Skinnygirl cocktails are fastest growing liquor brand, report says

Pop quiz: What two types of liquor make up a combined 40 percent of the global spirits market by volume and 90 percent of global growth by volume?

Pop quiz: What two types of liquor make up a combined 40 percent of the global spirits market by volume and 90 percent of global growth by volume?

Pop quiz: What two types of liquor make up a combined 40 percent of the global spirits market by volume and 90 percent of global growth by volume?   If you were thinking vodka, rum or gin, think again. Indian whiskies and baijiu, a Chinese white liquor, are powerhouses in the global spirits market, and international liquor giants are anxious to cash in on the success of the fast-growing, profitable tipples.  

In a potent reminder of the arbitrary censorial powers of Canadian liquor authorities, a rum cheekily named for pornographic actor Ron Jeremy was pulled from Manitoba store shelves after customers complained it was obscene. Dubbed Ron de Jeremy, the liquor’s label features an image of Ron Jeremy’s face above the taglines “the adult liquor” and “long smooth taste.”

Liquor companies and bartenders are finding inspiration in the financial crisis, devising new recipes and reviving old cocktail standards to keep spirits alive during the holidays.

The craft beer industry has been on a tear, boasting a 17% rise in sales last year and continued growth expected going forward. Lately, it looks like a big surge is on tap not only for craft breweries, but small businesses that make wine and spirits as well. Like elected officials in virtually every state, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has been an outspoken proponent of local businesses. Snyder even created something called the Office of Regulatory Reinvention a couple of years ago.

The craft beer industry has been on a tear, boasting a 17% rise in sales last year and continued growth expected going forward. Lately, it looks like a big surge is on tap not only for craft breweries, but small businesses that make wine and spirits as well. Like elected officials in virtually every state, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has been an outspoken proponent of local businesses. Snyder even created something called the Office of Regulatory Reinvention a couple of years ago.