Laos, located near the center of Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula, is a landlocked country roughly the size of Japan’s Honshu, with a population of over seven million. Its cities are dotted with temples, the Mekong River flows gently through the land, and peaceful scenery surrounded by lush nature attracts visitors from around the globe. In fact, Laos is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Buddhism’s teachings have deeply influenced the calm and welcoming nature of its people. With relatively good public safety, travelers can feel at ease exploring this country. Although Laos was once under French rule and abolished its monarchy in 1975, it is also known for having one of the highest happiness levels in Asia, despite being considered one of the region’s poorest countries economically.
In this tranquil nation, a project is underway to share the rich flavor of sugarcane with the world. That project is LAODI, a leading Laotian rum brand. Using sugarcane grown in a region often called the birthplace of sugarcane, LAODI pursues its vision of “From Asia to the World.” One key figure behind its high-quality rum is Japanese engineer Ikuzo Inoue. By combining traditional Japanese distillation techniques and careful manufacturing methods with Laos’s soil and climate, LAODI has maximized the natural sweetness of sugarcane and successfully created a rare, top-quality “Asian agricole rum.” More than simply a spirits business, LAODI values collaboration with local farmers and communities, from sugarcane cultivation to rum production and sales, to generate shared benefits. Guided by the principle “Making rhum is Agriculture,” LAODI views its rum-making as part of sustainable farming and strives to build an environment where everyone involved can feel fulfilled.
LAODI’s journey began in 2006, obtaining a liquor license from the Lao government in 2007. The following year, the company began full-scale rum production, and in 2009 started exporting to Japan. In 2015, it changed its name to Lao Agro Organic Industries Limited, and in September 2016 it was featured as an official liquor at the ASEAN Summit. From 2017 onward, LAODI expanded its reach into Europe and Taiwan, winning multiple awards at world-renowned competitions such as the Hong Kong IWSC and the TWSC. In 2020, LAODI earned a Gold at the IWSC, and in 2023 its Brown Rum won Gold at the Women’s International Trophy in Berlin, demonstrating a high level of international recognition. Within Laos, the brand also offers factory tours and operates bars so that visitors can directly experience LAODI’s appeal. In October 2024, LAODI is set to be showcased again as an official liquor at the ASEAN Summit gala dinner, further boosting its global profile. Thanks to Japanese technology and Laos’s natural resources, this rare Asian agricole rum delivers both a rich aroma and a refined taste, appealing to rum fans and spirits enthusiasts alike.
Learning this background and story makes it clear that LAODI is not just a distilled spirit but a community-oriented project that helps local communities and supports sugarcane farmers. Its strong track record in international competitions also underscores its trustworthy quality. If you are curious about a new kind of Asian rum, consider trying LAODI for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised by the fragrant sweetness and delicate flavors unique to an agricole rum made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice. (Mr. Bacchus)
