New and limited-edition spirits
Jonah Flicker, Special to USA TODAY | Published 6:18 a.m. ET Dec. 28, 2017
Fall and winter are the prime seasons for new spirits releases, particularly when it comes to whiskey of all stripes — bourbon, Irish, single malt, Japanese and rye. And it’s not just whiskey, with new tequila, vodka, gin and cognac hitting stores as well during the holiday season. 2017 was a banner year for new spirits releases, culminating in a busy fall and early winter season of new expressions and limited editions. “We frequently release expressions during this time of year because we want to give our fans something special to enjoy and gift during the holidays,” says Rob Mason, vice president of North American whiskey at Beam Suntory. “’ typically do see an increase in sales volume for brown spirits during this season.”
There’s something about colder weather and limited sunlight that make people drink more brown spirits, from aged single malt to extra anejo tequila to barrel-strength rye whiskey. “The fall, winter season is a popular time of year for the whisk(e)y category,” says Andy Nash, vice president of marketing for William Grant & Sons. “After a hot and humid summer, folks look forward to those change of season moments and switch out their summer drinks for something warmer while home entertaining on chillier nights.” Browse the gallery above to check out some of the most notable new spirits from 2017.
Cachaca is an extremely popular spirit in Brazil that is starting to gain traction in the USA. Novo Fogo’s new Colibri ($35) was matured in two types of wood, oak barrels and amburana (Brazilian teak). You can sip this on its own or substitute it for whiskey in an Old Fashioned.
2017 Whiskey and Spirits Releases
USA Today, December 27, 2017
