5 Must-Try Wines & Spirits for Connoisseurs

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Sep 20, 2024

The world of wines and spirits is undoubtedly rich and expansive. On top of established classics, industry players and savants constantly look for the next best discovery to reinvent the wheel and keep things interesting. In this article, discover five unique wines and spirits from around the world that both connoisseurs and novices must experience.

A brief background on wines & spirits

Wines and spirits are often lumped in one category and are seen simply as alcoholic beverages. But for connoisseurs, there is a difference between the two. To understand their distinction, one must look at the ingredients that are used for production.

Wines use fruits, mostly grapes, to make alcoholic beverages. It employs the process of fermentation to activate yeast within the liquid, and the yeast then turns the sugar content of the grapes into alcohol.

Spirits, on the other hand, also called liquors generally, use a mix of fruits, grains, or vegetables to produce beverages. The process that turns such ingredients into liquor is distillation, wherein water is removed from the mixture, hence yielding a higher alcohol by volume (ABV).

It is important to note that fermentation does not allow higher ABVs because it can turn beverages toxic, while distillation does. As such, another difference to remember is that the alcohol content of these bottled liquids varies significantly, with wines having a lower ABV and spirits with a higher ABV.

Today, the market for wines and spirits is projected to sustain a growth of USD 193.2 billion, at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2023 and 2028. This is driven by more and more younger drinkers entering the space, a boost in the production and launch of new products, and the hunt for artisanal drinks.

Top 5 wines & spirits to try

With this newfound preference for unique flavours and artisanal drinks, here are the top five wines and spirits that beverage-enjoyers must try.

Rhubarb Wine

Despite wines being made usually from grapes, this unique countryside drink originating from New England uses stalks of the rhubarb fruit as its main ingredient. It can be likened to rose wine with its distinct pink colour and a flavour profile that is both sweet and light. Unlike grape wines, rhubarb wine does not need to ferment for a whole year and is much more enjoyable when consumed early.

Since rhubarbs commonly grow during the summer, other ingredients needed to make wine are available during the same time. Along with sugar, lemon, yeast, and water (sometimes with ginger to add a little spice), the rhubarb wine becomes a perfect drink for late summer dinners and parties. Since this beverage is particularly acidic and tart, it is best to pair it with dishes that are cheesy, creamy, or sweet.

Milk Vodka

Second on this list of must-try beverages is Milk Vodka, a truly unique liquor on the rise in England and North America. Milk vodka is made through distillation using milk instead of water, hence making the drink creamier and smoother. Moreover, the use of potatoes or fermented grains is completely disregarded in the making of this vodka; rather, milk from select cow herds is employed in the fermentation process.

Milk vodka does not have a long shelf life and is therefore marketed as a luxury item, priced usually around $40 or more per bottle. For some, enjoying this beverage straight up is preferred, but it is not uncommon to use it for cocktails due to its unique flair.

Coconut Chardonnay

Mixing a classic wine with addictive tropical drinks is not a problem for coconut chardonnay. A bottle of coconut chardonnay boasts an infusion of the well-loved white wine with natural flavours of coconut. It has a silvery straw colour that features a bright, exotic, and spritely taste enveloped in a smooth drinking experience.

It’s made in the United States by fermenting chardonnay first and then mixing in coconut flavouring before bottling. It can be used for cocktails and punches and can be paired with dishes that are tart or savoury as a perfect balance with its sweetness.

Indian Spiced White Rum

Indian spiced white rum is a double distilled alcohol—it first processes sugarcane to make rum and then it introduces spices through re-distillation. The production creates a 40% ABV rum with notes of Indian spices: cardamom, cassia, cloves, coriander, and ginger. This tipple boasts of a sweet taste at the first sip and transitions into an oaky, peppery warmth afterwards.

The Indian spiced white rum’s eccentricity does not stop in its flavour profile and blend, but also in how it is enjoyed. Beyond its use for craft cocktails and artisanal mixed drinks, it is advised to be relished over ice in a tall glass with tonic, lime, and star anise, highly different from usual rum cocktails.

Maple Wine

Last on the wines and spirits that connoisseurs must try is the Maple wine. Maple wine hails from the main ingredient’s motherland, Canada. This amber gold wine is made by fermenting maple syrup with water and yeast, producing a sweet, warm, and full-bodied flavour profile. Additionally, it is aged in used whiskey barrels to add a bolder taste, thereby enhancing the depth of flavours.

It is best paired with desserts to enhance sweetness, with tart meals to cut through acidity, or just for casual sipping during winter for its warm flavour and smoothness. Interestingly, with the increase in wine and spirits enthusiasts, a study by Cornell University deems that Maple winemaking is certified to generate profits, as it also plays into the fact that connoisseurs are looking for the next unique drink to reinvigorate palates.

Unique flavours that pique the taste buds

These five unique tipples are certainly reinventing the industry and capturing the interest of connoisseurs and novice drinkers alike. Their distinct notes and profiles truly make them a must for enthusiasts to try. From sweet flavours to bolder tastes, there is certainly a bottle, hailing proudly from various wineries and distilleries for everyone.