Top 50 innovative spirits launches of 2024: 50-41
Every year the spirits industry releases exceptional and exciting expressions, and 2024 was no different.
Over the following days, we will provide a run-down of the boldest and best bottlings of the last 12 months – many of which will be available at ProWein 2025, as we pair up for the first time.50. Café Solo PX
In December, cold‐brew coffee liqueur brand Café Solo released a vegan‐friendly expression finished in a Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry cask, said to be the first of its kind. The ‘indulgent and dessert‐like’ liqueur is offered at 25% ABV, and is the brand’s first release in a series of cask‐finished liqueurs.
49. Mikolasch Vodka
Resurrected by Swiss spirits company Origen X Group in June, Mikolasch Vodka dates back to 1842, and is the first single‐farm organic vodka from Ukraine. Along with the Single Farm expression made with corn, the brand also launched the Cuvée variety, distilled using a blend of unique grains.
48. Jose Cuervo Devil's Reserve
Venturing into the lower‐alcohol category of agave spirits, Jose Cuervo introduced the Devil’s Reserve, offered at 30% ABV and infused with what the brand calls ‘sweet heat’. The ‘devilishly delicious’ Tequila‐ based spirit drink can be enjoyed chilled as a shot or in cocktails.
47. Trash & Treasure
In February, English spirits producer Warner’s introduced a multi‐ category brand, Trash & Treasure, that uses rescued ingredients from local food producers. Launched with two expressions, Tropical Rum and Citrus Vodka, in October the sustainably conscious brand added a Banana Rum to the range.46. The Macallan Time:Space Mastery
Speyside distillery The Macallan celebrated its 200th birthday last year. To commemorate the milestone, the brand released its Time: Space Collection with two bottlings: 84‐year‐old, the world’s oldest whisky bottled, and Mastery, featuring whiskies aged in 14 cask types, including European and American oak Sherry‐seasoned casks. It is housed in a crafted circular vessel to represent the circle of life.
45. El Tequileñ0 Still Strength
In August, Tequila brand El Tequileño added a still‐strength expression to its portfolio. Bottled straight from the still at 50% ABV, the Tequila is said to capture the agave ‘in its purest form’, with no added water. Notably, the brand also celebrated its 65th anniversary since its founding in 1959 by Don Jorge Salles Cuervo.
44. Empirical Cilantro
In October, Brooklyn‐based spirits brand Empirical added a coriander‐flavoured expression, Cilantro, to its range. Made from French wheat, and bottled at 38% ABV, the spirit aims to make the divisive ingredient more approachable in cocktails. According to the brand, Cilantro works exceptionally well with soda or in a Margarita.
43. Gabriel Boudier Turmeric Liqueur
French producer Gabriel Boudier launched a turmeric‐flavoured liqueur in May, created by Xander Driver, the 2023 winner of the brand’s Wizard Award Competition. The original liqueur is the fourth discovered through the competition, with previous expressions including Kaffir Lime Leaf, Mustard, and Nori Seaweed Liqueurs.
42. Composition N°1
In August, Composition Spirits entered the UK via importer Emporia Brands with Composition N°1, a blend of aged rums combined with a 44‐year‐old Moscatel from Malaga, Spain. The brand aims to challenge traditional spirits categories, question conventional boundaries, and reimagine flavours from diverse cultures.
41. Curatif Limoncello Sour
Australian ready‐to‐drink (RTD) brand Curatif launched Limoncello Sour in September. It is made with Tommy’s Limoncello, a liqueur made from Victorian lemons, and a spirit not often used as an RTD base. The Sour was inspired by Melbourne’s food and beverage scene, with each element meant to reflect a commitment to local craftsmanship.
