New Year's has come and gone. 2006 was a good year for the cocktail. We saw increased interest in good cocktails and premium spirits. The cocktail's 200th birthday. The start of Mixology Monday, and many, many new drink blogs. The rediscovery of rye whiskey started to get mainstream atttention. And vodka (don't ask me why?) was still number one in volume sales.
Here are some random predictions for 2007:
Vodka still number one in sales.I can't even think of a classic vodka cocktail but this one is still number one.
More Flavors.The insane drive for more flavors will continue. What's next? Peach and pear flavors? Coffee flavors with caffeine go after the 'energy drink' mixers? Grape flavored vodka?
Cane spirits.Cachaça growth continues. We'll see more premium cachaça on the market.
Rum stays hot and we'll see more new flavors from Bacardi. New brands of rum and line extensions will become available in the states . Fake Havana Club in The States?
Interest in rye whiskey grows.Prices continue to rise as more people discover rye and supply stays tight this year. Just think, in five to ten years, they will probably be a glut. (Until then keep your hands off the rye and go get some vodka).
Malt Whisky innovations.This year we'll continue to see some new whiskies from Scotland that are targeted to new markets. Jon Glaser at Compass Box probably has a few more brilliant ideas in whisky.
More drink and cocktail blogs.I predict we'll see more drink and cocktail blogs, and continued success with Mixology Monday. Could we have a Mixology Monday with 60 posts?
More posts here at the Cocktail Hour.I'm going to try to get on the ball this year and post more. I've got some more cocktails recipes. Some great old and new cocktail books to show, and plenty of spirits to taste and review.
Post your predictions in the comments. I'd like to see what you think. What have I got right? What have I got wrong? Have a good 2007. Thanks for supporting this site in 2006.
Labels: predictions, rum, rye