In the heart of the Philippines, a distillery is making waves on the global spirits scene, crafting a vibrant display of Filipino gin
The creative minds behind the renowned Archipelago spirits, Full Circle Craft Distillers Co., marks a significant milestone as they celebrate their 5th anniversary. With their dedication to craftsmanship and an unrelenting passion for promoting the beauty of the Philippines, they are rewriting the record of craft distilling.
Crafting an authentic legacy
From its inception in 2018, Full Circle Craft Distillers Co. had a bold vision: to craft authentic, world-class spirits that pay homage to the vibrant botanicals of the Philippines. The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Matthew and Laurie Westfall, this venture was a tribute to Matthew’s grandfather, whose journey from a Russified German in 1918 led to the creation of their artisanal spirits.
Archipelago beyond boundaries
With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, Full Circle has garnered acclaim from prestigious international spirits competitions worldwide. Their lineup includes the flagship Archipelago Botanical Gin, a curation of 28 botanicals, 22 of which are sourced and foraged locally. The gin is created from the flavors of tropical citrus, fresh mangoes, and exotic fragrant flowers.
Their dedication to quality has propelled their spirits into the global limelight. Their Archipelago spirits, once confined to the Philippine archipelago, now grace shelves across the USA, EU, UK, and regional Asia. This expansion is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to showcasing the Philippines on the world stage.
Crafting with care
The brand’s commitment to craft extends beyond just their spirits. The distillery’s state-of-the-art facility in Calamba, Laguna is a testament to their dedication to excellence. Producing award-winning spirits like the Archipelago Barrel Reserve Gin, which ages in 225-liter new American oak barrels; and the Archipelago Lava Rock Vodka, filtered over lava rocks sourced from Philippine volcanoes, proves their attention to detail is evident in every drop.
The accolades that Full Circle’s spirits have amassed are a testament to their craftsmanship. With awards from the Asian Spirits Masters, a 93 rating from Wine Enthusiast, and high praise from connoisseurs worldwide, their spirits have taken center stage in the world of craft distilling.
An artistic blend
The brand’s celebration of its 5th anniversary is not just about spirits, but Filipino artistic expression. Their iconic bottle design features Filipino design motifs, showcasing the eight-ray Philippine sun and incorporating Letras y Figuras, a traditional art form. The attention to detail extends to the copper-engraved cork, a nod to their bespoke German copper still.
They open their doors to enthusiasts with a hands-on distillery tour and tasting experience. Aiming to educate, uplift, and promote international best practices, this experience offers a glimpse into Full Circle’s dedication to authentic craft distilling.
Gin for good
Full Circle’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the distillery. Their Gin for Good program contributes to the conservation of endangered Philippine wildlife with every bottle of ARC Gin sold.
Five years in, Full Circle Craft Distillers Co. has transformed the landscape of craft spirits, blending creativity, authenticity, and innovation into each bottle. With Filipino expressions like ARC Black Bamboo Gin and ARC Navy Strength Gin, they continue to push the boundaries of craft distilling. As they continue to grow and evolve, they remain true to their commitment: to create flavors that celebrate the terroir of the Philippines and captivate the world’s palate.
Photos FULL CIRCLE CRAFT DISTILLERS CO.
