Foodie Report: 7 Outstanding Spirits From the Nightclub & Bar Show

gold bar whiskey

The editors at Nightclub & Bar selected seven outstanding spirits that were showcased at the recent Nightclub & Bar Show. Here are the noteworthy selections:

Gold Bar Whiskey

People are hungry for craftsmanship and innovation, and that’s precisely what Gold Bar Whiskey delivers. This smooth whiskey is crafted from quality grains (88% corn, 9% rye, 2% barley) sourced from the heartland of America. Gold Bar is blended in the Golden State of California and passed through a filter made of 24-karat gold flakes. The golden amber liquid features clove, cardamom, rye, honey, apple and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Spice, apples and citrus balanced with honey give way to a smooth finish.

Each bottle – or bar – is individually numbered and looks absolutely stunning. The design earned Gold Bar "Best in Show" for Packaging at the Denver International Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal for Package Design at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. A display stand accompanies each bar and allows for it to be stood upright, but we think they look truly impressive when stacked on top of one another. Whiskey lovers and VIPs will definitely find Gold Bar Whiskey to be an eye-catching conversation starter when they see it, and the packaging allows operators to create wow factor back bar and table service displays. Not content to limit the craftsmanship to the whiskey and packaging, Gold Bar Whiskey features a mint-quality solid bronze replica of their “Lady of Fortune” 24-karat gold coin pressed into each bottle.

Shrub & Co.

The dedication and passion that Shrub & Co. has for creating high quality shrubs cannot be overstated. Shrubs are an incredible way to impart flavor, and Shrub & Co.'s flavors are second to none. Because the company is so committed to authenticity and quality, Shrub & Co. products are crafted from organic fruit, sugar, aromatics and vinegar. If you don’t know, shrubs go all the way back to colonial times. During that time, fruit was preserved by blending it with sugar, aromatics and vinegar, and the syrup that was created was referred to as a shrub. The vinegar in Shrub & Co. shrubs does an incredible job providing a unique tangy bite that balances the fruit’s sweetness. Vinegar is refreshing, quenches thirst, and cleanses palates. The company crafts Grapefruit, Strawberry, Apple, Blood Orange, Honey, Cranberry and Spicy Ginger shrubs. The Spicy Ginger Shrub makes a fantastic Moscow Mule.

Malinalli Tequila

The super and ultra-premium tequila category is growing, there’s no doubt about that. Malinalli Tequila Platinum and Extra Añejo are both ultra-premium tequilas with critical acclaim. The Extra Añejo has scored 92 points due to its slight oakiness, pleasantly vegetal and herbaceous aroma balanced by vanilla that carries over to the palate, and rich, creamy mouthfeel that finishes with smokiness and a hint of cigar box. Malinalli Tequilas are rich and elegant, showcasing the carefully selected agave.

ZU Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

Whiskey seems to be on an unstoppable march across the alcohol beverage landscape. The liquid has become the star of cocktails classic and new, seemingly climbing over vodka to become the darling of cocktail bars everywhere. At one point, flavored whiskey fired shots at flavored vodka and upset the category. However, there is a “flavored” vodka on the market that bartenders, mixologists and consumers agree is unique and versatile. ZU Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka is grassy (obviously) and woodsy with hints of citrus, pistachio, almond, vanilla and herbs. This Polish vodka is produced from rye, undergoes 4 distillations, and (most importantly) is infused with bison grass. Each bottle contains a blade of bison glass.

Spiral Cachaça

To say that Brazil is proud of its most famous spirit is an understatement. And to say that Spiral is proud of their cachaça is to do this elixir a grave disservice. Don’t refer to Spiral as a mere mixer – Spiral prefers the term “drinkmaker.” In their eyes, Spiral Cachaça is on a different level, a cachaça produced to truly bring out and enhance all of the flavors in any drink. It may seem like elevating a mixer to drinkmaker means it’s the rock star of any beverage, but Spiral seeks to highlight rather than steal the spotlight. Spiral makes perfect caipirinhas and flawless mules. 

Magnum Cream Liqueur

We’re always on the hunt for unique experiences. Magnum Cream Liqueur certainly delivers on that front. A blend of Highland Scotch and actual Dutch cream, Magnum is creamy and smooth with notes of caramel, chocolate and rich toffee. Those flavors and richness eventually fall away to reveal the Scotch and allow it to linger on the palate.

Almondaire

Speaking of creamy liqueurs, there is a dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan option. Almondaire crème liqueur is smooth and cream (as it should be) but also, most importantly, delicious. Today’s consumers are more concerned than ever about their health and what goes into their bodies. Many people assume that healthy products lack flavor - not so in the case of Almondaire. Not only is every 1.5-ounce pour packed with chocolate, vanilla, and almond flavors, it delivers all of that taste and sophistication with just 83 calories.