Best New Spicy Liquors
If we've learned anything from Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, it's that drinkers don't mind a little heat in their liquor. Who can blame them? Spicy cocktails have found a home in bars all over the world, making for some seriously delicious bar-side creations. Working with spicy liquor isn't something restricted to cocktail bars and mixologists, however. Here are eight fiery newcomers that deserve a spot in your liquor cabinet.
This month, we've decided to Turn Up the Heat and nothing's off-limits—not even dessert. We're bringing you all the fiery recipes, spicy dishes and hot new trends you can handle.
Hellisøy Habanero Vodka
Named after and adorned with an image of Norway's second-oldest lighthouse, Hellisøy is a craft distillery with deep Norwegian roots and an uncharacteristic love for habanero peppers. It would seem its enthusiasm is contagious: After its launch in 2016, Hellisøy Habanero went on to win a Gold medal at the New York International Spirits Competition and the distinction of Best Flavored Vodka Distillery.
Photo: Hellisøy via Facebook
Empire Spirits Project Smoked Gin
The brainchild of chef and former wd~50 senior staff Jake Sawabini, Empire Spirits Project—more commonly known as ESP—is a New York-based distillery with an adventurous disposition. With notes of applewood and caraway, this smoked gin release is no barn fire in a glass; think of it more like a smoky slow burn.
Photo: Empire Spirits Project via Facebook
Soltado Spicy Añejo Tequila
Tequila and spice can work magic in a glass. For Soltado, they're working magic in a bottle. Produced on one of two agave co-ops in Mexico, Soltado Spicy Añejo is infused with serrano peppers and cinnamon, and lauds itself as the only añejo infusion on the market.
Photo: Soltado via Facebook
Samai Kampot Pepper Rum
Founded in 2014, Samai is Cambodia's first premium rum distillery, and it's putting local flair into its latest offering. Kampot pepper, native to the region, is used to deliver a "crispy sweet aroma" that is "spicy, fresh and elegant," making for a rum that can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail.
Photo: Samai via Facebook
Hangar 1 Chipotle Vodka
First, it was chipotle mayo. Now, we have chipotle vodka. California-based distillery Hangar 1 is imbuing this premium vodka release with everyone's favorite smoky pepper, promising an earthy and complex take on the style. Drinkers who can't make it to Hangar 1's tasting room are going to have to be patient for this one, however: It's currently available only on the distillery's grounds.
Photo: Hangar 1 via Facebook
Ancho Reyes Verde Liqueur
Ancho Reyes has been making chile liqueur for a long, long time, so drinkers can trust that the distillery knows what it is doing. Verde is the newest bottle, made with the same poblano peppers that give the original release its spicy kick and red color. This time, the harvested peppers are young, giving Verde an appropriately verde look and a lighter, fresher flavor.
Photo: Ancho Reyes via Facebook
Misunderstood Whiskey Legend 1
The first offering from Kentucky-based distillery Misunderstood Whiskey, Legend 1 isn't a burn-your-mouth type of spicy. Rather, this whiskey is packed with caramel, toffee and a whole bunch of ginger. Enjoy it on the rocks or in a cocktail; the choice is yours.
Photo: Misunderstood Whiskey via Facebook
Copper Horse Distilling Hot Vodka
Last but certainly not least is the aptly-named Hot from South Carolina-based Copper Horse Distilling. Infused with both Carolina Reaper and ghost peppers, Hot will likely be considered by many as a sick joke. For those seeking crazy heat, however, look no further. According to Copper Horse, Hot is most at home in a Bloody Mary—just pour carefully.
Photo: Copper Horse Distilling via Facebook