The 10 most-consumed alcoholic drinks have been identified

Insider Monkey’s list of the 10 most-consumed alcoholic drinks have been identified in a new list that outlines which tipples we favour most.

The analysts at the investment advisors Insider Monkey drew from their deeper dive report of the ‘20 Most Consumed Alcohols in the World’. Here is a list of the top 10, for your review.

1. Beer
Global market size in 2022: US$793.74 billion

Beer is the most consumed alcohol in the world. In fact, after water and tea, beer is the most popular drink in the world. According to reports, in the 2022 brewing year, global beer production ended up increasing slightly year-on-year by 1.3% to 1.89 billion hectolitres. However, the market is yet to return to its pre-pandemic levels when production peaked at 1.91 billion hectolitres in 2019. The category has also evolved with consumer tastes as brewers look to satisfy the thirst of their audience. Plus, the overall demand for premium and low-calorie beers, the rising popularity of craft beer, and the continued expansion of distribution networks in emerging countries are all expected to continue driving growth in the global beer sector over the next few years.

2. Wine
Global market size in 2022: US$441.6 billion

The rising demand for premium and luxury wines has been reported alongside the growing popularity of wine tourism which have become key factors driving growth. According to the analysts, global wine consumption in 2022 was estimated to be at 232 million hectolitres, marking a decrease of 1% compared to the previous year. Year-on-year, wine consumption around the world has decreased at a regular rate and yet this can be mainly attributed to the decline in China’s consumption, which has lost an average 2 million hectolitres per year since 2018.

3. Liqueurs
Global market size in 2022: US$128.9 billion

Liqueurs, which are essentially distilled spirits that are sweetened with sugar or syrup, and often also contain fruit, herbs, and oils, can be sweet or bitter depending on the flavours used.

4. Baijiu
Global market size in 2022: US$95.21 billion

Baiju plays a prominent role in China’s drinking culture and has done so ever since the Ming Dynasty. It is most distilled from sorghum, although other grains – including rice, wheat, corn, and millet – are also available in blends throughout the country. Last year, consumers in China consumed US$91 billion worth of baijiu, yet it remains less well-known outside the nation.

5. Whisky
Global market size in 2022: US$64 billion

As millennials are increasingly beginning to experiment with different drinks and assisting in the rise of ‘cocktail culture’, the use of whisky as a premium ingredient has increased in bars. 2022 was hinted to be a great year for Scotch whisky and exports of Scotland’s native spirit hit US$7.5 billion last year, the highest figures ever. Whisky exports by volume also rose, with the number of 700ml bottles shipped overseas up by 21%, to 1.67 billion.

6. Vodka
Global market size in 2022: US$25.98 billion

Vodka continues to be the most consumed spirit in the US and has been since 1970. Around 78.1 million cases of the spirit were sold in America in 2021 and by 2022, 28.1 million 9L cases were sold globally.

7. Cider
Global market size in 2022: US$17.9 billion

Cider has risen in popularity significantly over the last decade and can also flex with the seasons. In the UK, Insider Monkey outlines how cider continues to be a popular alcoholic drinks category with an off-trade value sales growth in the UK of 5.2% over the past year. Some 47.8% of all British households now regularly buy cider – up from 45.5% last year.

8. Rum
Global market size in 2022: US$17.4 billion

While rum sales are still dominated by major producers, many consumer preferences are said to be moving away from value options and towards an appreciation for craft and aged rums instead. Made from fermented sugar cane juice, rum also provides a key function in cocktail culture.

9. Gin
Global market size in 2022: US$15.3 billion

There are, reportedly, three main reasons for gin’s continued popularity – taste, versatility, and the variety now available. The UK is the largest exporter of gin in the world and, according to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data, gin exports from Britain hit US$879 million last year, up from US$651 million in 2021.

10. Tequila
Global market size in 2022: US$14.7 billion

Tequila’s popularity has been on the rise for years, and in 2021 it surpassed whisky in retail sales. The analysts found that the growth in popularity of Tequila can primarily be attributed to several factors, including the expansion of the premium spirits sector as well as the introduction of new flavours, and a greater social media presence.

Bushmills releases its final release of Causeway Collection

Bushmills Irish Whiskey has unveiled the tenth and final release from its current Causeway Collection, a 33-Year-Old Port Cask, to be sold exclusively in World Duty-Free’s stores at Heathrow Airport.

It’s the oldest expression ever released from “The Old Bushmills Distillery”, with only 690 bottles of the cask finished, cask strength (53.3% abv), non-chill-filtered Irish single malt.

Alex Thomas, Bushmills master blender, said: “It is truly a privilege to work with such rare whiskeys in The Causeway Collection. They are the fruits of over 400 years of Bushmills whiskey-making tradition, each expertly created and nurtured over decades.

