Top 10 new spirits 2018

One of the benefits of being a cocktail and spirit publication is that we are privy to a lot of tastings throughout the year and now comes the time for our annual top 10 new spirits 2018.

The usual disclaimer applies. For the purpose of transparency, this is not a sponsored post nor is it influenced by any partner or advertiser relationship. These are simply the best new spirits we have tasted in 2018, though we are aware that some may not be so new in certain parts of the world.

Here they are, the top 10 new spirits 2018, presented in no particular order:

Top 10 New Spirits 2018

1. Ounce Gin Bold

From Imperial Measures Distilling in South Australia, Ounce Gin Bold (47% ABV) not only comes in a beautiful decanter style bottle, it ticks all the right boxes for a savoury style dry Martini. The gin leads with juniper followed by herbal and savoury notes of thyme, sage and spice such as black cardamom and pepper.

2. Brix White

Brix White (40% ABV) hails from Brix Distillers, Sydney’s newest rum distillery. The unaged spirit which cannot be called rum is virtually straight from the still and cut down with deionised twice carbon filtered Sydney tap water. Fresh and bright aromas with estery and fruity notes lead to a palate that is big on flavour with notes of tropical fruit such as banana, pineapple and hints of desiccated coconut and finishes long and warming.

3. Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke

Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke (48.9% ABV) is a fine example of whisky innovation based on an industry-first “sweetness” index along with a precise calculation of “peatiness” to create the perfect balance between smokiness and sweetness. The no age statement single malt by William Grant & Sons has 19 sppm (sweetness parts per million) and is peated at 22 ppm. The flavour profile is that of beautifully balanced smoke, rich vanilla and fruit notes and a finish that lingers between oaky sweetness and peaty dryness.

4. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey

George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey (47% ABV) is a high-rye blend of bourbon whiskies aged over four years. Soft oak with vanilla, black pepper, some cinnamon, dark chocolate and caramel lead to a long finish that balances sweetness and spice.

5. Seedlip Grove 42

The latest expression from Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits is Seedlip Grove 42 (0% ABV), a citrus blend of copper-pot distillates including Bitter Orange, Mandarin, Blood Orange, Lemongrass, Sansho Peppercorn, Ginger & Lemon. Unlike previous expressions, Seedlip Grove goes very well with soda which means one can enjoy a delicious non-alcoholic and sugar free beverage.

6. Diplomatico Distillery Collection No 3 Pot Still Rum

Diplomatico’s Distillery Collection is about individually showcasing the distillates behind Diplomático’s rums. Following from Diplomatico Distillery Collection No 1 Batch Kettle and No 2 Barbet Rum, Diplomatico Distillery Collection No 3 Pot Still Rum (47% ABV) is an 8 yo rum made from 100% pot still distillate, aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The rum has remarkable viscosity on the palate with notes of orange, warm spice, some oak, caramel and vanilla. It finishes slightly dry with a soft oak influence.

7. The West Winds Wild Plum Gin

The West Winds Wild Plum Gin (39% ABV) is neither a regular gin or a sloe gin. The hero ingredient is the Australian native Davidson plum, a tart fruit which gives it its characteristic flavour. Citrus notes are present along with Banksia honey and Davidson plums in a tart plum gin with a dry finish good enough to sip on its own over ice.

8. Derrumbes San Luis Potosí Mezcal

Derrumbes bring a solid range of mezcals from various regions and Derrumbes San Luis Potosí (43.5% ABV) hails from the state of San Luis Potosí in the Central Mexican Plateau. Produced from the state’s wild agave Salmiana which grows abundantly but has a low yield, the agave are cooked in above ground ovens, crushed by a tahona before undergoing wild yeast fermentation and distillation. The flavour profile is sweet and complex with cooked agave, chalky notes and peppery spice and without a smoke character.

9. Botanic Australis Bushfire Smoked Gin

From Mt Uncle Distillery, Botanic Australis Bushfire Smoked Gin (48.4% ABV) is a unique gin made the style of a dry gin but with the classic ingredients substituted for Australian native botanicals which have been smoked. The result is a combination of a gin and a bonfire smoke in the mouth with a rich, woody flavour that lingers on the palate.

10. St George Spirits Terroir Gin

St George Distillery was founded in 1982 and its one of USA’ first craft distilleries. St George Spirits Terroir Gin (45% ABV) combines juniper with Douglas fir, California bay laurel, coastal sage, and other botanicals to bring an earthy, woody and savoury profile much like a forest in a glass.

Corinne Mossati

Corinne Mossati has been writing about bars, spirits and the food scene for over 10 years. After she founded Gourmantic in 2009, she launched Cocktails & Bars in 2015, a website dedicated to cocktail culture. She has been named Australian Bartender Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential List since 2013, has judged over 30 cocktail competitions, was nominated in Icons of Whisky Australia 2020 and is published in several media including Executive Style by Fairfax. She has created the Gourmantic Birthday Gin 2017 in collaboration with Master Distiller, Reg Papps. Read the full bio here.