Keris Silver:
An Indonesian Single Malt Whisky That Is Making Waves Internationally
Keris Single Malt’s Silver Variant won Gold at the 2025 BevTest World Whisky Judging, and showcases Indonesian heritage in both product and branding.
7 September 2025
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Launched in September 2024, Keris was founded by the billionaire owner of the Orang Tua Group Mr. Hamid Djojonegoro
| Photo credit: Keris Single Malt Whisky
While scotch whiskies continue to dominate a significant portion of the global single malt industry, the ferocious rise of Asian whiskies in recent years has been undeniable. Taiwan’s Kavalan has been making waves for years now; the reputation of Paul John of Goa, India, has gone global; and Japanese whiskies now command a whole brimming category of their own. Aiming to join the ranks of elite Asian single malts is Keris, and it has already garnered the nod of approval from industry peers.
Launched in September 2024, they submitted their first variation, the Keris Silver, to the Beverage Testing Institute for the 2025 BevTest World Whisky Judging in May, and received the ultimate validation with a coveted gold medal in return.
“Having matured in an environment different to the typical scotch whiskies, there is a subtle difference in taste with Keris and we were ecstatic that the global community took to our flavour notes so seamlessly,” shared brand manager Lindy.
Keris Single Malt is proudly Indonesia’s first locally-produced single malt whisky | Photo credit: Keris Single Malt Whisky
Founded by billionaire owner of FMCG conglomerate the Orang Tua group and single malt lover Hamid Djojonegoro, Keris is his ode to Indonesian patriotism. Dedicated to putting Indonesia firmly on the global single malt whisky map, Mr. Djojonegoro started developing Keris, along with other products, at the Pt Asti Dama Adhimukti Distillery in Tabanan, Bali in 2005. Two decades later, his vision has come to fruition.
The Pt Asti Dama Adhimukti Distillery in Tabanan, Bali where Keris started developing in 2005 | Photo credit: Keris Single Malt Whisky
The Craftsmanship of Keris
With the goal of bringing Indonesian culture to the forefront, the brand is named after the iconic traditional Indonesian dagger Keris, which features waves or “Luks” down its blades corresponding to one’s social status. Forging these Luks requires highly intricate craftsmanship, which reflects the process of distilling a world-class single malt whisky – from the procuring of raw materials to keen attention-to-detail and patience.
Keris Silver is matured for four years in American oak barrels before finishing in ex-Sherry Oloroso casks | Photo credit: Keris Single Malt Whisky
Made from 100% malted barley, Keris Silver single malt whisky is matured for four years in American oak barrels before a final year in ex-Sherry Oloroso barrels to produce a striking gold-coloured whisky which opens with a delicate vanilla aroma on the nose. A subtle hint of berry soon follows before a long, lingering woody scent hits. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth with a pleasant, medium-length finish.
Keris Silver is matured for four years inKeris Silver’s bottle resembles the waves or Luks on a traditional Keris – an Indonesian heirloom dagger
| Photo credit: Keris Single Malt Whisky
Finding Room In The Market
Carving out a piece of the market as their own has proven to be a challenge as daunting as expected, according to Lindy. Scotch giants like Glenfiddich and Maccallan have built a loyal local consumer base, often happy to pay a premium for a familiar imported product as opposed to a novel local product. In addition, alcohol advertising in Indonesia is highly regulated, with television commercials absolutely banned. Furthermore, because of the predominantly Muslim population in Indonesia, local celebrities and influencers often think twice in accepting alcohol-based endorsements or promotions.
Despite these challenges, Keris is chugging along, firmly on course. The fact that it was recognised by the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) as the “first local single malt whisky” earned Keris some national traction. Available today in most five-star hotels and some of the finest restaurants and bars across Indonesia, Keris has also found its way into niche communities such as curated whisky appreciation communities and cigar communities.
The Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) recognised Keris as Indonesia’s first single malt whisky | Photo credit: Keris Single Malt Whisky
Keris of the Future
Although currently only available in Indonesia, plans are already in place to take the award-winning whisky global, with Singapore as its first overseas market. Barring any excessive red tape, Keris is aiming to enter the Singapore market by early 2026.
Currently only available in Indonesia, Keris aims to enter Singapore’s market by early 2026 | Photo credit: Keris Single Malt Whisky
In terms of variations, Keris Silver will be joined by Gold, and later the Diamond, and Platinum variants in due time.
Here is, however, where patience proves most challenging yet critical. A whisky-lover himself and a nationalist at heart, Mr. Djojonegoro dares only put forth the best he has to offer.
“It would actually be possible to launch the Gold variant in 2026, but because we demand absolute perfection, we are staying patient and waiting for the best moment,” explained Lindy.
To become a globally recognised brand is no easy feat, not to mention in an industry as challenging as the single malt whisky category. However, if trends are anything to be encouraged by, now may be the best time for an Asian, albeit South-east Asian, brand to take a stab at rubbing shoulders with the big boys. Backed by a multi-billion-dollar FMCG conglomerate and an owner with a passion for the product and pride for his country, Keris is strapped in for the long haul.
Author: Julianna Hedger
Julianna is a seasoned content specialist who started her writing career in unscripted television production and broadcast news at FOX Sports Asia and the Associated Press. She has since added various writing skills to her repertoire, such as long-form articles, SEO-driven blogs and social media copywriting. She is driven by her personal passions in content creation, food and sports media.