There never seems to be a shortage of new spirits to try. Whether it’s a new expression from an old, trusted brand or a label you’ve never heard of, you’re likely going to encounter something that recently rolled out every time you visit your local bottle shop. These shiny new objects make spirits shopping fun, but they can also cause conflict between your adventurous curiosity and your budget-minded sensibility. With each new bottle that emerges, the question must be asked: “Why should I buy it?”
Bartenders face the same question when a brand rep drops in and introduces them to a new expression. If they like what they taste, that bottle may end up earning a spot on their shelves – either at work, at home, or both. If they really like it, they’ll help spread the news to anyone interested, and their words might help you answer your inevitable bottle shop question.
We recently reached out to 22 bartenders to see which new (and new-to-them) bottles they were into lately. Spirit type doesn’t matter here — anything goes, as long as it’s good.
The best new spirits, according to bartenders: Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin Xila Fair Spirits Hamada Syuzou Daiyame 25 Sweet Potato Shochu Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila La Luna Mezcal Bayab African Palm and Pineapple Gin Empirical Spirits SOKA Ahascragh Distillery XIN Gin Tierra de Ensueño Tequila Blanco Heirloom Liqueurs Alchermes Casa Obsidiana Tequila Brucato Chaparral Amaro Principe de los Apostles Mate Gin Don Fulano Fuerte
