Nick Gillett, Co-founder and Managing Director of successful spirits distributor Mangrove Global, muses on the coming season, what it means for tastes in the spirits categories, and what to stock up on
It’s that time of year again – when we try to predict the tastes and tipples of the great British drinker for the cooler seasons ahead. And this year we have some clear front-runners that we’re expecting to appear on booze shelves nationwide. Flavours, spirits, and serves – here’s what we expect to be hot – no – cool, this coming season.
Looking somewhat like a dessert menu, we’re expecting coffee and chocolate to be popular, giving drinkers an added dose of indulgence during darker evenings. Aluna Coconut’s Coffee Liqueur, FAIR’s Café Liqueur, or VIVIR Café will add a refreshing dose of richness to simple or complex mixes, or introduce a dash of chocolatey sweetness with Giffard’s Chocolate Syrup.
One that’s less seasonal but we’re expecting to peak this winter is spice. The spicy margarita has fuelled our love of nippy niceties for the next six months. The warming effect of different spices, whether they’re sweet like cinnamon or savoury like chilli, is much appreciated by those of us living in cooler climates – and an added bonus is the way that spice enhances the flavour profiles of our favourite spirits.
Nick Gillett
Spiced rum is a firm favourite and in this category you get what you pay for with certain premium varieties bringing you all that provenance of Caribbean production. For a really top-notch sipping spirit (although we know it also makes for delicious, if boujee, cocktails) is Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum, and Bounty Spiced Rum is St Lucia Distillers’ equally as tasty, if slightly more affordable option.
So don’t be behind the curve: ensure you stock some spicy, indulgent spirits this autumn.
