DISTILLERY
Between tradition and modernity, Cambodian rum embodies emerging expertise, driven by unique local ingredients and limitless creativity. Far more than a spirit, it is the expression of a territory, a culture, and a new vision of rum.
A NEW CHAPTER
For centuries, Cambodia cultivated sugarcane without ever seeing a true artisanal rum tradition emerge.
It wasn't until 2014 that a new chapter in this history began. That year, a distillery opened its doors in Phnom Penh with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create Cambodia's first premium rum and reveal the kingdom's exceptional potential to the world.
TWO CULTURES, ONE VISION
Behind SAMAI are two Venezuelan entrepreneurs, Daniel PACHECO and Antonio LOPEZ DE HARO, who are passionate about rum and based in Cambodia.
Their ambition is not to import a Latin American model to Asia, but to create a rum that fully belongs to Cambodia, by combining their distillation experience with the natural and human riches of the kingdom.
A LOCAL TEAM
The distillery relies on a passionate local team, thus nurturing a new generation of Cambodian talent.
Among them, Darachampich MOANG, Cambodia's first female master distiller, plays an essential role in developing recipes and asserting SAMAI's unique style.
AN EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR
Unlocking Cambodia's Potential
SAMAI selects molasses from locally grown sugar cane and works with Cambodian producers. Every step of production—fermentation, distillation, aging, blending, and bottling—is carried out in Phnom Penh.
This approach allows us to produce rums that fully express their origin and contribute to the development of genuine local expertise.
Local selection
Natural and controlled
Distilled
In a tropical climate
Creative and precise
On site
UNIQUE INGREDIENTS
SAMAI's creations celebrate Cambodia's iconic ingredients
Cambodian
Sugarcane
Red Kampot
Pepper
Organic honey from northeast Cambodia
A RUM CONCEIVED AS A JOURNEY
SAMAI rums develop their own personality with aromatic profiles blending tropical fruits, vanilla, caramel, sweet spices, woody notes, and emblematic Cambodian ingredients. Creations that invite you on a true sensory and gustatory journey.
WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION
In just a few years, SAMAI has established itself as the benchmark for artisanal Cambodian rum. The distillery exports its creations to over 19 countries and has been recognized in numerous international competitions.
Over the years, SAMAI's creations have distinguished themselves in several international competitions. Among them, SAMAI Gold Rum notably won a silver medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2017, while SAMAI Kampot Pepper Rum earned a gold medal at the London Spirits Competition in 2024.
