The start of yearly is a time for reflection and forward-thinking. We naturally replicate on the earlier yr and its achievements whereas concurrently looking forward to the approaching months.
The spirits {industry} isn’t any completely different on this respect. Successes and failures from final yr will typically information a model’s technique transferring ahead. So, what’s going to the tendencies be for our favorite spirits world wide in 2025? It’s time to gaze into our crystal ball on the key themes to look out for.
Oldies however goodies
For the final decade or so, non-age-stated whiskies have flooded the market as whisky corporations expanded their ranges to capitalise on the increase in gross sales. Nonetheless, as international Scotch gross sales have declined during the last couple of years, we’re starting to see a return to age-stated whiskies in each the blended market and single malts.
The drive for authenticity and the standard upon which Scotch constructed its repute are key to this resolution. Shoppers are proven to be shopping for much less however savour what they’ve extra. High quality over amount, you possibly can say.
“Shoppers are more and more searching for out whiskies that inform a narrative,” says Chris Dennis of The Glen Grant distillery in Speyside. “And that is precisely what higher-aged single malts constantly ship.”
Last year saw several ‘oldest ever’ releases, and there’ll undoubtedly be extra of those in 2025. However most shall be priced on the decrease finish of the market, each domestically and in journey retail.
It’ll be enjoyable and scrumptious, so strap your self in.
AI Bartenders
As synthetic intelligence turns into the norm in on a regular basis life, it was solely a matter of time earlier than its affect can be seen within the spirits world. An early instance is in use on the Johnnie Walker expertise in Princes Avenue, Edinburgh – this asks every customer a collection of questions, with the solutions figuring out their route across the tour and the fashion of cocktails they’ll drink alongside the way in which.
However can AI make a cocktail worthy of the title? Axelrad Bar in Houston, Texas, was an early pioneer. They created a ‘People Vs. Machines’ menu, the place 4 cocktails designed by ChatGPT compete towards 4 created by their bartending crew.
The Diageo Bar Academy feed buyer preferences into an identical programme to create ‘the proper cocktail’ for his or her style. On the identical time, BarGPT additionally affords a bespoke expertise the place you can also make a cocktail out of your most popular substances.
It might not fairly be a Terminator-like situation, however AI is coming to a bar close to you very quickly – if it’s not there already.
Excessive Proof
This class has been steadily build up steam for the final yr or so. Final yr, a number of high-ABV merchandise, often called ‘Excessive Proof’, hit the market and gained loads of traction. This included bottlings reminiscent of Alto Canto tequila (48% ABV), Bartender’s Alternative from Chopin vodka (59.8% ABV) and Ragga Overproof white rum (63% ABV).
Mixologists and bartenders are main the pattern, searching for artistic methods to reinforce the flavour profile of cocktails. Utilizing high-ABV white spirits is one such manner, as elevated alcohol ranges intensify the depth of flavour, improve the construction of the drink and fight dilution within the shaker or glass.
“We’re growing a high-proof vodka on the again of demand,” says Robert Hicks, proprietor of the Highland Liquor Co. “The elevated energy will carry flavour higher and create depth in a cocktail.”
Anticipate to see vital development in high-strength vodkas and tequilas, plus overproof white rum and navy-strength gin.
Sustainable distilling
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- The Glen Grant Distillery
Many processes used to provide spirits worldwide are historically non-eco-friendly—fermentation, distillation, the burning of peat in Scotland and the roasting of agave in Mexico, to call a couple of. All produce warmth, and lowering that output is a key problem for producers in an ever-warming world. Notably as many international locations now have strict insurance policies as they transfer in direction of web zero.
Distillers are tackling the problem head-on by altering working practices, lowering the burden and make-up of packaging, and bettering their native setting. For the final decade, new distilleries have been constructed with these objectives in thoughts, whereas older distilleries have been transformed to be extra environment friendly.
“Our industry-wide sustainability technique ensures the entire sector is aligned on bold targets,” says Ruth Piggin, Director of Business Sustainability on the Scotch Whisky Association. “This includes lowering carbon emissions, guaranteeing water is used effectively, caring for the land and taking part in our half in transferring in direction of a round financial system. That is difficult, however it’s a problem that should be met.”
Worldwide agave
With tequila and mezcal gross sales persevering with to rise globally, corporations are aiming to seize a chunk of the pie. The US authorities’s persevering with risk of 25% tariffs on Mexican items—America is the world’s largest shopper of tequila—has introduced this into focus and presents a possibility for others to capitalise.
Tequila can solely be produced in a particular geographical designated space inside Mexico, so related merchandise can’t be named as such. Nonetheless, related rising circumstances for the agave vegetation from which the spirit is made exist elsewhere on the earth.
New producers want to increase the agave spirits class, which has beforehand been geographically capped. This yr, you may anticipate tequila alternate options from international locations reminiscent of Australia, India, South Africa and California.
“We have now had an overwhelmingly constructive response to our new product,” says Damola Timeyin, the co-founder of Sango African Agave Spirit. “Individuals are in search of one thing acquainted however new within the present market.”
