December 2025 100

The whiskey industry is bracing for continuing challenges as more businesses face bankruptcy. This rough year ended with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing by Wilder Whiskey, known for its ready-to-drink seltzers. Founded in March 2022, Wilder Whiskey cites rising production costs and shifting consumer preferences as contributing factors to their financial troubles. Despite targeting a young adult demographic (ages 21-35), with four flavors of seltzers that blend whiskey with adventurous ingredients, the brand wasn’t able to maintain its footing.

In 2025, several distilling enterprises have already filed for bankruptcy, including Boston Harbor Distillery, Westward Whiskey, and Devil’s River Distillery. These filings highlight the economic pressures faced by producers, including soaring labor costs and changes in consumer attitudes toward spirits.

As per NielsenIQ, the U.S. spirits market experienced a 2.8% drop in sales and a 3.2% decrease in volume during the first half of the year, attributing these declines to economic conditions and consumer trends. With an increase in bankruptcies, experts forecast that the despair could carry into the next year as well.

Wilder Whiskey’s Chapter 7 liquidation petition was filed on December 23 in Tennessee, revealing they are left with up to $100,000 in both assets and liabilities. The company’s offerings included seltzers like Grapefruit, Orange Vanilla, Peach, and Lemon Lime, each made with 100% American whiskey and marketed as gluten-free and low-calorie.

The firm emphasized convenience, hoping to cater to whiskey lovers without the hassle of bulky bottles. However, the market reception was not as anticipated, leading to their unfortunate closure. Wilder Whiskey’s recent struggles highlight a broader trend that may impact other similar brands in the industry as they navigate a tough market landscape.

For more information on other bankruptcies in the sector, check out articles about 64-year-old furniture store franchisee and golf legend’s iconic brand filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Have you ever ordered a seemingly straightforward cocktail, only to be surprised by the distinct taste of gin instead of vodka? This common mix-up highlights the subtle yet important differences between these two classic spirits. Both gin and vodka are colorless distilled spirits found on drink menus worldwide, yet they offer vastly different flavors, production methods, and purposes.

Key Differences Between Gin and Vodka

The most significant distinction between gin and vodka is flavor. Vodka is crafted for neutrality; it is largely tasteless and odorless, serving as a blank canvas that allows other ingredients in cocktails to shine. In contrast, gin is characterized by its vibrant flavor, primarily derived from juniper berries, which are legally mandated in its production. Additionally, gin often contains a blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and citrus peels, resulting in a complex taste profile that can range from piney and herbal to floral and citrusy.

Production Methods

Though both spirits originate from fermented grains or sugars, their production diverges after this initial stage.

Vodka Production

Vodka’s creation focuses on achieving purity and neutrality. It undergoes multiple distillations, often incorporating rigorous charcoal filtration to eliminate flavor compounds and impurities. The final product is a clean spirit that is mainly ethanol and water, with minimal distinguishing characteristics among brands.

Gin Production

Gin begins with a similar neutral base but distinguishes itself through the infusion of botanicals. The addition of juniper berries, along with a variety of other herbs and spices, allows distillers to create unique flavors. This process not only defines gin but also contributes to its aromatic complexity.

Health Considerations: Vodka vs. Gin

In terms of calories, vodka tends to be the lighter option. A 30 ml serving of vodka contains roughly 65 calories, making it an appealing choice for low-calorie cocktails, such as the "Skinny Bitch," which mixes vodka with lime juice and soda water. Meanwhile, a similar serving of gin contains about 74 calories; a classic gin and tonic typically totals around 96 calories.

Strength Comparison

When discussing alcohol content, the standard alcohol by volume (ABV) for most gins ranges from 37.5% to 47%, with some varieties exceeding 57%. Vodka typically has an ABV between 37% and 50%, with most brands bottled at 40%. When comparing the same ABV levels, neither spirit is inherently stronger than the other in terms of ethanol content per serving.

In summary, while gin and vodka may appear similar in a glass, their flavor profiles, production methods, and health aspects are markedly different. Understanding these distinctions can enhance your cocktail choices and improve your overall drinking experience.

After five years of meticulous research, Planteray Rum is set to launch its latest product, the Mister Fogg Navy Rum Sail N°2. This new navy-style rum, reminiscent of the spirit once rationed to the British Royal Navy until 1970, exemplifies tradition with a modern twist.

