection inspired by the flavours of Vietnam’s diverse regions, from the Mekong Delta and Da Lat to Hoi An, Sapa, and most recently, the East Sea.

Take Sapa, for instance. The rolling tea hills at the foot of the majestic Fansipan mountain provide the finest oolong leaves, which we blend with mac mat fruit, Buddha’s hand peel, and grapefruit zest to create Sapa Gin—a taste of the vast Northwest countryside. Or the Mekong Delta, where the gentle river yields sweet oranges and wild pepper, combined with cinnamon, kumquat, and the finest Italian juniper berries to craft Mekong Delta Gin, infused with the warmth of Vietnam’s westernmost region.

Unlike traditional collections, The Lab Series thrives on experimentation, taking customers on a journey of discovery that celebrates regional heritage through native botanicals. We collaborate with local farms, markets, and cooperatives to source the finest ingredients from long-standing farming communities. Guided by invaluable feedback from friends, customers, and industry peers, we carefully select the most exceptional elements to create Lady Trieu Contemporary Vietnam Gin—a signature spirit that distils the essence of Vietnam for the world to enjoy.

The brand has undergone an extensive standardisation process. How did that unfold, and what benchmarks remain in place today?

When we began in 2020, our team consisted of just four members working with small copper stills. Since then, we have expanded to a dedicated distillery housing eight stills, including The Lady—a custom-designed 900-litre copper still with a specialised botanical basket for vapour infusion. This piece of equipment represents the culmination of years of research and development at Lady Trieu Gin.

Our dedicated production team has played a vital role in bringing our gin to nine countries, with ambitious plans for further expansion. To maintain excellence, we adhere to ISO 22000:2018 standards and strict regulations governing production processes and alcohol quality. These include precise limits on methanol, aldehydes, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and microorganisms. In 2024, we proudly shipped our first batch of gin to the United States—a milestone for both Lady Trieu and Vietnamese craft spirits.

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Not only has Lady Trieu Gin conquered the domestic market, but it has also made a successful international debut. What gives the brand its greatest confidence?

The team’s pride and dedication ensure that every stage of production—from distillation to packaging—meets the highest global standards. Stringent quality control measures, aligned with internationally recognised procedures, allow us to not only meet but exceed legal requirements for product excellence.

This commitment has led to remarkable success. Lady Trieu Gin has been honoured as Asia’s Most Awarded Gin Brand, earning prestigious accolades at some of the world’s most renowned spirits competitions.

What impact has achieving international standards had on Vietnam’s craft beverage industry?

Our mission is to showcase that Vietnam can produce high-quality spirits with a distinct identity, capable of competing on the global stage. We believe that Lady Trieu Gin’s success will pave the way for other Vietnamese brands to step confidently into the international market.

This progress also holds exciting potential for tourism, inviting visitors to experience the essence of Vietnam through our craft spirits, cocktails, and the rich stories behind them. This is just the beginning, and the opportunities for growth are limitless.

From Lady Trieu’s legendary inspiration to its female-led team, how is the brand reshaping an industry long dominated by men?

We are committed to redefining the spirits industry, proving that women can set new standards. Running a distillery demands determination, strength, independence, and resilience—yet it also requires finesse and sophistication, qualities that Vietnamese women have in abundance. Pride in our cultural heritage serves as the foundation of everything we do, shaping the operations, production, and growth of Lady Trieu Gin.

At Lady Trieu Gin, we foster an environment where diverse ideas and voices are celebrated. We believe that our gin is not just about taste, but also about emotion and storytelling. The meticulous selection of botanicals, the delicate balance of flavours, and the patience behind the distillation process all reflect the artistry of women. It is this dedication, intuition, and creativity that define our signature gins and the experiences they bring to those who enjoy them.

How does Lady Trieu craft a gin-drinking space that is both luxurious and contemporary while evoking a cultural narrative familiar to Vietnamese people?

Lady Trieu collaborates with contemporary Vietnamese artists, designers, and creatives to ensure that every product and experience embodies modern sophistication while remaining deeply connected to tradition. This fusion is brought to life at The Trieu Institute, a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant and bar in District 1. The space blends an open kitchen with a modern apothecary-style bar, where every detail tells a story of Vietnam’s rich heritage. Meanwhile, the food and drink menu celebrates the depth and diversity of Vietnamese flavours, mirroring the journey of the Lady Trieu Gin brand.

This article was adapted from the original feature published in the February 2025 issue of Tatler Vietnam.

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