Doritos and Empirical’s Cheesy Fusion is Nacho Ordinary Spirits
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply curious, get ready to sip on the essence of nacho cheese in a way you’ve never imagined. Cheers to this zany collaboration that blends the iconic nacho cheese taste into a liquid adventure.
By Beth Snider · December 14, 2023
Doritos, a brand known for its bold flavors, has partnered with global flavor innovator Empirical to introduce a unique beverage: the Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit. This limited-release drink promises to deliver the essence of the popular nacho cheese chips in liquid form, offering a new and exciting taste adventure.
This new taste blends the savory and tangy aromas of nacho cheese with the deeper, corn-forward notes of the chip. According to a press release, the spirit opens with umami and tangy nacho cheese aromas, moving into the distinct corn flavors of the chip, and finishing with a soft, salty note. The innovative production process employed by Empirical, utilizing vacuum distillation at lower temperatures, allows for a more authentic representation of the multifaceted iconic chip flavor.
Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2017, Empirical is described as an ‘uncategorized’ spirits company. This distinction grants the spirits company the freedom to experiment with unconventional flavors outside the constraints of traditional categories. Lars Williams, Chef/Distiller & CEO of Empirical, highlighted the company’s ability to take unique flavors such as Doritos, and transform them into something entirely new aligning with their commitment to unexpected flavors.
The partners haven’t just stopped at creating the Nacho Cheese Spirit, they’ve also provided cocktail enthusiasts with creative recipes to elevate their drinking experience. Fans can craft the “Double Triangle Margarita,” “Mary Mary,” and “Red Bag Old Fashioned,” each named in a nod to the chip brand. Social media erupted with mixed reviews as some embraced the idea, declaring the creation “long overdue,” while others found the concept “nauseating.” For those intrigued by this cheesy spirit, it will be available as a limited-edition release starting next month, with preorders starting on December 13, 2023. The spirit comes in a 750ml bottle with 42% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), at the suggested retail price is $65.00.