This rum is crafted using a blend of rums sourced from renowned regions such as Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, Mauritius, and Jamaica. Following distillation, it undergoes aging in ex-bourbon barrels on its Caribbean island of origin. In a unique nod to maritime history, it’s then transported across the Atlantic for further maturation at sea—echoing the era when rum rations would roar with the waves while on board ships. Upon arriving in France, the rum is finished in seasoned oak barrels.

With an impressive alcohol content of 55.7% ABV, Mister Fogg Navy Rum Sail N°2 offers a rich profile that features notes of molasses candy, dark chocolate, toasted vanilla, dried fruits, and a blend of island spices.

This limited-edition rum will be available at select retailers starting this month, priced at approximately $37.99 for a 700ml bottle.

The Bloody Mary is a beloved classic cocktail known for its savory base of tomato juice and vodka. This drink has evolved since the 1930s, leading to various creative interpretations that reflect different cultures and tastes. Here are some standout variations of this iconic cocktail:

1. Classic Bloody Mary: The original recipe combines vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, creating a well-balanced drink. It can be customized with garnishes such as celery, lemon wedges, and olives.

2. Bloody Caesar: A Canadian favorite, this variation swaps tomato juice for Clamato, a mix of clam broth and tomato juice. Served in a celery-salt-rimmed glass, it offers a unique umami flavor.

3. Kimchi Bloody Mary: This adventurous twist incorporates kimchi brine, adding a spicy and fermented zing that enhances the traditional tomato base.

4. Bloody Maria: By replacing vodka with tequila, the Bloody Maria introduces a smoky profile, perfectly accented with lime and savoury elements.

5. Miso Mary Libertine: Featuring miso paste for an umami flavor boost, this version combines traditional Bloody Mary ingredients with silky richness.

6. Bloody Bull: This hearty take adds beef broth to the classic recipe, providing a robust flavor profile and transforming the drink into something akin to a savory soup.

7. Red Snapper: Utilizing gin instead of vodka, this cocktail presents an herbal twist, refreshing the palate with botanical notes.

8. Michelada: Incorporating beer, the Michelada combines spicy tomato juice with lime, creating a refreshing option perfect for warm weather.

These layers of flavor keep the spirit of the Bloody Mary alive while inviting drinkers to explore new dimensions. Whether enjoyed as a brunch staple or a late-night remedy, these variations cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

The renowned Caledonia Spirits, known for its Barr Hill Gin, has introduced a new offering: Phyllis Vermont Rye Whiskey. This rye whiskey is crafted using local grains, comprising 84% winter rye and 16% barley, and is aged for at least ten years. Caledonia Spirits handles the entire process—distillation, maturation, and bottling—on-site.

According to Ryan Christiansen, President and Head Distiller, Phyllis Rye Whiskey stands out with its complex flavor profile, highlighting rye spice, toasted oak, dried cherries, and vanilla beans, culminating in a sweet and spicy finish that leaves drinkers wanting more. Christiansen emphasized their commitment to sustainability and quality, stating, “Phyllis won’t be a part of that” market trend of generic whiskeys, instead opting for quality and local sourcing.

The whiskey is being launched with anticipation following over a decade of preparation, and it promises to resonate well with those who appreciate craft spirits. It’s available for purchase online and select retailers, retailing at around $55 for a 750ml bottle.

The World Whiskey Society is making waves by launching its first-ever flavored whiskey, the Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition. This unique offering is inspired by the famous character Doc Holliday, known for his catchphrase in the film "Tombstone."

This new whiskey is a 70-proof release that combines traditional whiskey flavors with hints of juicy huckleberries. Upon tasting, drinkers can expect an aroma of blackberry jam, toasted vanilla beans, and oak, while the palate centers on sweet berries, honey, and graham crackers. The finish is described as mellow and smooth with flavors of ripe berries, vanilla, and oak.

Alex Kogan, CEO of the World Whiskey Society, noted that this expression pays tribute to the adventurous spirit of the Wild West but comes with a modern twist. He emphasized that the master blender created a classic whiskey profile that beautifully balances the tartness of fresh huckleberries with the signature smoothness of the Doc Holliday series.

For whiskey enthusiasts wanting to enjoy this new flavor, the Doc Holliday Huckleberry Edition is available for $45 for a 750ml bottle, both online at the World Whiskey Society’s shop and at select retailers across the United States.

For more details, visit World Whiskey Society.