“We are proud to build on the growing legacy of The Causeway Collection and excited to share our 33-Year-Old Port Cask with whiskey fans traveling through Heathrow from all corners of the globe,” Thomas added.

Filled on 19 April 1989, this rare bottling has spent 33 years maturing in fortified wine casks from northern Portugal.

The whiskey will be available to purchase in World Duty Free stores at Heathrow Airport for an rsp of £1,245 and in World Duty Free’s specialist World of Whiskies stores at Heathrow.

 

Irish whiskey category is expected to grow in the next few years

Global Irish whiskey volumes are estimated to increase, according to a recent research report by Technavio. The research data has identified that between 2021 to 2026, the global Irish whiskey category will grow by US$1.54 billion. It is also anticipated that the category’s momentum will “decelerate at a CAGR of 5.33% during the forecast period”.

The report includes financial performances, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, and has found that the Irish whiskey category is “concentrated” among “a few prominent vendors”.

According to Technavio, the Irish whiskey category is “subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences” and many of the “major vendors are focusing on acquiring smaller brands to increase their market presence”.

The report further details how the Irish whiskey category’s growth is being driven by the “increasing demand for premium whiskey” i.e., Micil Distillery has launched two new Irish whiskeys, namely Micil Inverin small blended Irish whiskey, and Micil Earls Island Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

Additionally, the findings set out how the “increasing demand for craft whiskey is a key trend in the market” since “it is perceived to be made with high-quality ingredients and has a better taste”. For instance, in November 2020, Craft Irish Whiskey Co. launched a new limited-edition Irish whiskey called The Taoscán Irish Whiskey.

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House Bill 1409 Makes Indiana Rye Whiskey Official

A new bill passed today declared Indiana Rye to be a legally-binding, regional designation whiskey from today.

“July 1, 2021, is a moment of history in the world of whiskey and the world of Indiana Whiskey,” says Hard Truth Distilling Co Master Distiller Bryan Smith.

Craft distillers in Indiana scored a big win this week when a new bill was passed allowing distillers to label their product with the term “Indiana Rye” whiskey.

With more than 30 distilleries currently producing rye whiskey in the state, Indiana provides the lion’s share of the rye whiskey consumed on today’s market, with its famous MGP distillery alone knocking out ryes for Bulleit, WhistlePig, Angel’s Envy, High West, Redemption, and more.

From the start of July, almost 174 years since MGP first opened its doors, Indiana distillers have finally won the right to own and regulate their unique style of whiskey. The aim is to establish Indiana Rye in a similar way to how the state of Kentucky has promoted Bourbon.

According to the new bill, in order for a whiskey to be called an “Indiana Rye,” it must be either a sour or sweet mash with at least 51% rye as the base ingredient. The juice has to come off the stills at 80% ABV or less, go into the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV, and be bottled at 40% ABV and above. The whiskey must be aged for a minimum of two years in new white American oak barrels.

Crucially, the bill allows local distillers to label their product with the term “Indiana Rye” whiskey and have it be a legally binding regional designation.

The move is also a play to transform Indiana into a whiskey tourist destination, with state rep Chris May, who spearheaded the legislation, saying: “We want Indiana to become as popular for its rye whiskey as it is for its basketball and racing. Establishing that market, both in sales and tourism, might one day put the success of our state’s distilleries on par with that of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”

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Jameson enters flavored spirits market with “Cold Brew” coffee-infused Whiskey

Earlier this week Jameson unveiled Jameson Cold Brew, an Irish Whiskey infused with natural cold brew coffee.

“By combining the smooth taste of triple-distilled Jameson and the richness of natural cold brew coffee flavor into one bottle, Jameson Cold Brew celebrates a passion for whiskey and coffee,” explains Matt Foley, Jameson brand director at Pernod Ricard USA. “When we started researching our next innovation, we didn’t need to go far, as it had been under our nose all along.”

As the Jameson community has a passion for Irish Whiskey and craft coffee, the brand says it listened to what Jameson fans had been requesting for years. The result is Jameson Cold Brew.

“The spirits category is constantly evolving, with consumers seeking new tastes and ways to enjoy a drink,” adds Foley. “Jameson Cold Brew is a delicious option for any occasion from brunch to happy hour. Enjoy Jameson Cold Brew chilled, on the rocks, mixed with cola, or in a cocktail. My personal favorite is on the rocks.”

Tasting Notes:
Jameson Cold Brew has a nose of coffee bean combined with the vanilla nuttiness of Irish whiskey, the company says. On the palate, you’ll find coffee and charred wood from the pot still, plus notes of toasted oak and dark chocolate.

Jameson Cold Brew is 60 proof, 30% ABV. It retails for a suggested price of $24.99 per 750-ml. bottle.

Website – for further details: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-CA/