Spirits that will prove to be popular in 2015
As the consumer craze for homespun brands continues, 2015 will surely see a greater influx of independent craft brands in all categories, locally and abroad.
lScottish whisky took a backseat to Irish whisky and craft bourbons in 2014 and the trend will continue in 2015. This year will see a continuation of no-age-statement Scotch whiskies, with more expressions of single grain whiskies to join the market. lSpiced rums are becoming popular with loads of new flavour innovations. Premium sipping rums will also hit the market with a renewed focus on white rum as a core cocktail spirit.
lGin has been booming for the past five years and will continue strongly in the year to come. Use of unique botanicals and barrel aging will see stronger G&Ts (gin and tonic) being served up. lIndian spirits that have been getting international acclaim are Old Monk, feni from Goa, and Royal Mawalin from the Royal Liqueurs, from the families of Rajasthan. In addition to these, Amrut Fusion Single Malt whisky from the Himalayas has been making waves in the premium segment of the market.
New launches or brands
lAperol, an orange flavour liqueur, which was named UK supermarket Waitrose’s “drink of the year”, will be seen on Indian shelves soon. Pinnacle and Deep Eddy vodka from the US will make an entry. lJim Beam will also come up with flavours such as maple and cinnamon-flavored Bourbon whiskies. lWith India being such a large market, the international alcohol executives are scratching their heads to get a piece of the pie. In 2015, we are bound to experience an influx of new brands hitting the local shelves and bars.
— Van Den Burgh
a.k.a Tug is a bartender
