Lady Trieu is a revered figure in Vietnamese history and mythology. The legend holds that between 225 and 248 AD, she led a rebellion against the Eastern Wu, a Chinese state that occupied what is now Vietnam. Lady Trieu’s legacy has grown to near mythical proportions, with tales depicting her as a towering figure nearly nine feet tall, charging into battle on a giant war elephant. Today, the Vietnamese people celebrate her as a national hero, immortalized by a Hanoi street—Ba Trieu—and now, a gin brand named in her honor.

A Tribute to a Warrior

Inspired by this iconic warrior, Lady Trieu Gin seeks to honor her legacy by capturing the distinct flavors from the various regions of Vietnam. The distillery, located in Cu Chi just northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (the locals still call it Saigon), produces this small-batch gin using local botanicals, spices, and Vietnamese rice. It creates a unique base that embodies the national spirit from north to south. If you are spending a day at one of Saigon’s famous tourist attractions, the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can also book a tour of the distillery to see how Lady Trieu Gin’s production and taste its gins.

Master distiller Adam Westbrook started his career in London and has more than 20 years of experience creating spirits, mainly focused on gin. He works with assistant distiller Nguyen Thi Tuyet, who contributes her deep understanding of Vietnam’s culture, the local botanicals and spices, and national traditions. Together, they create Lady Trieu gin, a unique product that reflects the essence of Vietnam.

Tasting Notes

I had the pleasure of tasting the entire range of Lady Trieu Gins at the Lady Trieu Gallery, a distinctive bar and restaurant located in District 1, Saigon. The branding of the gins and the Gallery has been carefully curated, with attention to detail reflected in everything from the color schemes—reminiscent of Vietnam’s historical sites and landscapes—to the fonts on the bottles and menus.

Mekong Delta Dry Gin: My tasting began with this classic mixer gin, perfect for a martini, G&T, or Tom Collins. With subtle hints of juniper, coriander, anise, and a delicate note of orange, this gin is ideal for everyday drinking, offering unique flavors without overpowering a cocktail.

Sapa Citrus Tea Gin: This was my favorite part of the lineup. I preferred it served over ice with a twist of orange peel. Its citrus, tea, ginger, and pepper flavors make it a versatile gin that pairs well with light tonic water, fizzy mineral water, or citrus juice.

Hoi An Spice Road Gin: Named after the historic tourist town of Hoi An, this gin boasts an infusion of fragrant botanicals like jasmine, cardamom, pomelo, and ginger. While delicious, it’s not an everyday gin—better suited for a summer beach party with steamed clams and fresh corn.

Dalat Flowerbomb Gin: Inspired by the Central Highlands resort hill town of Dalat, known for its colonial villas and rich agricultural land, this gin boasts a garden full of botanicals, including chrysanthemum, jasmine, and citrus. It’s a gin to savor at a Saigon rooftop bar.

Contemporary Vietnam Gin: A blend of diverse botanicals, this gin is reminiscent of the Mekong Delta Dry Gin and is perfect for any well-stocked bar. I enjoyed it in a G&T with a sprig of mint, making for a smooth evening cocktail.

East Sea Navy Gin: The final gin in my tasting, this spirit packs a wallop with a 57% alcohol content (the other gins are 43%) and a hint of sea salt. It’s a gin best savored in a dry martini with just a spray of vermouth and a brined olive or two.

If you plan a trip to Vietnam, remember to ask for Lady Trieu at any fine bar in the major cities, or you can purchase it at most wine and spirits shops across Saigon, Danang, or Hanoi. Depending on the retailer, a 750ml bottle will run between US$40-45. The brand is also available in some duty-free shops across Southeast Asia, and the company is currently exploring markets in Europe and the USA.