Top 100 European Spirits

Extra old Cognac label is the one with a blend that has been aged the longest. Although the previous legislation stated that XO needs to be at least six years old, new categorization, which will be fully implemented by March 31, 2019, will indicate that to be labeled as an XO, the blend will have to be at least ten years old. However, the age limitation only signifies that the youngest in the blend is six (ten) years old, but when it comes to XO most blends are significantly older than that. XO Cognac should always be served neat in a snifter glass, and are best enjoyed as a digestif. Expand

Tsikoudia is a Cretan spirit that is distilled from fermented grape pomace (strafylo)—the solid remains that are left after the grapes have been pressed. Tsikoudia is traditionally distilled in October and November, usually in small, family-owned copper stills. The final product is a clear, potent, and colorless drink with an alcohol content that can vary from 40 to 65% ABV. Tsikoudia is similar to tsipouro, another pomace spirit that is produced in other parts of Greece. Unlike tsipouro, tsikoudia is typically distilled only once, which helps preserve flavors and aromas. Tskikoudia plays a central role in Cretan hospitality; it is a staple on various special occasions, and it is often used as a welcoming drink. It is typically served neat and well-chilled, and it makes an excellent aperitif or a digestif. Sometimes herbs and citrus zest can be used as flavorings, and the drink is occasionally referred to as rakı—though it is never anise-flavored. Cretan tsikoudia is protected with a Geographical Indication mark. Expand

Often dubbed as the whisky center, Speyside is one of five official Scottish whisky regions. Although it is geographically a part of Highlands, this area is a separate appellation, because of the large concentration of distilleries and the high-quality single malts that come from the area. Whiskies that are produced in the region are less peaty than other styles, but their character can vary from floral and fruity to rich and spicy. Although they were once similar to the robust styles in the Highlands, most distilleries in the area have shifted their focus on lighter and sweeter styles that display classic flavors of vanilla, apple, honey, oak, and dry fruit. The most famous distilleries include Glenlivet, The Balvenie, Aberlour, Tomintoul, Glen Moray and Macallan, while Glenfiddich from Speyside produces the world’s best-selling single malt. Expand

In terms of size, Highland is the largest region designated for the production of Scottish whisky. It covers most of the Scottish mainland, and though it sometimes includes the islands, they are mostly regarded as a separate region. Because of its size and diverse geography, Highland single malts may significantly vary in character. Single malts from the north tend to be full-bodied, rich, and sweet, while those found in the east and the south will be lighter and more fruity. Styles from the west are typically more powerful, peaty, and smoky. Some of the top producers include Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Aberfeldy, Glen Garioch, Clynelish, Pulteney, and Oban. Expand

Slavonian plum brandy is the most popular drink in eastern Croatia. It is distilled from locally grown fresh and ripe plums such as Bistrica, which have been cultivated in the region for centuries. This clear drink can range from light yellow to amber in color, depending on whether it is aged in Slavonian oak. It is characterized by harmonious aromas of plums and a long finish, while its alcohol content may range from 37.5 to 42.5%. Slavonian šljivovica is not merely a drink, it is deeply integrated into Slavonian tradition, and no special event or gathering is complete without a shot of well-chilled šljivovica. Traditionally, this plum brandy was served in small-sized bottles called čokanjčići.Expand

Islay is a Scottish island and one of the officially recognized Scottish whisky regions. There are nine operational distilleries on the island, and most of them produce strong, robust, smoky, and peated whisky, but there are also fruity and smooth examples. Southern distilleries mostly rely on peat, and their whisky tends to be packed with salinity, while those in the north mostly focus on slightly milder and lighter styles. Regardless of some differences, Islay whisky is complimented as the strongest-flavored variety. Expand

Considered to be one of the first grape brandy varieties produced in France, Armagnac originated in Gascony, a historic area now divided between the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. The first written records on Armagnac date back to the 15th century, when it was mainly used as a stomach remedy. Although the predominant grape is Ugni Blanc, ten different grapes are allowed in its production, and since the 19th century, Armagnac is almost always distilled once. The final blend is then aged in oak casks for a minimum of two years. Maturation provides Armagnac with the signature complex flavor, and while young varieties show vanilla and honey notes, matured versions are typically characterized by the flavor of roasted nuts, licorice, and tobacco. Armagnac is best enjoyed as a digestif, served in a wide brandy snifter glass.Expand

Very superior old pale is a Cognac category whose blend is aged for at least four years—which means that the youngest brandy mixed in the blend is four years old, while the others can be aged for longer. VSOP is both lively and serious, and it can be enjoyed on its own, preferably slowly sipped from a snifter glass, but it also incorporates well into mixed drinks and cocktails.Expand

Viljamovka is a type of fruit brandy (rakija) that is distilled from Williams pear. This mellow and aromatic spirit is produced and enjoyed in several Balkan countries. It is often regarded as the finest type of fruit brandy produced in the region. Viljamovka is made with fresh, ripe pears that are fermented before they are distilled. The result is a clear and colorless spirit that typically has an intensive pear aroma, mellow flavor, and a long, warming finish. Viljamovka is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif. It should always be served well chilled. Some producers leave the whole pears inside the bottle—this is achieved by placing the bottle on the branch while the fruit is still young and then allowing it to grow and ripen in the bottle. The fruit is then cut off, and the bottle is removed and filled with distilled brandy. Other types of pear brandies are also produced, but they usually have a generic name kruškovača—kruška translates as pear. Expand

