The Liqueur & Speciality Spirits Masters 2025 results
The expressions in the liqueurs and speciality drinks categories make up some of the most interesting and exciting offerings in the spirits industry, as our judges discover in SB’s annual blind tasting.
While they tend to be lower in strength, liqueurs are often at the forefront of innovation, offering a wide array of flavour profiles, from fruity and herbal to nutty and creamy. Meanwhile, speciality spirits such as amaros and aquavits are shining outside of their traditional consumption occasions during and after meals to bring their distinct flavours to cocktails.
With a vast selection of liqueurs and speciality spirits on the market, The Global Spirits Masters Competitions set out to reward the top products in the category. Three panels of judges headed to The Singer Tavern in London for this year’s annual blind tasting, The Liqueur & Speciality Spirits Masters.
The first panel of judges was chaired by Nicola Carruthers, deputy editor of The Spirits Business. She was joined by Richard Legg, founder of Distilled Knowledge, and Bryan Rodriguez-Curtis, spirits buyer at Bottle Apostle. Taking charge of the second set of tasters was Ruchira Neotia, drinks consultant and founder of Ruchira’s Table. She sat alongside independent sustainability consultant Antony Moss, and Vicky Illankovan, executive director of non‐profit Equal Measures UK. Forming the final team was Sarah Miller, founder of the Gin A Ding Ding blog, who chaired a panel that included Matt Chambers and Karen Taylor, co-founders of Whisky For Everyone.
The Herbal flight
The three panels proceeded to taste a selection of liqueurs, with a quartet of Golds found in the opening flight, Herbal. These were awarded to Joseph Cartron Violette, Quinse, Antique Pelinkovac, and Fair Cucumber. The Violette bottling was praised for its “herbal, almost caraway-like nose, with a hint of Parma Violet and pea shoot”, while Antique Pelinkovac had a “sweet taffy-like note of liquorice”.
Rodriguez-Curtis noted: “This category is quite traditional; if you think of Scandinavia or brands like Jägermeister or Unicum, they’re still popular and sell. It’s nice to see modernised styles where the sweetness levels are reduced.”
A tasting of Fruit liqueurs followed, with a trio of Masters delivering plenty of praise. The first was given to Rémy Cointreau’s Belle de Brillet, which Neotia enjoyed for its “fascinating eaux-de-vie nose, with an abundance of pears – beautifully integrated, complex, and perfectly balanced”.
The next Master winner was Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao Orange, which scored a high commendation from Rodriguez-Curtis. “A lovely and tropical orange curaçao that smells like it has a good sugarcane/molasses base,” he said. “Solid on the palate, great vibrancy, lovely comforting orange, not super-sweet but enough to add a touch of sweetness to a cocktail. A perfect example of the style.”
Chinola Passionfruit added to the Master tally, praised for its “tangy, passion fruit aroma – authentic, bold, inviting” and “sharp profile with good texture”.
A bumper 13 Golds were awarded, including two each for Lucas Bols and Joseph Cartron. Among the Gold winners was: Medor, with its “notes of dried fruit and cherries”; Bols Blue 1575, with “lots of cardamom and a little heat”; and DMC Orangello, described as a “great twist on a limoncello”, reminiscent of “freshly squeezed orange and pulp”.
Fair also walked away with two Golds in this round for its Açai and Coconut liqueurs, with the latter enjoyed for its “fresh aroma of toasted coconut” and “sweet desiccated coconut on the palate”. Fifteen Silver medals were awarded in the flight.
French producer Joseph Cartron scooped a Master in the next round, Cassis, for its Double Crème de Cassis. Chamber said of the expression: “Lovely fresh blackcurrant on nose, sweet and sugary, very ripe, very syrupy on the palate. Viscous and rich, tangy blackcurrant everywhere, juicy and delicious – late peppery warmth adds further depth.”
The panels progressed to the Elderflower flight, in which one Gold and two Silvers were found. The Gold-winning Bardinet Liqueur Fleur de Sureau was said to be “very floral and bright on the nose, light and fresh, with a lovely sweetness”.
The next flight, Honey, brought a Gold for Tullamore Dew Honey, which had a “touch of woody smokiness” and a “nice level of honeyed sweetness”.
The Amaretto round led to a Master for Amaretto Lazzaroni 1851, which Miller was a particular fan of. “Inviting nose, with notes of marzipan and almond,”she said. “Classic amaretto aroma and palate. Lovely notes of marzipan on the long finish. Well balanced.” A Gold was also given to Bols Amaretto.
