Top 10 Iconic Global Liquor Brands

Produced in Åhus, Sweden beginning in 1879, this brand initially distinguished itself with its use of a new distillation process – and its creator’s clever marketing skills. Absolut took on the Stockholm vodka monopoly by selling from an island outside the city – and offering free ferry service to customers. That same competitive spirit inspired the company’s global expansion in the late-1970s. Utilizing a uniquely shaped bottle and eye-catching text, Absolut caught the public’s fancy. Oh, and Andy Warhol even pitched in during the mid-‘80s. Grey Goose, another iconic Vodka, is also worthy of mention as a premium brand, but the edge goes to Absolut.

This essential night club drink brand was created in 1765 by an Irishman living in France and quickly developed a reputation for its smoothness. Owned by Moët Hennessy, which is in turn co-owned by Louis Vuitton Moët-Hennessy and Diageo, this brand is now known the world over. Long a favorite drink for the elder connoisseurs of fine spirits, Hennessy has earned popularity within the hip-hop community, as the late Tupac Shakur often noted his love for the famous cognac brand. He was hardly alone; More than 40% of the cognac bought worldwide comes from Hennessy.

You know the deal: “Tonight we Tanqueray.” All sexy and insinuating with its classic green bottle façade, this London dry gin was first introduced in England. The man behind the spirit madness was Mr. Charles Tanqueray, who set up shop in 1838. Surprisingly – and fortunately – his distillery managed to survive the Axis bombing of World War II. Let’s all be thankful for the lasting legacy of the drink, the fictional marketing guru known as Tony Sinclair and endless musical references by artists who love them some sweet ol’ Tanqueray.

Ok, it’s time to make things right for the honorable Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo. This man, who first introduced his brand of tequila in 1795, often receives a bad rap thanks to irresponsible drinkers. His descendants still manage the Mexican brand, which is now the best-selling tequila in the world. The drink can be enjoyed through a variety of blends, but one thing’s for certain: one shot is usually not enough for most. Incidentally, there’s plenty of tequila to go around when Don Julio and Patron also make their way to the party.

Chivas Brothers began creating whiskies in Scotland back in 1801, but the company didn’t coin the name Chivas Regal until a hundred years later. The beauty of Chivas Regal comes from the aging process of blended whiskies, which resulted in the worlds’ first luxury Scotch. It’s undoubtedly a favorite among spirit authorities, and it was the drink of choice for the Rat Pack and their leader Frank Sinatra – surely a man of good tastes. Whether it’s a 12, 18 or 25-year old product, this brand makes anybody feel like a refined intellectual.

While the Chivas Regal brand reflects high society, this affordable yet esteemed Puerto Rican rum evokes thoughts of vacations and spring break. Introduced during the World War II era, Captain Morgan sports the iconic pirate on its bottle, with one foot confidently propped atop a barrel. The brand made its way stateside in 1984 with its Original Spiced Rum, and thirsty Americans embraced the memorable marketing campaign. Its influence was made abundantly clear when the NFL had to regulate players taking on the Captain Morgan pose during celebrations, part of a sly marketing scheme by its manufacturer.

#4: Jack Daniel’s

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In the land of the free, this Tennessee brand has the whiskey manufacturing game on lock. But believe it or not, the region where Jack Daniel’s is manufactured does not allow the sale of alcohol. Still, as the bestselling American whiskey around the world, it can be easily accessed elsewhere. Founder Jack Daniel was born in America, but came from Welsh, Scots-Irish and Scottish stock, and he was a purveyor of good times back in the 19th century. His reputation was made when his brand was named the finest whiskey at the 1904 World’s Fair. Unfortunately, Jack would succumb to blood poisoning a few years later. Fortunately, the 80-proof No. 7 lives on. Ol’ Gentleman Jack.

Rich in both taste and history, this family-owned brand came to be when a couple of brothers emigrated from Spain to Cuba in 1830. Not only did Bacardi white rum survive the Cuban War of Independence nearly 60 years later, but it managed to evade Fidel Castro and the 1950s Cuban Revolution by setting up shop in the Bahamas. One of the brand’s famous supporters was Ernest Hemingway, who wrote some of his acclaimed novels while thoroughly getting ripped on Bacardi - allegedly. By 1964, the brand expanded by establishing its American headquarters in Miami, Florida. Thank you, Hemingway, and thank you, Bacardi.

When Dostoevsky was writing his classic Russian novels in 1860s Saint Petersburg, a Moscow man named Pyotr Arsenievich Smirnov was toiling away on a brand new “drank.” No, not purple drank. This was what you might call a “mind-eraser,” as too much Smirnoff means the obliteration of your memories. With a lean bottling design and that iconic red labeling, Smirnoff remains in wide demand thanks to its Russian authenticity. Today, one can find numerous malt beverages stemming from the brand, but there’s nothing quite like the original Red Label drink. Before we pour a glass of our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - Jameson - Beefeater - Maker’s Mark - Baileys - Soju

Surely, there’s plenty of Johnnie Walkers roaming the world, but they will always be overshadowed by this Scotch whisky brand. The crazy thing about the original innovator, John “Johnnie” Walker himself, was that he didn’t actually drink; he simply made the best damn Scotch ever. In the early days, it was sold in a grocery store, and it’s now become the preeminent spirit for anyone with a general knowledge of good liquor. The Johnnie Walker brand has been relatively conservative with new blends, however you can’t go wrong with a red, a black, or even that Johnnie Walker Swing. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite iconic liquor brand? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.