This strong Greek spirit is distilled from pomace—solid components of grapes that are left after the juice has been pressed. According to some records, tsipouro was first produced in the 14th century by Orthodox monks. The drink comes in its original, pure form, but some distillers infuse it with botanicals, primarily anise, to create the anise-flavored spirit that is traditionally mixed with water. Plain tsipouro is best appreciated well-chilled and neat, served in shot glasses. It is enjoyed as a welcoming drink and typically accompanies Greek meze—assorted small dishes. In Crete, a similar drink with a stronger aroma goes under the name tsikoudia.Expand

Glenfiddich is one of the most renowned and awarded producers of single malt whisky in the world, with a rich tradition dating back to 1887. Founded in Dufftown, in the heart of Scotland's Speyside region, Glenfiddich remains family-owned and proudly continues to use the same traditional production methods, combining craftsmanship with innovation.

Their whiskies are celebrated for their complex flavor profiles, elegance, and carefully selected ingredients, with a special emphasis on the purity of spring water and a long maturation process in oak casks. Glenfiddich offers a diverse range of whiskies that capture the distinct qualities of Scottish single malts.Expand

Highland Park Distillery, located in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, Scotland, is one of the oldest distilleries in the country, founded in 1798. Known for its distinctively rich and smoky single malt whiskies, Highland Park combines traditional craftsmanship with the unique influence of Orkney’s coastal climate and local peat.

The distillery's whiskies are celebrated for their balance of heather honey sweetness and aromatic peat smoke, crafted using time-honored methods and aged in sherry-seasoned oak casks.Expand

Old Pulteney distillery is a malt whisky production and aging facility in the Pulteneytown area of Wick, Caithness, in the Highland area of Scotland. The distillery produces the Old Pulteney single malt whisky at a number of ages and has a visitor centre in Huddart Street. The distillery was established in 1826 in the name of Sir William Pulteney.

The distillery was the most northerly on the Scottish mainland and was quite inaccessible, except by sea.Expand

Redbreast is a brand of single pot still Irish Whiskey produced by the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. It was originally bottled by Gilbey's, a Dublin spirits merchant using distillate sourced from Jameson's Bow Street Distillery.[1] In the 1980s, the brand was purchased by Irish Distillers, the producer of Jameson.

It is the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.Expand

The Glenlivet is one of the most renowned Scotch whisky distilleries, founded in 1824 in the Livet Valley in the Speyside region. Their whisky is known for its smooth and fruity notes, achieved through a unique distillation process and the use of high-quality ingredients.

Glenlivet was the first whisky in Scotland to receive a license for distillation, becoming synonymous with premium single malt whisky. Their portfolio includes various age expressions and special editions, catering to diverse tastes.

Today, the brand is part of the Pernod Ricard group and remains a symbol of innovation and tradition in the whisky industry.Expand

Arran Whisky is a Scottish distillery located on the Isle of Arran, one of Scotland's most picturesque islands. Founded in 1995, the distillery has quickly become famous for producing high-quality single malt Scotch whiskies.

Arran whiskies are celebrated for their rich, well-balanced flavors, often featuring notes of fruit, honey, and a touch of sea salt, influenced by the island’s maritime climate. Arran Distillers is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and tradition, using a combination of traditional copper pot stills and modern techniques to create a range of expressions, from lighter, fruitier drams to more complex, sherried whiskies. The distillery offers a wide selection, including core releases, limited editions, and cask finishes.Expand

Loch Lomond Whiskies is a renowned Scottish whisky brand, celebrated for its high-quality single malt and blended whiskies. Based near the iconic Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands, the distillery draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and pure water source, which contribute to the distinct character of its whiskies. The brand is known for its innovation in whisky production, utilizing unique distillation methods.

One of their signature techniques is the use of a custom-designed still, called the “Loch Lomond still,” which allows for a wide range of flavor profiles, from rich and fruity to smooth and smoky. Loch Lomond Whiskies produces a variety of expressions, including aged single malts, limited-edition releases, and special cask finishes, catering to different tastes and preferences.Expand

Benriach Distillery, established in 1898, is located in the heart of Speyside, Scotland. Known for its innovative approach, Benriach produces three distinct styles of whisky: unpeated, peated, and triple-distilled.

This versatility allows the distillery to craft a diverse range of single malts, each with unique flavor profiles. The distillery is renowned for its use of a wide variety of cask types, including bourbon, sherry, port, and rum barrels, to enhance the complexity of its whiskies.

Benriach is one of the few distilleries in Scotland that continues to use floor maltings, showcasing a dedication to traditional whisky-making techniques. In addition to its core range, Benriach regularly releases special editions and single cask bottlings, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Their commitment to innovation is evident in experimental finishes and bold flavor combinations that push the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship.Expand

Fundador is a distinguished Spanish brandy producer, renowned for crafting the first Brandy de Jerez. Established in 1730, it stands as the oldest bodega in Jerez, Spain, with a rich history spanning nearly three centuries.

The brand's legacy began in 1874 when it introduced Fundador, the inaugural Spanish brandy, marking a significant milestone in the spirits industry. Over the years, Fundador has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition, producing brandies aged in Sherry Casks that previously held some of the finest sherry wines. Today, Fundador continues to be a leader in the production and exportation of Brandy de Jerez, offering a diverse range of products that honor its storied heritage while embracing innovation.Expand