Sustainable Sipping Guide: Raise Your Glass to Eco-Friendly Alcohol Brands
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Hey there, fellow spirit enthusiasts! Are you ready to join me on a journey that combines our love for fantastic drinks with a commitment to sustainability? Today, we're diving deep into the world of sustainable alcohol brands. Not all boozy beverages are created equal when it comes to environmental impact, so let's answer some burning questions: Why is alcohol not always sustainable? And what counts as sustainable when choosing our beloved tipples? Grab your favourite glass, and let's uncover a gorgeous selection of eco-friendly drinks together.
When we think of sustainability, recycling bins and solar panels often come to mind, right? Well, the alcohol industry faces its fair share of challenges in the environmental department. Ingredients, sourcing, production methods, and even packaging choices can all leave a mark on the environment. Think long-distance transportation, excessive water usage, and energy-guzzling distillation processes. It's a lot to navigate.
So, what exactly counts as sustainable when it comes to alcohol? Sustainable spirits are all about making conscious choices that reduce our ecological footprint. It means embracing practices like organic farming, fair trade, renewable energy, and waste reduction. We're talking about packaging that won't make Mother Earth cringe and supporting local communities along the way. These sustainable alcohol brands have made it their mission to deliver exceptional taste and quality while giving our planet a well-deserved break.
Stick with me as we embark on this flavorful adventure through the world of sustainable spirits. We'll discover innovative practices, tantalizing flavours, and where to get your hands on these conscious concoctions. Whether you're a gin lover, tequila aficionado, rum enthusiast, vodka connoisseur, or whisky admirer, there's something for everyone who wants to sip responsibly. So, raise your glass, my friend, and let's toast to a future where we can indulge in fantastic drinks while keeping our planet in mind. Cheers to sustainable drinking!
Sustainable Gins That Tease Your Taste Buds, Not the Planet
Renais Gin
Shop Now (Direct)
Flavour Profile: Balanced and aromatic gin with notes of juniper, citrus, and floral elements
Why do they make the list? Renais Gin (founded by Emma Watson!?!) earns its place among sustainable spirits due to its strong dedication to environmental consciousness and innovative use of upcycled grapes. This carbon-neutral gin brand sources organic botanicals from sustainable farms and utilises natural and responsible farming practices. What sets them apart is their commitment to upcycling grapes from the wine industry that would otherwise go to waste, reducing food waste and adding a unique twist to their gin production. By repurposing these grapes, they contribute to a more sustainable and circular approach to ingredient sourcing. Additionally, Renais Gin prioritizes eco-packaging materials by partnering with Magical Mushroom Company foam and actively supports reforestation projects, demonstrating their commitment to minimizing waste and preserving natural ecosystems. Renais Gin offers a sustainable choice for gin enthusiasts looking for creativity and sustainability that goes beyond the bottle.
PenRHos Gin
✅ Refill
Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Smooth, well-balanced floral gin with blueberry and Mediterranean juniper berries
Why do they make the list? Penrhos Gin secures its place among sustainable spirits with its Herefordshire farming heritage, small-batch, copper-distilled gin offering. They prioritize sustainability by growing their own fruit and barley, utilizing locally sourced botanicals, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation (think about the weight of glass vs refills!) They also employ eco-friendly and refillable packaging, minimizing the waste your cocktails leave behind. It’s rare to find refillable spirits, so cheers to Penrhos Gin, offering a sustainable choice for gin enthusiasts who value both exceptional taste and a commitment to protecting the planet (without leaving the country).
Sustainable Tequila and Mezcal That'll Pump Up the Party
Casamigos Tequila
Blanco | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Crisp and clean with subtle hints of citrus, vanilla and sweet agave with a smooth finish
Reposado | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Soft, slightly oaky with hints of caramel and cocoa, silky texture with a smooth finish
Añejo | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Soft caramel and vanilla notes, with subtle hints of spice and barrel oak and a smooth finish
Why do they make the list? Despite being majority owned by Diageo, Casamigos Tequila earns its place among sustainable spirits through its commitment to responsible production practices. Diageo already plans to become carbon neutral by 2030, so they’re actively improving their production, packaging and transport impact. Casamigos, in particular, prioritize sustainability by sourcing their agave from family-owned farms in the Jalisco Highlands, promoting local agriculture and supporting communities. They already implement water conservation techniques and use energy-efficient distillation processes to minimize their environmental impact. Additionally, they prioritize waste reduction and recycling, ensuring that byproducts from the production process are repurposed or recycled. Despite being part of a larger company, Casamigos Tequila maintains its dedication to sustainability, making it a worthy choice for tequila enthusiasts seeking eco-friendliness in the familiar.
Vivir Tequila
Blanco | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Fresh floral notes on the nose and palate
Reposado | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Earthy agave on the nose and slight vanilla sweetness to taste
Añejo | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: An exotic palate of smoky oak, burnt bananas and rich chocolate
Why do they make the list? Vivir Tequila earns its place among sustainable spirits due to its unwavering commitment to sustainability throughout the tequila production process. They prioritize traditional production methods that ensure the integrity and quality of their tequila while minimizing environmental impact. They embrace sustainable farming practices, ensuring the cultivation of agave in a manner that respects the land and promotes biodiversity. They also support local communities, recognizing the importance of social responsibility. Vivir Tequila offers a sustainable choice for tequila enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry behind the spirit and its positive impact on the environment and communities.
