Top 50 innovative spirits launches of 2024: 40-31
Innovation presents itself in many guises. In the latest instalment of our 50 most innovative spirits launches of 2024 countdown, we see it take the form of ready-to-drink cocktails, vermouth made from waste wine, and Tequila infused with flowers.
As we enter into the second stage of our countdown, noting the innovative releases that have taken positions 31 to 40 in the list, its easy to see that the level of creativity has cranked up a notch. Missed entries 50-41? You'll find them here. And don't forget to check back tomorrow to find out the next 10 innovative products to make the list.40. Laphroaig Elements 2.0
Islay Scotch whisky Laphroaig added to its Elements series in May with a single malt that showcases the impact of extended fermentation. Elements 2.0 is fermented for 115 hours, producing a fruitier version of the peated whisky. The Elements range launched in 2023, and features experimental distillation techniques.
39. 58 and Co vermouth
In October, London distillery 58 and Co partnered with boxed wine brand Laylo to create a vermouth from repurposed excess wine. The product is part of the brand’s Co‐Lab series, which sees it team up with sustainable brands to repurpose byproducts. Laylo provided ‘past its best’ Pinot Grigio, which was then turned into bianco vermouth.
38. Cointreau Cocktail Twists
Orange liqueur brand Cointreau launched a ready‐to‐drink range in September with a Lime Daiquiri and a Berry Cosmo, both developed by master distiller Carole Quinton. The 200ml bottles are made of aluminium with a copper‐style finish, and have a resealable twist cap.
37. Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve
Blended Scotch brand Chivas Regal collaborated with sake brewery Masuizumi to create Takumi Reserve, a 12‐year‐old spirit drink. The expression exclusively launched in Asia in October, and finishes the blended Scotch in barrels that previously held sake, which is not on the approved list of finishes that can be labelled Scotch.
36. Avión Lucky Liquid
In May, Pernod Ricard‐owned Avión released just 100 bottles of this extra añejo Tequila matured in a single ex‐Mexican Cabernet Sauvignon wine cask. The Tequila, which was released on NFT platform BlockBar, is named after the liquid’s good fortune, as barrels were filled nine years ago in oak casks and apparently forgotten about before they were rediscovered.
35. Fielden Hedgerow
English whisky producer Fielden, which made its debut in 2024, launched its four‐part Fieldnotes series in September. The series uses genetically diverse ‘field blends’ of heritage grains revived from historical sources and grown sustainably on more than 890 hectares of UK farmland. The inaugural expression, Hedgerow, represents the fruity and creamy character of Fielden Rye Whisky.
34. Irn-Bru Vodka Martini
In October cocktail mixer producer Funkin collaborated with Irn‐Bru to put a Scottish spin on the Vodka Martini. The collaboration combined Funkin’s nitro infusion technique with the orange soft drink, lending to a “velvety smooth texture” instead of the soft fizz Irn‐Bru is known for.
33. Experience N.20 Friends in the North
Woven released a blended whisky crafted from liquids sourced from some of the most noteworthy distilleries in the Nordics – with the aim of highlighting the region’s whisky hallmarks and landscapes. The spirit took from the likes of Finland’s Kyrö, Sweden’s High Coast Distillery and Agitator Distillery, and Norway’s Feddie Ocean Distillery.
32. Espolòn Flor de Oro
Inspired by Day of the Dead, Campari Group‐owned Espolòn Tequila released Flor de Oro in October. The liquid is a limited edition reposado infused with natural marigold flower extract.
31. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet
Diageo went to extreme lengths for the release of Johnnie Walker Ice Chalet, a blend of whiskies distilled during Scotland’s coldest winters and from the company’s most northern distilleries, such as Brora and Clynelish. Alpine‐inspired, it has notes of cinnamon‐spiced apple.
