the Owner of Samai Rum and D.Wilkins Leatherwork
Diego Wilkins shares his journey from Uruguay to Cambodia, shaping the cultural landscape with his passion for rum and leather.
Tucked away in a small street near Phnom Penh’s Bassac Lane, is an open door which beckons to the curious wanderer. Inside is a warmly lit room skewed with a variety of coloured leatherwork. From unpolished soft hides to glossy red bags, the place is full of luxury artisanal work, showcasing a blend of tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. There you’ll find Diego Wilkins, the visionary behind Samai Rum Distillery and D.Wilkins Leatherwork.
Diego brings a deep-rooted love for rum from his upbringing in Uruguay and his connection to Cuba. Upon arriving in Cambodia, Diego recognised the potential in the abundant sugarcane and the absence of a premium rum distillery. Diego co-founded Samai Distillery alongside his business partners, driven by the vision of creating high-quality Cambodian rum. Despite lacking prior experience in distillation, Diego’s dedication and thirst for knowledge led him to master the art of rum-making.
Inspired by Cambodia’s rich history and flavours, the distillery boasts a diverse range of handcrafted rums, each infused with local ingredients and traditional techniques. From the robust Kampot Pepper Rum to the velvety PX Rum aged in Pedro Ximenez barrels, every bottle encapsulates a fusion of Cambodian heritage and international influence. Samai is a Cambodian name, which means “Modern” or “Looking toward the Future”.
Similarly, D.Wilkins Leatherwork embodies the essence of artisanal excellence, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary design. The brand has earned praise for its exquisitely crafted leather goods, born out of a profound love for leather accessories ignited by a treasured handmade satchel Diego acquired in London. When this beloved bag required repairs, Diego’s search for Cambodian artisans ultimately inspired the inception of the brand. As he honed his skills in repairing the bag, Diego discovered a surplus of leather and a newfound passion for crafting, laying the foundation for the birth of D.Wilkins Leatherwork.
As he sat unencumbered in his quaint workshop adorned with Cambodian tiles and wooden furnishings, Diego says he finds inspiration in his vibrant life in Cambodia, where every interaction fuels his creative process. “I don’t think any other environment could inspire me to create the products I make,” Diego says. “I often have tourists and locals drop in to take photographs of the workshop and to partake in a sip of Samai if I have a bottle open.”
His favourite piece, a vintage-inspired travel bag reminiscent of a doctor’s satchel, epitomises the marriage of functionality and elegance, capturing the essence of luxury travel with its concertina opening design. A classic bag for all occasions has proved very popular amongst his prestigious clientele
For artisans like Diego, Cambodia offers more than just a backdrop; it serves as a canvas for innovation and self-expression. In a country where opportunities abound and barriers are meant to be overcome, aspiring craftsmen find solace in the freedom to pursue their passions. As Diego aptly puts it, “Cambodia is a magic place where there is a place for creation, from rum to all kinds of natural products.” His journey is a reflection of the boundless potential that exists within Cambodia’s artisanal community, where perseverance and creativity reign supreme.
He emphasises the importance of embracing challenges and learning from mistakes, urging aspiring craftsmen to forge ahead with determination and love. His words resonate deeply with those navigating the intricate landscape of artisanal work, serving as an inspiration for generations to come.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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