This Week

• Spotlight On - Emerging Markets

• Trivia Question

• Cocktail Corner - The Boulevardier

• Trivia Answer

Spotlight On - Emerging Markets

The world of whisky has recently been expanding far beyond its traditional heartlands, introducing enthusiasts to a rich diversity of flavors and styles from unexpected regions. This week's spotlight shines on some of the most exciting and innovative new players in the whisky market- Sweden, Taiwan, Australia, France, and Israel. Each of these countries brings something unique to the table, reflecting their distinct cultural and environmental influences.

Swedish whisky, a rising star in the global spirits market, is known for its innovative approaches and commitment to quality. Despite being relatively new to the whisky scene, Swedish distilleries like Mackmyra have gained recognition for their unique flavor profiles and sustainable practices. Sweden's pristine natural resources, including pure water and high-quality barley, contribute to the distinctiveness of its whisky. The country’s whisky production often incorporates local elements, such as aging in Swedish oak or using unique ingredients like juniper, resulting in a distinctive and exciting range of whiskies that reflect Sweden’s rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit.

Taiwanese whisky has swiftly gained international acclaim, particularly with the success of Kavalan Distillery, which has set a high standard for quality and innovation. Benefiting from Taiwan's subtropical climate, the aging process is accelerated, imparting rich, complex flavors to the whisky in a shorter time compared to traditional whisky-producing regions. The use of pristine local water and meticulous craftsmanship further enhances the quality of Taiwanese whisky. Its smooth texture, diverse flavor profiles, and consistent accolades in global competitions highlight how new regions can quickly make a significant impact in the whisky world.

Australian whisky has carved out a unique niche in the global market, thanks to its distinctive approach and diverse climate. Pioneers like Lark Distillery and Sullivans Cove showcase a variety of styles influenced by the country's varied environments, from the temperate regions of Tasmania to the warmer mainland. High-quality local barley and innovative cask maturation techniques, often involving Australian wine barrels, impart unique flavors and complexities. This experimentation and emphasis on quality have earned Australian whiskies numerous international awards, marking them as a dynamic and exciting addition to the global scene.

Though relatively new on the international stage, French whisky is rapidly gaining popularity for its elegance and distinctive flavor profiles. Leveraging France's rich winemaking heritage, many distilleries use wine casks, including those from Bordeaux, Cognac, and Sauternes, for aging their whiskies. This practice imparts unique and complex flavors that set French whisky apart. Brands like Armorik in Brittany and Brenne from the Cognac region focus on single malt aged in cognac barrels. This exemplifies the innovative spirit and high quality of French whisky. The refined character and growing recognition are making French whisky a notable contender in the global market.

Israeli whisky is also emerging as a notable player in the global whisky scene. Combining traditional methods with the region's unique climate, Distilleries like Milk & Honey produce high-quality whisky that matures rapidly due to Israel's warm weather. This accelerated aging process results in bold, complex whisky flavors distinctive to the region. The use of local ingredients and innovative techniques further enhances its uniqueness. As Israeli whisky gains international recognition, it is capturing the interest of enthusiasts the world over.

These whiskies from newer players offer incredible diversity and innovation to the whisky world today. Each one brings its unique flavors and stories, enriching the global landscape and offering enthusiasts new horizons to discover. We encourage you to seek these out, along with other new emerging distilleries that we will explore together later on. Enjoy the exploration. Enjoy the adventure. And, as always… CHEERS!

Cocktail Corner
The Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a sophisticated cocktail with a rich and balanced flavor profile, making it an excellent choice to showcase the unique attributes of whiskies from different regions.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz whisky (choose one from the featured regions if you can!)

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1 oz Campari

• Ice

• Orange twist (for garnish)

Let’s make it!

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Add the whisky, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

3. Stir until well chilled.

4. Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with an orange twist.

What a trip around the world! We’ll be doing more on this subject in the future. If you need to reach us, have feedback, or have a topic you would like to see, please let us know at [email protected]