As 2024 wraps up, the hosts reflect on a turbulent year for the wine industry and the struggles faced by craft beer. They dive into the rise of innovative cocktail trends, including the martini's comeback and the popularity of spritzes. Meanwhile, the growth of non-alcoholic beverages marks a shift towards healthier drinking habits. The emergence of total beverage companies signals changing consumer preferences, all while rising labor costs pose challenges for hospitality. Lighthearted anecdotes about holiday gatherings and personal drink preferences add to the festive vibe.
The podcast highlights the wine industry's declining consumption trends, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative marketing and leadership to attract new consumers.
Listeners learn about the rising popularity of the Spritz cocktail, which signifies a shift towards creative and pre-batch cocktail offerings in the hospitality sector.
Deep dives
The Appeal of George Dickel 8-Year Bourbon
George Dickel 8-Year Bourbon is highlighted for its exceptional taste and value. This bourbon, aged for eight years, features a combination of sweet vanilla notes complemented by vibrant hints of cherry and orange, culminating in a balanced finish of almond, toffee, and oak. Its 90-proof strength not only makes it enjoyable straight but also ideal for various cocktails. The bourbon serves as a versatile ingredient for classic drinks such as the Old Fashioned, Paper Plane, and Manhattan, emphasizing its mixology potential.
Reflections on 2024: Highs and Lows
The discussion reflects on the rollercoaster year of 2024, characterized by both highs and lows within the alcohol industry. The hosts express their shared sentiments about the fluctuating trends, the challenges faced, and the evolving preferences of consumers, particularly in light of the ongoing impacts from COVID. As they approach the end of the year, there’s recognition of the need to address and adapt to these shifts rather than simply lament them. The personal experiences shared add a relatable touch to the industry's broader narrative.
The Decline of Wine Consumption
A significant observation is made regarding the declining state of wine consumption, which appears to be a growing concern for the industry. Despite overall alcohol consumption levels remaining steady, wine sales are notably decreasing, which raises questions about its market strategy and consumer appeal. The conversation indicates that wine's entrenched practices may be hindering its ability to innovate and attract new drinkers, and there's a call for fresh thinking in leadership roles to tackle these issues. The need for a more relatable and accessible approach to wine is emphasized as vital for reversing this trend.
Emergence of the Spritz and Cocktail Trends
The podcast notes the Spritz’s rise to popularity, now ranking as the third most favored cocktail in America, showcasing the emergence of this category as a significant trend. The conversation highlights how various versions of the Spritz, like the Aperol and Limone Spritz, have fostered a culture of creative cocktail menus in bars. Alongside this, there is an observed shift toward pre-batch cocktails in hospitality, enabling efficient service without compromising quality. This evolution suggests a dynamic landscape in the cocktail industry, catering to convenience while maintaining appeal.
To wrap up 2024, Adam, Joanna, and Zach take a look back on the biggest stories, the most important trends, and the overall vibes of the year that was, including deserved concern about the wine industry, struggles for craft beer, and a looming hospitality crisis. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.