The spirits industry has truly upped its game in recent years. Companies are pushing boundaries and trying something new to come up with a spirit that is previously unseen, unheard of, and untasted. It could be the casking, the botanicals used, the mixing of wines with spirits, and the many new, fresh, and innovative ingredients used. There are also spirits with low or no sugar and low or no alcohol.  

All of these leave us with excellent choices especially for those of us who are keyed up to try new, innovative products with different flavors. 

Barossa Shiraz Gin

Produced using the immensely intense Shiraz grapes that are a producer favorite around the world, the Barossa Shiraz Gin is a fine example of innovation with the finest ingredients at Barossa Distilling. Incredibly rich and silky-smooth the Barossa Shiraz Gin has an inky depth to it. Pour it over ice, make a G&T with a mixer of your choice or enjoy it in a Barossa Shiraz Gin and Plum Crumble.

Barossa Distilling, Source Facebook

Saltwater Woody Real Grapefruit

Born and raised in the USA, what makes Saltwater Woody Real Grapefruit unique is how it is a twist to the classic American rum. Handcrafted in small batches and cut with diluted salt water, yes saltwater, the rum is mixed with grapefruit blended with real grapefruit juice. The saltwater cuts the bitterness allowing the sweetness of the rum to come through and the flavors to shine. It reminds you of those highschool years you spent by the beach. It was awarded a gold medal at the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards and also recognized as Rum of the Year. Sailor Spirits were also awarded Rum Producer of the Year at the competition. Get this rum and run with it.

Saltwater Woody, Source Facebook

Protect the Revenue Peanut Butter Whiskey

Citrus Distillers wanted to make waves with their brand name but not in a common way. They wanted their whiskey to bring a new flavor profile for spirits enthusiasts to enjoy. To do this, they decided to add peanut butter, a crowd favorite to their whiskey. The result is an incredibly smooth whiskey from start to finish with real peanut butter flavors. The peanut butter candy twist and flavors of toffee and caramel wowed the judges at the 2020 USA Spirits Ratings as Protect The Revenue Peanut Butter Whiskey won a gold medal scoring 96 points. 

Amaro San Marco

In the first world war, Paolo Sandrea along with his brother Marco developed the recipes for medicinal liqueurs. Among those that they produced were the Biosfero and the Amaro San Marco, the latter being one of the most innovative spirits right now because of the benefits it possesses. This 93 point scoring gold medal winner at the 2020 Bartender Spirits Awards is full of pleasant aromas and fragrances. Made with plants that help stimulate digestion, the plants exert their complete potential when infused in spring water and alcohol. 

Sarandrea Liquori, Source Facebook

Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin

Over the years, there have been a lot of takes on the British ‘Sloe’ Gin. Perhaps, no one has come as close to making it innovative as the Cape Byron Distillery. Their Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin, a gold medal and Best in Show by Country award winner at the 2020 USA Spirits Ratings, is a wonderful take on the ‘sloe’ gin. Showcasing a unique rainforest fruit native from Byron Bay, the Davidson Plum, they make this gin a ‘bushfood’ delicacy. They are steeped in Byron’s Dry Gin, macerated for over six months, and bottled at 26% ABV. Exhilarating flavors of Davidson plum, rose, and watermelon headline this gin that also packs an array of vitamins and minerals. 

Cape Byron Distillery, Source Facebook

Smirnoff Zero Infusion Vodka

One of the most popular spirits brands in the world, Smirnoff has changed the game with their zero sugar-infused vodkas. They introduced three flavors as part of their Zero Sugar Infused vodkas, the cucumber & lime, the strawberry & rose, and the watermelon & mint. All three of them have a crisp and refreshing finish and are tailormade for your big summer party. Drink them and you might just have a new favorite vodka. 

Gran Centenario Leyenda

Proximo Spirits’ crown jewel, the Gran Centenario Leyenda, is among the rare and special ‘Extra Anejo’ class of tequilas. While the recipe is age-old, coming directly from Gran Centenario’s founder Lazaro Gallardo, it is its aging process that makes it so innovative. The Gran Centenario Leyenda is aged for 4 years in French Limousin Barrels that bring sweet tones of wood to its flavors. There are also hints of maple, eucalyptus, apple, pear, and more in a very complex flavor profile. A generation transcending tequila.

Gran Centenario Tequila, Source Facebook

Vanjak Sweet Tea Vodka

Local Distilling has created this award-winning vodka by blending in organic teas from Teatulia in Denver. This tea is then steeped into Vanjak Sweet Tea Vodka, a 92 point scoring gold-medalist at the 2020 London Spirits Competition. It is a true delight for tea and beverage lovers alike, combining tea and vodka in the perfect way possible. 

With so many spirits out there, we’re always looking for something different, driving brands towards innovation. There is a renaissance within the industry and brands are stepping up their game in terms of production and flavor profile. Relish the many choices you have and go exploring.