Goldschläger and Fireball are two prominent cinnamon liqueurs from Sazerac Company.
One features a real 24-karat gold inside the bottle, while the other is popular because of its strong cinnamon taste and aroma.
But which cinnamon liqueur is better? Here’s a detailed comparison between Goldschläger vs Fireball. Read on.
Comparing Goldschläger vs Fireball Whisky
Fireball is a flavored whiskey that combines cinnamon and Canadian whisky, while Goldschläger is a flavored schnapps liqueur with a spicy cinnamon taste.
Fireball has a golden amber hue, while Goldschläger has a clear appearance with gold flake leaves.
The Fireball was introduced in Canada in 1984, while Goldschläger was produced in Switzerland in the 1990s.
Fireball has lower alcohol proof than Goldschläger, which makes it easier to drink. In addition, Fireball is cheaper by roughly $12.50 than Goldschläger.
History & Origin
Fireball came out in 1984 in Canada, but it was known as “Dr. McGillicuddy’s Fireball Whisky” before Sazerac ditched its Dr. McGillicuddy’s name and gave the sweet treat a bit of makeover.
On the other hand, Goldschläger was originally crafted in Switzerland in the 1990s.
When Diageo acquired it, it was produced in Italy. But now that Sazerac owns the brand, it is manufactured in Montreal.
Goldschläger means “gold beater” about the gold leaf manufacturer who turns gold bricks into thin sheets.
Production & Distillation
Fireball cinnamon is a blend of Canadian whisky, cinnamon flavoring, and sweetener.
It was originally part of Seagram’s flavored schnapps but is now part of the Sazerac Company.
Goldschläger is a cinnamon-flavored schnapps from Switzerland, and this liqueur is prominent because of its gold flakes floating inside the bottle.
Goldschläger has a clear appearance because it is schnapps, a distilled spirit with flavorings [1].
While most people think Sazerac halted the production of Goldschläger, it is continually produced.
“There was a time when we were constantly doing shots of Goldschläger.”
– Bo Wayne, Veteran Bartender.
Goldschläger is out of the limelight as other cocktails and spirits trends gain traction.
Main Ingredients
Fireball’s main ingredients are Canadian whisky, cinnamon, and sweeteners. The brand uses an all-natural cinnamon to give the liqueur a unique and sweet taste.
Fireball is also blended with Canadian whisky, a distilled spirit that should be aged in a wooden barrel for three years [2].
On the other hand, Goldschläger is made from neutral spirits, artificial or natural cinnamon, and sugar. Learn how to make cinnamon whiskey here.
Liquor Type
While Fireball has been known to be a cinnamon whisky, it is not a whisky but a liqueur or flavored whiskey.
It may contain Canadian whisky, but since it has 33% ABV and is produced outside Canada, it cannot be considered a Canadian whisky.
On the other hand, Goldschläger is a schnapps liqueur, a strong alcoholic beverage flavored with cinnamon.
Due to its taste, it has great versatility in desserts and cocktails.
Alcohol Content
Goldschläger features higher alcohol content than Fireball cinnamon whisky.
Goldschläger boasts 43.5% alcohol content (87 proof), but it was originally developed with 53.5% ABV. Also, each 750ml contains not more than 0.1 gram of gold leaf.
On the contrary, Fireball cinnamon whisky contains 33% ABV (66 proof).
Also, to cater to other states that can sell spirits with low alcohol content, they offer 21% ABV (42 proof).
Tasting Notes
Goldschläger
Palate: Sweet, rich cinnamon, black pepper, and fiery chili-like heat
Nose: Sweet and rich cinnamon
Color: Clear with flakes of gold
Finish: Long, dry, with cinnamon and black pepper
Fireball
Palate: Very sweet with a strong finish of candied cinnamon and spick kick of whiskey
Nose: Sweet cinnamon, cider, with a slightly peppery aroma
Color: Golden amber
Finish: Cinnamon, menthol, spicy candy, with unique notes
Bottle Design
Goldschläger features a nice clear bottle with a minimal label to highlight the 24-karat gold flakes of the liqueur.
Fireball cinnamon whisky bottle features a yellow label with a fire-breathing dragon.
Once you take a shot of this liqueur, it’s like standing face to face with a dragon who ate a barrel of spicy cinnamon whiskey. But is Fireball gluten-free?
Ownership & Distillery
Goldschläger is owned and produced by Diageo, but in 2018, they sold it to Sazerac Company, including 19 other lower-end brands.
It is produced in Montreal and bottled in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Sazerac Company owns the Fireball cinnamon whiskey, but Seagrams previously owned it. Sazerac Company bottles it in Louisville, Kentucky.
Price Point
Fireball is cheaper than Goldschläger. Based on Drizly online, Fireball costs around $21.99 per 1L bottle, while Goldschläger costs roughly $34.49 per 1L bottle.
FAQs
Is Goldschläger still made?
Yes, Goldschläger is still in production. Sazerac owns the brand, produced in Montreal, imported, and bottled in Sazerac Company, Louisville, KY.
Is Fireball more popular than Goldschläger?
Yes, Fireball is more popular than Goldschläger. Some drinks may or may not love Fireball, but it is undeniably more popular than Goldschläger.
Is the gold in Goldschläger worth anything?
No, the gold in Goldschläger does not worth anything. The gold accounts for less than $1 as it weighs 0.1 grams which means it is near-negligible for its roughly $35 per 1L bottle price tag.
What is Goldschläger, and how does it differ from Fireball?
Goldschläger is a Swiss cinnamon schnapps liqueur with 24-karat gold flakes, while Fireball is a Canadian cinnamon whiskey liqueur, each offering unique flavors and characteristics.
What are the flavor differences between Goldschläger and Fireball?
Goldschläger has a smoother and sweeter taste with hints of cinnamon and gold flakes, while Fireball has a spicier and more intense cinnamon flavor with a whiskey undertone.
Can I use Goldschläger and Fireball interchangeably in cocktails?
While both are cinnamon-flavored liqueurs, they have distinct taste profiles, so they may not always be interchangeable in cocktails, depending on the desired flavor outcome.
Which one is stronger, Goldschläger or Fireball?
In terms of alcohol content, Fireball typically has a higher proof than Goldschläger, making it slightly stronger in terms of alcohol potency.
Are there any cocktails specifically designed for Goldschläger or Fireball?
Yes, there are cocktails tailored to each liqueur’s unique flavor profile, such as the Gold Rush cocktail for Goldschläger and the Fireball Cider for Fireball, offering different taste experiences.
Can I drink Goldschläger and Fireball straight or on the rocks?
Yes, both Goldschläger and Fireball can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks for a simple yet flavorful drinking experience, highlighting their distinctive cinnamon flavors.
Final Thoughts
In the 1990s, Goldschläger was extremely popular, and seeing a bottle gives us a trace of nostalgia.
However, Fireball cinnamon is better than Goldschläger in terms of taste and price.
Fireball cinnamon is a flavored whiskey with a lower ABV than Goldschläger, but it makes a great drink.
It has an aggressive cinnamon flavor worth taking a shot or mixing in cocktails.
References:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/cinnamon-schnapps-profile-drink-recipes-760258
- https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._870/section-B.02.020.html