A selection of Traditional liqueurs presented a pair of Golds. These were awarded to Rhubarb Pie, which had a “pleasing rhubarb aroma” and touch of vanilla, and Carciofo, which offered “smoky cloves, cola and slight peppery notes”.
The judges moved to a tasting of mint-flavoured liqueurs, awarding two Golds and one Silver. The Gold medals went to La Mentheuse, praised for being “quite inviting, fresh and clean”, and Soplica Bitter with Mint, which reminded one judge of After Eights on the nose.
A lone entrant in the Amaro round produced a Gold for Amaro di Angostura, described as having notes of “cola, pepper, dried herbs, bark and citrus peels”. After Amaro came the Nut flight, where a Silver was given to Soplica Pistachio.
A tasting of Tea liqueurs brought one Gold for Gabriel Bourdier’s Matcha Tea Liqueur, which one judge noted had a “lovely matcha nose and attractive tea tannins in the mouthfeel”, and two Silvers for Tatratea.
The panels received a further caffeine boost in the Coffee flight, where six Gold medals and two Silvers were awarded. The Gold medallists were: Amarula Ethiopian Coffee, Norse Code – Hel Below, Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Ole Smoky Mountain Java Moonshine Cream, Bols Coffee, and Tullamore Dew Café Honey.
Heineken’s Amarula Ethiopian Coffee was enjoyed for its “subtle cream coffee flavour”, while Ole Smoky Mountain Java Moonshine had a “roasted and lightly nutty character – moreish and layered”.
The Cream flight was a strong showing with one Master, five Golds, and three Silvers. The top award went to Licor 43 Caramel Cookie, which garnered acclaim from Ilankovan. She could taste: “Stroopwafel. Lovely biscuit aroma, with warm caramel. Lots of caramel on the palate, with initial brightness rounding into rich and moreish sweetness. A wafer-y biscuit note there, with lots of creamy dairy. Very nice.”
Amarula scooped two Golds in this round for its Cream and Vegan liqueurs, while Bajadera went home with one Gold. The latter expression enthused one judge, who noted: “Creamy, delicious – perfect balance of nuttiness and chocolate, almost like a Ferrero Rocher.”
The final Golds in this round went to Creamy Creation’s Pistachio Cream Liqueur Concept and Gabriel Boudier’s Sweet & Spicy Popcorn – Madrina Cream.
Regarding the Cream round, Moss noted: “Small, but really lovely set of products. Standard of emulsion texture was very high, and clear expression of added flavours, well selected, from caramel and cookie to fruits and mint. Consistently good.”
The penultimate liqueurs flight, Dessert, awarded a Silver to Rhubarb Pie. Last but not least was the Vegan round, in which Creamy Creation took home the final Master of the day and a Gold. Master-winning Blueberry Oats Muffin Concept had a “pleasant blueberry smoothie aroma and sweet lovely texture”, said Moss.
Neotia said the liqueur “smells and tastes exactly like a freshly baked blueberry oat muffin with a creamy centre”. Neotia praised the round, and noted: “Excellent examples in a much-needed category, given lactose-free diet preferences.”
Speciality spirits
The panels then moved on to the Speciality Spirits portion of the tasting, in which Scandinavian spirit aquavit was in the spotlight first.
Two Golds were awarded in this heat to Copenhagen Distillery Aquavit and Botanical Akevitt. The former was praised for its “delicate dill aroma” and hint of “smoked salmon”, while the latter had a “vibrant nose of pine with hints of citrus fruit and mint freshness”.
Pisco, a spirit made in Peru and Chile, was assessed next. Six Golds were awarded, including one for Diaguitas Trasparente, which was “floral and fruity with a hint of white grape and sugary sultana”. Two Golds were dished out to expressions from Pisquera Tulahuén, with its Waqar pisco praised for its “generous grapey nose and apple and floral notes”. Viña Concha y Toro also grabbed a pair of Golds, including one for Diablo Pisco Reservado (“delicious white grape sweetness”), while the final Gold went to Diaguitas Transparente.
A single entrant in the Absinthe round led to a Silver for Green Monkey Absinthe.