Mijenta Tequila
🐝 B Corp
Reposado | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Delicate and inviting vanilla nose with notes of bergamot, honey, preserved fruits and orange blossom flowers
Blanco | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Aromatic and complex with flavours of melon, honey and cinnamon
Why do they make the list? Mijenta Tequila secures its place among sustainable spirits with its holistic approach to tequila production. They prioritize sustainability by implementing environmentally friendly processes and supporting water conservation initiatives. They are deeply committed to preserving agave biodiversity and protecting local ecosystems. They also actively support local artisans, ensuring a positive social impact within the community. Mijenta Tequila offers a sustainable choice for tequila enthusiasts who value environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Lost Explorers Mezcal
Espadín | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Well-balanced with hints of sweet apple, ripe fruits and a mild smoky layer
Tobalá | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Earthy with hints of tobacco, cocoa, vanilla and leather, with a balance between wood aromas and umami flavours
Salmiana | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Herbaceous, offering a sweet and spicy profile with hints of green chilli, grapefruit and fresh agave
Why do they make the list? Lost Explorers Mezcal earns its place among sustainable spirits with its unwavering dedication to environmental preservation. They prioritize agave diversity and reforestation, working towards a sustainable future for mezcal production. They source their mezcal from diverse agave varieties, promoting biodiversity and supporting the preservation of unique plant species. They also adhere to traditional production techniques that minimize their ecological footprint. With a smoky and earthy flavour profile that reflects the essence of agave, Lost Explorers Mezcal offers a sustainable choice for mezcal enthusiasts who appreciate the rich history and natural beauty of this Mezcal.
Dos Hombres' Tobala Mezcal
Espadin Joven | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Distinct smoky and herbal taste that captures the essence of the agave plant.
Why do they make the list? Dos Hombres earns its place among sustainable spirits with its commitment to ethical and eco-friendly practices. They prioritize sustainability by sourcing their mezcal from wild agave varieties, promoting biodiversity and conservation efforts. They follow traditional production methods that preserve the integrity of the agave plant and the surrounding environment. Dos Hombres also takes into account the social impact of their operations, ensuring fair treatment of local communities involved in the production process. With a distinct smoky and herbal taste that captures the essence of the agave, Dos Hombres stands as a sustainable choice for mezcal enthusiasts seeking a taste of tradition and a commitment to the planet.
A Sustainable Rum Journey Through Rich Flavours and Exciting Initiatives
Toti Rum
✅ Refill
Dark | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Smooth and rich with a very pleasing aroma of vanilla, bananas and spiced caramel
White | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Smooth and rich with hints of tropical fruits and caramel
Why do they make the list? Toti Rum secures its spot as a sustainable spirit by championing eco-conscious practices throughout its production and achieving B Corp Status. They are committed to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact. With refillable bags, Toti Rum offers an innovative solution that reduces single-use packaging waste. By encouraging customers to reuse the bags, they contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution, which significantly impacts the ocean (their sustainability muse). Toti donates 15% of their profits to marine conservation charities, protecting turtles and the seas they swim in. Through their dedication to sustainability and crafting exceptional rum, Toti Rum offers an enticing choice for conscientious consumers seeking both quality and eco-friendliness.
Two Drifters Rum
🐝 B Corp
Signature Dark | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Unique character with notes of orange peel and muscovado sugar
White | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Crisp and clean with fresh notes of vanilla, apple, white pepper and lime zest
More from Two Drifters | Shop Now (Amazon)* ⬅️ click here if pineapple excites you… 🍍 👀
Why do they make the list? Two Drifters Rum is a Devon-distilled B Corp rum that earns its place among sustainable spirits. They have an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility through adopting a carbon-negative approach to rum production. They actively minimize their ecological footprint through renewable energy sources, zero-waste production methods, and plastic-free packaging. By offsetting more carbon dioxide emissions than their entire production process generates, they go the extra mile to positively impact the planet. With their unique character and flavours that evoke the essence of the Caribbean, Two Drifters Rum offers a guilt-free indulgence for rum enthusiasts who appreciate sustainable sips.
Vodka Unleashed: Make Your Eco-Conscious, Party Animal Heart Skip a Beat
Black Cow Vodka
Original | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Creamy and smooth with a rich, velvety texture.
English Strawberries | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Refreshing and fruity with the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and creamy vodka.
Why do they make the list? Black Cow Vodka stands out for its innovative approach to production. What sets them apart is their use of discarded whey, a byproduct from cheese-making, as the base for their vodka. By utilizing this surplus ingredient that would otherwise go to waste, they reduce food waste and contribute to a more sustainable production process. Additionally, the brand is committed to employing eco-friendly practices throughout its production, such as using renewable energy sources and implementing plastic-free packaging. With a focus on reducing its environmental impact while delivering a smooth and creamy vodka, Black Cow Vodka exemplifies the essence of sustainability in the spirits industry.
Sapling Spirits
🐝 B Corp
✅ Refill
Original | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Clean, creamy, and smooth with a touch of sweetness that lends itself beautifully to a martini, vodka tonic, or on the rocks
Climate Positive Gin | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Bold juniper flavours with hints of rosemary and zest for a herbaceous finish.
Raspberry + Hibiscus | Shop Now (Amazon)*
Flavour Profile: Crisp and floral (and made with wonky fruits)
Why do they make the list? Why do they make the list? Sapling Vodka secures its place among sustainable spirits due to its strong commitment to environmental responsibility. They prioritize sustainability by planting a tree for every bottle sold, making them a carbon-neutral brand. They also use locally sourced English wheat, reducing their carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. They utilize renewable energy sources in their production process and implement packaging made from recycled materials. Additionally, they actively support reforestation initiatives and environmental organizations, further contributing to positive ecological impact. Sapling Vodka offers a conscious choice for vodka enthusiasts who value both exceptional taste and environmental stewardship. Oh, and they also do gin*!
Please note that price and availability may vary, so it's recommended to check with the individual brand's website or the mentioned retailers for the most up-to-date information on where to purchase these spirits in the UK.