Trends for 2026

Attention me Hearties!

As a new year dawns, it is the perfect time to look ahead at the potential trends for 2026. In this post, I will outline several key developments that I predict will be significant in 2026.

The Rising Popularity of T.D.L. Rum

In the past, anyone looking for high-quality Rum from Trinidad almost automatically thought of the defunct Caroni or Ten Cane distilleries. And while there is no denying that these Rums are incredibly delicious, their mythical status plays an equally large role in how they are perceived. Today, Trinidad Distillers Limited (T.D.L. for short) is the only Trinidadian distillery still in operation, but for a long time, its image was, to say the least, a bit dull.

T.D.L. originated when the sons of Dr. Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert—inventor of the Angostura Bitters—decided to move production from the city of Angostura in Venezuela to Port of Spain in Trinidad. Through acquisitions and smart investments, the distillery grew into one of the largest in the world, producing a great deal of 'light Rum' using molasses and column stills.

For a long time, T.D.L. Rum was the Rum of choice for creating private blends or launching independent bottlings. This made sense, as T.D.L. made no secret of it: over the years, they created a massive collection of cask-aged Rum from which bottlers could curate a fine selection. T.D.L. only sells a portion of its production under its own 'House of Angostura' label; the rest is traded on the bulk market. The problem that arose was that these Rums were often seen as being of lower quality because, let’s be honest, some private bottlings were—putting it mildly—not very good. This often tainted the general perception, despite fantastic releases from Watt, Compagnie des Indes, and S.B.S. However, the high price of those specific bottles often caused the general public to pass them by, explaining why they are sometimes still available today despite their very limited runs.

Now, that is gradually changing. Driven by a few bottlings that clearly positioned T.D.L. as a top-tier Rum, a surge of interest emerged in 2025. This was logical, as these Rums fit the bill: delicious, original, exclusive, and affordable.

The first to contribute to this shift was the Planteray Vintage Terravera Trinidad 2003. This bottling didn't just nudge the door open; it kicked it down. It represented a stylistic break for Planteray and a boost for Trinidadian Rum: a 22-year-old Rum (19 years of which were tropical aging), with no added sugar, a fantastic fruity profile, and a price point under €100. Consumer interest was immediate; even the biggest skeptics were convinced to give it a try. The Rum was a massive success.

Next came the Rum Nation Trinidad Cask Strength 12Y. This Rum was also an instant hit, selling out within days. The reason was the same: delicious and fruity, bottled without additives, and priced around €60. It is rare to find such quality at such a low price, and it was a brilliant move to win over consumers.

The third Rum that, in my opinion, defined T.D.L. Rum in 2025 is the Blackadder Raw Cask Finest Trinidad Rum 15 Years Old. This is, I believe, the first T.D.L. bottling to successfully enter the market at a higher price point. Conceptually, the price is fully justified, as this Rum is bottled without filtration or additives. It offers the unique opportunity to taste the spirit in all its purity (or impurity).

In 2026, I predict we will see even more T.D.L. bottlings. I expect interesting releases from Rum Nation, Elixir Distillers, Cadenhead’s, and many others. However, I also suspect T.D.L. itself will want a piece of the pie, so keep a close eye on Angostura’s own official bottlings.

Style Breaks from the Dominican Republic

Until recently, Rum from the Dominican Republic fell under the 'typical Spanish style' banner. These were traditional Rums: soft, often sweetened, and bottled at alcohol percentages that rarely exceeded 40%. Brands like Barcelo, Matusalem, Oliver & Oliver, and Brugal were the most famous, often emerging as export-oriented alternatives to Cuban Rum. Their Cuban heritage ensured that these light Rums became the standard expectation for consumers.

That is slowly changing—sometimes subtly, sometimes abruptly. This shift is undoubtedly driven by the ever-increasing supply of these types of Rums. While there used to be only a few distillers in a handful of countries, we now see almost every sugar-producing nation trying their hand at Spanish-style Rum. Some are successful, some are not, but the market is becoming saturated.

Add to this the growing market share of Cuban Rum. Cuba has revitalized its Rum industry and successfully reconquered Europe. For years, Cuba has been the 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over Dominican Rum production. In the current geopolitical climate, it remains unlikely that Cuba will resume trade with the US anytime soon, but in previous years—such as under the Obama administration—the end of the trade embargo seemed just around the corner. The day that embargo falls, a significant portion of the American export market for the Dominican Republic could disappear.

Realizing they needed to adapt, brands like Matusalem have released the long-awaited 'French Oak' versions of the Enigma. It is a subtle change, but one that proves Matusalem remains a major player in the Premium Dominican Rum market. Moving forward, Matusalem will need to continue releasing special editions to stay relevant, as no other brand has as much to fear from Cuba.