Meanwhile, the Moonshine flight bestowed seven Golds and three Silvers to UK-based AK Distillery. The Gold winners included Premium Moonshine, which offered “toasted coconut” and a “hint of green roasted herb”, Apple Pie Moonshine with its “orchard apple flavours and nutty sweetness”, and Tiramisu Moonshine, with notes of “cocoa, coffee and a pleasant creaminess”. Legg summed up the round: “Moonshine, based on US influence, tends to be innovative in terms of its flavour profiles. The fact that we had wacky flavours like hibiscus, apple pie, and roasted hazelnut, shows they seem to be pushing what is possible in terms of the flavour.”
Mahia, a traditional Moroccan spirit distilled with figs or dates and infused with aniseed, was tested next. In this heat, a Gold was awarded to Sahara, a “well-made” product that was “biscuity”, with a hint of fennel.
Bitters/Amaro resulted in a Gold for Grassroots, praised for its “pleasing and juicy ginger character”. The product also secured its second Gold of the day in the following heat, Botanical Spirit, where it was enjoyed by one judge for its “green-garden herbal nose alongside a mix of lemon and lime juice and cordial”.
The Coffee Spirit round led to a Silver for Copenhagen’s Coffee Spirit, while Rola & Co’s Passion Fruit Cocktail secured a Silver in the Pre-Mixed heat.
The final round in the competition, Low & No, resulted in a pair of Silvers for The Social Drinks Company.
Given that there were no Master medallists in the Speciality rounds, the Master winners from the Liqueurs section were then pitted against one another for the ultimate Liqueur Taste Master title. It was decided that Belle de Brillet was deserving of the accolade, after a retaste of the highest scorers.
This year’s Liqueur & Speciality Spirits Masters proved innovation is alive and well in the world of flavour. From vibrant fruit liqueurs and elegant amaros to inventive vegan creams and bold moonshines, producers showed just how far creativity can stretch without losing authenticity. It’s clear that liqueurs and speciality spirits are no longer confined to the after-dinner hour – they’re leading the charge behind the bar and beyond.
| Herbal | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Joseph Cartron | Violette | Gold |
| Quinse | Quinse | Gold |
| Badel 1862 | Antique Pelinkovac | Gold |
| Fair | Fair Cucumber | Gold |
| Fruit | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Rémy Cointreau | Belle de Brillet | Master & Taste Master |
| Maison Ferrand | Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao Orange | Master |
| Chinola | Chinola Passionfruit | Master |
| Chinola | Chinola Pineapple | Gold |
| Maison Ferrand | Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao Yuzu Late Harvest | Gold |
| Medor | Medor | Gold |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Blue 1575 | Gold |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Peach | Gold |
| Fair | Fair Açai | Gold |
| Fair | Fair Coconut | Gold |
| DMC Liquors & Spirits | DMC Orangecello | Gold |
| Peebles Hydro | 1881 Orangecello | Gold |
| Elora Distilling Company | Limoncello | Gold |
| Foneka | Anton Kaapl Pomerancovy Liker | Gold |
| Joseph Cartron | Triple Sec | Gold |
| Joseph Cartron | Liqueur de Figue | Gold |
| Erbe Gin | Erbe Liqueur – Lime & Sage | Silver |
| Chinola Mango | Chinola | Silver |
| Joseph Cartron | Crème de Mûre | Silver |
| Gabriel Boudier | Citronelli – Liqueur de Citron de Corses | Silver |
| DMC Liquors & Spirits | DMC Limecello | Silver |
| DMC Liquors & Spirits | DMC Limoncello | Silver |
| DMC Liquors & Spirits | DMC Rabarbercello | Silver |
| Foneka | Anton Kaapl GIN Liker #2 | Silver |
| Publicis | Limoncè Aperitivo | Silver |
| Norrbottens Destilleri | Rhubarb Pie | Silver |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Coconut | Silver |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Blue Curaçao | Silver |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Triple Sec | Silver |
| Peebles Hydro | 1881 Limoncello | Silver |
| Casa Lumbre | Alma Finca Orange Liqueur | Silver |
| Cassis | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Joseph Cartron | Double Crème de Cassis | Master |
| Elderflower | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Bardinet | Bardinet Liqueur Fleur de Sureau | Gold |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Elderflower | Silver |
| Gabriel Boudier | Suro Elderflower | Silver |
