This advertising content was produced in collaboration with our partners, Sagamore Sprit, Fireball, and The GlenDronach.
In the U.S., whiskey has become a top-selling spirits category, particularly for on-premise consumption. And thanks to its continuous popularity, the category continues to expand to meet that demand. In 2023, the global whiskey industry reached a value of almost $70 billion, according to Expert Market Research, with further growth expected through 2032.
Fall is undoubtedly the start of whiskey season, making it the perfect time to stock up on bottles for sipping, mixing, and gifting. But with new products being released regularly, it’s important to stay on top of trends, and know which brands will drive sales during the busy months ahead. With that in mind, here are three standout brands that customers seek out, particularly during the holiday season.
Each of the bottles below showcases a best-selling segment of the category. For example, cinnamon is the top-selling whiskey flavor; Scotch is the most popular type of whiskey worldwide; and American whiskey, which includes rye, is the fastest-growing category of whiskey by revenue. With such impressive stats, these brands are sure to be a boon to sales now and throughout the year.
Don’t miss the latest drinks industry news and insights. Sign up for our award-winning newsletters and get insider intel, resources, and trends delivered to your inbox every week.
Sagamore Spirit
In the 1700s, Maryland held a unique position: it was the northernmost corn-growing state. This contributed to its development of unique, regional styles of whiskeys, most notably rye. Known for its sweet and mellow character, Maryland rye whiskey was esteemed as a high-end spirit, but America’s whiskey landscape changed dramatically during Prohibition, and whiskey production eventually consolidated in Kentucky. Now, Baltimore-based Sagamore Spirit is dedicated to bringing rye whiskey back to its roots, reclaiming the city’s historic role in American whiskey production, and reigniting a global passion for Maryland rye whiskey.
This year, Sagamore launched its first 100 percent Maryland-distilled rye whiskey—Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey—which marks a significant milestone in Maryland’s rye legacy. Created with high-quality grains sourced through a meticulous farm-to-table process, the resulting high-rye and low-rye whiskeys are triple distilled and aged for four to six years before being blended in small, 20-barrel batches. This process adds complexity and a distinct smoothness for a modern interpretation of Maryland-style rye, inspired by the state’s rich distilling history.
Fireball Whisky Collection
Many adventurous drinkers love the unique appeal of Fireball Whisky: Its real cinnamon flavor offers a spicy twist on Canadian whisky. Whether enjoyed as a shot—Fireball dominates the 50-milliliter, single-serve category—in a classic cocktail, or used as inspiration to create something new, Fireball’s singular flavor profile and versatility make it a standout product in the whisky landscape.
But stocking Fireball on retail shelves or on the back bar isn’t just about offering another whisky; it’s about providing an engaging and memorable consumer experience. And there may be no better time to showcase Fireball’s strengths than during the festive celebrations between Halloween and New Year’s Day. Try, for example, Firenog—made with two parts Fireball Whisky and one part eggnog—which takes a seasonal favorite to adventurous new heights.
The brand’s focus on creating an exciting experience around a drink helps ensure that restaurants, bars, and stores stocking Fireball Whisky remain go-to destinations, particularly for younger consumers. This holiday season, stock up early on Fireball to capitalize on increased consumer spending during the busy months ahead.
The GlenDronach Whisky Collection
As one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland with nearly 200 years of experience, The GlenDronach represents mastery in single malt Scotch. Their handcrafted approach draws from time-honored production methods passed down through generations of artisans committed to excellence. Today, master blender Rachel Barrie, who grew up near the distillery, brings her lifelong dedication and whisky-making expertise to The Glendronach.
The Glendronach specializes in the use of rare Spanish oak sherry casks, a rich legacy that dates back to founder James Allardice. The spirit begins as an expressive cut from Saxophone-shaped stills, which is perfect for long, slow sherry cask maturation. Aging is done exclusively in Oloroso and exceptionally rare Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Each expression, from the Aged 12 Years to the Aged 50 Years, offers unique layers of flavor, complexity, and richness.
While the quality of The Glendronach makes it timeless, new packaging makes it particularly well suited to the upcoming holiday season. An elegant new bottle structure offers a more prestigious presentation, elevating the consumer message while highlighting 200 years of heritage.
Dispatch
Sign up for our award-winning newsletter
Don’t miss the latest drinks industry news and insights—delivered to your inbox every week.