They could take a leaf out of Oliver & Oliver’s book. Despite their strong Cuban roots and focus on traditional Rums, unique products are leaving their gates. The best example available on our market is the Rum Nation Dominicana 8 Years. This Rum is made from sugar cane juice instead of molasses. This method is unthinkable or even prohibited in some other regions, but it positions Dominican Rums as an accessible alternative to long-aged, light, French-style Rums from places like Mauritius.

And then all bets are off, because we are now seeing cane juice used as the base for Rum styles we would never expect from the Dominican Republic: unaged Rum and high ester profiles. In the Dominican Republic itself, these aren't even classified as Rum, but rather as Aguardiente. However, they can be sold in Europe as Rum, leading to unique releases like Compagnie des Indes Compass and Great White Dominican Republic.

The rising standard of living in the Dominican Republic is also playing a role, as growing wealth encourages locals to explore new flavors. It is heartening to see the local population contributing to a more diverse offering and a bright future for Dominican Rum.

In 2026, I predict a growing interest in Rum from the Dominican Republic, thanks to unexpected bottlings. My hope is to see a cane juice 'grand arôme' Rum emerging from one of Oliver & Oliver’s solera systems.

Cocktail in a Can

This trend exploded in 2025 and will continue to grow. In 2026, the world of cocktails will increasingly be reduced to a can from the fridge. The reason for the success of these pre-mixed drinks is different from why drinks like Bacardi Breezer or Smirnoff Ice were popular. Those older brands succeeded through marketing that positioned them as alternatives to soda. The target audience loved them, and they still evoke nostalgia for many.

The new generation is more sophisticated: these are actual cocktails put into cans where a glass and some ice are the only two things you need to provide yourself. The target audience consists of cocktail drinkers who want to enjoy a drink with friends without the hassle of buying numerous ingredients and equipment. These cans reflect our modern culture—where everything must be faster and more efficient, and where quality is sometimes secondary. They are the "TikTok videos" of the cocktail world.

In Belgium, the success of these drinks will heavily impact the hospitality industry (Horeca). They offer an alternative for those who used to drink cocktails at a bar but worried about driving. Increased police checks and stricter penalties for driving under the influence are pushing consumers toward alternatives. This is one of them. You can pour your favorite cocktail at home for a fraction of the bar price. In Belgium, this trend will likely be much larger than in other countries for this very reason.

However, there are caveats. These canned cocktails cannot compare to those made in a professional bar. They are often overly sweet, contain ingredients that don't belong in a proper cocktail, and the base spirit is not always high quality. They will never satisfy the connoisseur or the cocktail aficionado, but their impact on the market will be undeniable.

2026 will be a turning point for the Horeca, and this trend will play its part. Growing driver awareness, rising prices in bars, the cost-of-living crisis, and an increasingly hurried society are all driving this shift. This trend will only fade when society decides to reinvent itself once more.

Forget Dry January and Tournée Minérale

The success of alcohol-free alternatives has made people more conscious of their drinking habits, but the demonization of alcohol consumption is not sitting well with the general public. Initiatives like Dry January and Tournée Minérale are increasingly seen as politically motivated or a form of state interference. Consequently, their popularity is beginning to wane.

Younger generations, in particular, are choosing to be more mindful of their alcohol intake, but they do so year-round. Alcohol-free is a great alternative when drinking isn't a good idea or when they simply don't feel like it. Alcohol consumption is being refocused on high-quality drinks enjoyed as a luxury, rather than just a way to get drunk.

The decline of these specific 'alcohol-free' months shows that the support for them is shrinking and that there is a pushback against forced lifestyle changes. However, cutting back on alcohol remains high on the consumer agenda. 2026 will reveal whether the future for alcohol-free initiatives is as bright as some claim.

Greater Success for High-Quality Spirits

While people may be drinking less, there is a secondary effect: those who drink less often seek higher value. 2026 will be the year of the 'value seeker'—the consumer willing to spend more on a single, high-quality bottle to enjoy in moderation. Collections will grow, and producers and bottlers must focus on premium quality and the corresponding price point.

The decline in overall alcohol sales over recent years has put pressure on prices, but premium brands are notably resilient. In 2026, you will see a greater focus on premium brands, exclusive bottlings, and unique releases. This will also increase the importance of small retailers who offer personal service and can guide consumers to the right bottle through their expertise.

2026 will be a year of change—sometimes through evolution, sometimes through revolution. Some brands and producers will flourish; others will be forced to adapt or disappear. The first signs are already visible with the growing success of DBM from Guadeloupe, but also with the demise of Renegade in 2024 and the struggles surrounding Equiano in 2025.

The hospitality and retail sectors will also have to reinvent themselves to stay relevant. The growing issue of excise tax competition within the EU will need to be addressed in 2026. The government's increasing demonization of alcohol will also have consequences. It will be a year full of opportunities, but also one fraught with challenges.