| Honey | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| William Grant & Sons | Tullamore Dew Honey | Gold |
| Amaretto | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli | Amaretto Lazzaroni 1851 | Master |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Amaretto | Gold |
| Traditional | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Norrbottens Destilleri | Rhubarb Pie | Gold |
| Faccia Brutto Spirits | Carciofo | Gold |
| Mint | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Whiskies du Monde | La Mentheuse | Gold |
| CEDC International | Soplica Bitter with Mint | Gold |
| Rola & Co | Pfefferminzlikör 18% Vol | Silver |
| Amaro | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Amaro di Angostura | Amaro di Angostura – Liqueur | Gold |
| Nut | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| CEDC International | Soplica Pistachio | Silver |
| Tea | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Gabriel Boudier | Matcha Tea Liqueur | Gold |
| Tatratea | Tatratea 35% Original Light | Silver |
| Tatratea | Tatratea 52% Original | Silver |
| Coffee | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Heineken Beverages | Amarula Ethiopian Coffee | Gold |
| Coffee Spirit Co | Norse Code – Hel Below | Gold |
| Mr Black Coffee Liqueur | Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur | Gold |
| Ole Smoky Distillery | Ole Smoky Mountain Java Moonshine Cream | Gold |
| Lucas Bols | Bols Coffee | Gold |
| William Grant & Sons | Tullamore Dew Café Honey | Gold |
| Elora Distilling Company | Cafe Noir | Silver |
| Gabriel Boudier | Peanut Coffee – Madrina Cream | Silver |
| Cream | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Zamora Company | Licor 43 Caramel Cookie | Master |
| Heineken Beverages | Amarula Cream | Gold |
| Heineken Beverages | Amarula Vegan | Gold |
| Creamy Creation (B2B) | Pistachio Cream Liqueur Concept | Gold |
| Badel 1862 | Bajadera | Gold |
| Gabriel Boudier | Sweet & Spicy Popcorn – Madrina Cream | Gold |
| Ole Smoky Distillery | Ole Smoky Mint Chocolate Chip Whiskey Cream | Silver |
| Quintessential Brands Group | Feeney’s Dubai Chocolate Style Irish Cream Liqueur | Silver |
| Warshay Investments | Wild Africa Cream | Silver |
| Dessert | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Norrbottens Destilleri | Rhubarb Pie | Silver |
| Vegan | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Creamy Creation (B2B) | Blueberry Oats Muffin Concept | Master |
| Creamy Creation (B2B) | Oats Peach Cobbler Concept | Gold |
| Aquavit | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Copenhagen Distillery | Copenhagen Distillery Aquavit | Gold |
| Kringler Farm Distillery | Botanical Akevitt | Gold |
| Pisco | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Viña Concha y Toro | Diablo Pisco Reservado | Gold |
| Mitjans | Diaguitas Transparente | Gold |
| Pisquera Tulahuén | Black Heron | Gold |
| Pisquera Casa Juliá | Pisco Wilüf | Gold |
| Pisquera Tulahuén | Waqar | Gold |
| Viña Concha y Toro | Diablo Pisco Reservado Transparente | Gold |
| Mitjans | Diaguitas Envejecido | Silver |
| Absinthe | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Fanny’s Distilling Co | Green Monkey Absinthe | Silver |
| Moonshine | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| AK Distillery | Premium Moonshine | Gold |
| AK Distillery | Apple Pie Moonshine | Gold |
| AK Distillery | Hibiscus Moonshine | Gold |
| AK Distillery | Roasted Hazelnut Moonshine | Gold |
| AK Distillery | Peach Moonshine | Gold |
| AK Distillery | Tiramisu Moonshine | Gold |
| AK Distillery | Raspberry Moonshine | Gold |
| AK Distillery | Traditional Moonshine | Silver |
| AK Distillery | Passionfruit Moonshine | Silver |
| AK Distillery | Irish Moonshine | Silver |
| Mahia | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Sahara | Sahara | Gold |
| Bitters/Amaro | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Grassroots | Grassroots | Gold |
| Botanical Spirit | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Grassroots | Grassroots | Gold |
| Coffee Spirit | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Copenhagen Distillery | Coffee Spirit | Silver |
| Pre-Mixed | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| Rola & Co | Passion Fruit Cocktail | Silver |
| Low & No | ||
| Company | Product | Medal |
| The Social Drinks Company | Sentia Gaba Red | Silver |
| The Social Drinks Company | Sentia Gaba Gold | Silver |
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