10 GLOBAL SPIRITS TRENDS

Neil Ridley, one of the UK’S most recognized spirit writers, Chairman of the World Whiskies Awards and judge on the IWSC Awards

1.

Scotch whisky will always have its heritage and complexity. However, Japanese whiskies have managed, during 90 years, to create a momentum. This is allowing new nations around the world, such as Taiwan and India, to penetrate the European market with their spirit produce.

2.

The coming year will witness the trend of whiskies creating their own imprint. This trend is reaching several other spirit types including gin.

3.

Armagnac is the biggest spirit that people have yet to discover. For whisky lovers, Armagnac is the next big thing, as it combines age, provenance, heritage, and incredible ingredients.

4.

Producers are now prouder of their local produce, cultures, and terroirs. This is taking the market to a different level, especially with the usage of botanicals.

5.

We will see more artisanal production rather than mass manufacture.

6.

‘Premiumization’ is extremely important. A lot of people are becoming familiar with well-known brands, but when they get into a spirit, be it whisky, rum, gin, or any other, they will seek the exclusivity and a deeper understanding about the product.

7.

Beirut represents one of the most interesting drinking cultures, in addition to Singapore, Berlin, and Paris. This is down to a handful of talented people bringing flavors and techniques from around the world. But what they are really doing, is crafting them, tweaking them, and matching them to each one’s culture.

8.

In 2017, we will see more of Eastern Europe influencing Western Europe. We will see flavors that we do not have, primarily botanicals, spices, and herbs.

9.

The wine-growing region in the Middle East, and specifically in Lebanon, will be increasingly important. Big tannic flavors will start making an impact in the spirits’ world.

10.

People are also looking for sustainability and that is a huge trend that will happen in the coming years. Caring about waste and about creating ways to reuse lost material and save for the future generations, even in the spirits industry, is gaining great momentum.