Best New Spirits of 2007

Released in October, Chivas Regal 25 YO Scotch is a tribute to the original and to the entire Chivas line of fine Scotch. Originally released in New York in 1909, this 25 year was the ultimate in luxury until war and Prohibition turned it one of the must-have bottles for collectors. The re-release Scotch is simply delicious with a sweet, toffee and chocolate tone that follow a delicate, warm fruit lead. At around $300 a bottle this is a Scotch to appreciate and worth every sip.

Absolutely (no pun intended) the best flavored vodka released this year, Absolut New Orleans has taken that competitive spectrum of the beverage market and spiced it up, literally. This infusion of mango and black pepper was first seen at Tales of the Cocktail in July and after finding favor among mixology's best, it has received well deserved attention in the market and contributed to some fantastic new cocktails. It is, however not going to last long as it is a limited edition but it was great while it lasted and all profits of each $22 bottle are donated to charity. It will be interesting what the next city vodka will bring.

Soon Americans will be able to find authentic Swiss absinthe on bar and liquor shelves thanks to Kubler Absinthe. In October Kubler was available in New York City and Boston after a 100 year hiatus due to the wormwood liquor's ban in the US. The original 1875 formula demonstrates the taste of true absinthe that was enjoyed by 19th century society. This liquor has a strong anise flavor backed by a myriad of other herbs including mint, coriander and fennel. Kubler sells for around $50 per liter.

From the one of the master brands of Jamaican rum comes a special new bottling, Appleton Estate Reserve Jamaican Rum. This mellow, aged rum is blended by the first female master distiller, Joy Spence, for 20 select aged rums. Almost as smooth as rum can get, the Reserve is an experience of honey and brown sugar and is fantastic in any of your favorite rum cocktails and at around $27 per bottle it's not going to break the bank.

360 Vodka is not only a great vodka but it is backed by an earth-friendly philosophy of doing business. The distiller's commitment to using "green" techniques and materials through the entire production process is substantial and is leading the industry in that aspect. When you're done with your bottle be sure to send back the bottle closure for recycling and $1 will be contributed to an environmental cause. If you think of the number of bottles produced by a distillery each year, this can make a significant, positive impact. These initiatives, as well being a great example of super premium vodka, makes 360 worth every cent of the $35 per bottle.

For any vodka lover or for those who have sworn off gin, this is one to check out for sure. It's not a gin like other gins in that, while juniper is still the dominate flavor, the secondary flavor of Rangpur lime makes it unique. Tanqueray Rangpur Distilled Gin is a great representative of the Tanqueray line and adds a twist to many of your favorite gin cocktails. At around $22 per bottle it's affordable and perfect for an everyday bar stock.

Grey Goose is known for their fantastic clear vodka. It is often the premium of choice for many bartenders but the flavors are just as worthy of note and the newest edition to the line is no exception. La Poire is mixable, refreshing and has the flavor of the ripest pear you can think of and at under $30 it's great for that occasional Peartini.

Inside the obelisk bottle of TY KU is a green, sake-based liqueur with a clean melon and fruit flavor backed by a complimentary blend of gentle herbs. Very refreshing and mixable, it's a perfect compliment to almost any spirit in some great cocktails and it's lighter flavor makes a fantastic substitute for the sweeter melon liqueurs. That said, TY KY's limited edition bottle wins the coolest bottle of the year award. There's a button on the bottom of the bottle that activates an LED light which, when the bottle is lifted, illuminates the spirit with an electrifying, green glow. Set the bottle back down after pouring and the light turns off. The bottle (sold for around $30) is quite the sight for any bar.