While craft beer has taken the world by storm, there is a new drink taking a shot at global popularity - craft spirits.

New research from Mintel shows that spirits positioned as “craft”* have so far accounted for one in seven (15%) new global spirits launch to date in 2016**, up from just one in 20 (5%) in 2011.

Research from Mintel global new products database (GNPD) reveals craft spirit launches increased by 265% globally between 2011 and 2015 and it seems that it is the US driving the craze. Of all craft spirits launched in this time, half (49%) have been in the US and 42% in Europe, compared to just 4% in Latin America and 3% in Asia Pacific.

And it seems the surge in launches of craft spirits is backed globally by strong consumer demand for artisanal alcoholic beverages. Over half (55%) of US alcohol drinkers agree that craft alcohol brands are of higher quality than big brands and demand is mirrored across Europe. Around half of consumers in France (55%), Italy (53%), Germany (50%) and Poland (46%) agree that spirits from small/craft distillers are more appealing than large, mass-produced brands. In the UK, 37% of dark spirits/liqueur drinkers are prepared to pay more for craft variants.

“Craft spirit launches are growing at a rapid pace and will continue to rise in more mature markets - particularly the US - as consumers are looking for special offerings. Despite being a relatively small sector of the market, craft spirits are growing in response to the huge consumer-led demand for more authentic, more distinctive, more local, less processed and more interesting spirit brands,” says Jonny Forsyth, global drinks analyst at Mintel.

Whisky currently reigns supreme, accounting for 43% of global craft-spirit launches in 2015, up from 37% in 2011. Gin is hot on its heels, accounting for 23% of global craft-spirit launches in 2015, up from 9% in 2011.

Mintel research finds that it is millennials*** who are driving demand for craft spirits around the globe. Three quarters (75%) of US millennials agree craft alcohol brands are higher quality than big brands and 34% of UK millennials agree craft drinks are worth paying more for. Furthermore, Mintel research indicates that almost half (46%) of German millennial spirits buyers say high quality is an important factor influencing their purchase intention, up from 35% in 2013.

As craft spirits gain traction, they are increasingly venturing into flavoured territory, particularly in the US market. Almost half (47%) of the craft spirits launched in the US in 2016 are flavoured, up from one fifth (21%) in 2015 and 41% of US white spirit drinkers looking for a flavour that they like when choosing white spirits, while fruit (36%) and sweetened (34%) top the list of flavours US dark spirit drinkers are currently consuming.

Although flavoured spirits aren’t as established in Europe, consumers still show an interest in these drinks. Around one fifth (23%) of consumers in Poland agree that spirits with added flavour are worth paying more for, followed by 19% in Spain, 18% in Germany and 18% in Italy.

“Traditionally, many craft distillers have stayed away from flavouring spirits as this is seen as less premium. However, with flavour a key driver for spirits drinkers in many countries, craft innovators are now seeking to use more premium, nuanced and naturally flavoured innovation. This is a route that craft brewers have previously followed,” Jonny concludes.

*Spirits with “micro”, “craft”, “artisan” or “small” in the product description with word variants

**May 2016

*** Defined as consumers aged 18-36 in Europe and 22-39 in the US