The top 10 ‘top 10s’ of 2014
Our regular readers will know that here at The Spirits Business, we have something of a penchant for a boozy list. From the funny to the educational, these are our most read top 10s of 2014.
These are the most-read top 10 lists on SB‘s website in 2014While most of our most-read page top 10 page turners are of the more analytical or historical persuasion, some, such as the top 10 funny drinking quotes, offer some light-hearted relief.
One particular theme which proved popular among our best top 10s of 2014 was craft spirits, which were given the spotlight in our top 10 UK craft gin brands and top 10 most pioneering US craft distilleries. Features which focused on the world’s expensive spirits brands also brought in the clicks, as did those which rounded up the most collectible expressions.
Which other top 10s were the most popular among our readers? Click through the following pages to find out.
10. Top 10 funny drinking quotes
With many a hilarious drinking quip out there, we thought it appropriate to list some of the world’s funniest, which have been immortalised by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and Mark Twain.
Other quick-witted orators included in this comic list include Steve Martin, Joe E. Lewis and, of course, Ron Burgundy. Can you guess which famous comedian said: “I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had an olive in it”?
Click to see our selection of the top 10 funny drinking quotes.
9. Top 10 international brand ambassadors
In June 2014, we paid due plaudits to some of the world’s best international spirits brand ambassadors, who were nominated for a Spirited Award at the Tales of the Cocktail ceremony.
The indefatigable enthusiasm of spirits experts such as international rum ambassador Ian Burrell, David Piper, of Hendrick’s Gin, and Claire Smith of Belvedere vodka, has been an invaluable source not only to the brands they work with, but also the spirits sector as a whole.
8. Ten of the world’s oldest distilleries
As with most ancient industries, the historical roots of distilling are somewhat cloudy. The wars and prohibitions which have taken place across the world mean that official documentation of early distillation is rare, while illicitly-made spirits also elude records.
However, in April 2014 we looked across all spirits sectors to bring you what are thought to be 10 of the world’s oldest distilleries. The Buffalo Trace Distillery and Bowmore Distillery were both awarded a spot, but can you guess which is thought to be the world’s oldest distillery?
Click to see our roundup of 10 of the world’s oldest distilleries.
7. Top 10 most collectible Scotch whiskies
As aged stocks become even more rare and valuable assets in the Scotch whisky industry, connoisseurs are competing to get their hands on vintage second-hand expressions in the hope they will present an extremely high return on investment.
In just five years, the value of the top 1,000 collectable single malt whiskies has grown by almost 216%, according to the Rare Whisky 101 index (RW101), launched by David Robertson and Andy Simpson in September last year. Looking at the index, we discovered which brands have increased the most in value over the past five years.
Click to see the top 10 most collectible Scotch whiskies identified by RW101.
6. The world’s top 10 hidden bars
With the trend of Prohibition cocktails continuing across the globe, there are a number of intriguing speakeasy-style bars capturing consumer imagination, prompting us to list 10 of the world’s most inconspicuous bars.
A number of disguises such as bookcases, wardrobes and dry cleaners are used to offer an authentic experience of clandestine drinking during the 1920s.
Click to see which venues made it on to out list of the world’s top 10 hidden bars.
5. Top 10 in women in the spirits industry
The spirits industry may be viewed as something if a masculine pursuit, but a number of pioneering women have made their mark on the sector throughout the ages.
From master distillers to marketing innovators and business leaders, we sought out the most trail-blazing women for this top 10 list compiled in September, including William Grant CEO Stella David, and Maker’s Mark innovator Margie Samuels.
Click to see our pick of the top 10 women in the spirits industry.
4. Top 10 bartenders throughout history
Another historical list which prompted tens of thousands of clicks was our selection of the top 10 bartenders who have shaped the international bar scene throughout history, including The Savoy legend Harry Craddock and 69 Colebrook Row’s Tony Conigliaro.
Whether by creating a new trend in bartending or producing a seminal text on cocktail recipes and methods, some of these pioneering bartenders throughout history have produced the blue print for today’s mixologists.
Click to see our selection of the top 10 bartenders throughout history.
3. Top 10 most pioneering US craft distilleries
The US has largely paved the way for the craft distilling scene, reigniting consumer interest in all that is small batch, homespun, authentic and independent.
With such an abundance of fantastic independent producers across the country, we enlisted the help of the American Craft Distillers Association (ACDA) to roundup the most original out there.
Click to see the ACDA’s pick of the top 10 most pioneering US craft distilleries.
2. Top 10 UK craft gin brands
Our list of the top 10 craft gin brands created in the UK also made a few waves upon its publication at the start of last year, showing independent brands which demonstrate provenance are particularly intriguing to readers.
As the premium gin market continues to gain pace across the world, with consumers seeking authenticity and history in their spirits, craft brands are carving a niche for themselves both in the on- and off-trade.
Click to discover the top 10 UK craft gin brands.
1. Top 10 world’s most expensive vodkas
Exorbitantly priced goods always make for fun and interesting reading, and this list of the world’s most expensive vodkas is no different with bottlings included that are up to £1 million.
While vodka has long been a category associated with hedonism and bling, expressions bottled in gold Faberge eggs and diamond-encrusted decanters take it to an outrageously ostentatious new level.
