Sustainable Spirits to Start Your Year Right
As we welcome the New Year, many of us are making resolutions to be more mindful about our choices, including the drinks we consume. January is the perfect time to explore sustainable spirits that not only taste great but also have a positive impact on the environment. Here at The Good Pour, we love supporting brands that are committed to sustainability and responsible practices. Let’s take a closer look at some outstanding spirits that are leading the way in eco-friendly production.
Ever heard of geothermal distilling? It’s as cool as it sounds! Reyka Vodka hails from Iceland, where they use water from a lava spring running through a 4,000-year-old lava field. This vodka is distilled using a Carter-Head Still, which ensures it’s super smooth, and then it’s purified through lava rocks. Talk about natural filtration! Plus, Reyka has a zero-carbon footprint, making it a great choice for the environmentally conscious. With each batch distilled over six hours, Reyka brings you a small-batch vodka that’s as pure as the Icelandic landscape.
Gray Whale Gin is all about great taste - and giving back. They donate 1% of their annual sales to Oceana, a marine conservation organization. Inspired by a trip to Big Sur, founders Marsh and Jan Mokhtari created a gin using botanicals from the Gray Whale’s migratory path. With organic paint and a 100% biodegradable cork, even their packaging is eco-friendly. You can also send your empty bottle back to be transformed into a candle. Sip on Gray Whale Gin and toast to the ocean!
Did you know Ketel One’s distillery in the Netherlands is powered by a windmill? That’s right, they harness the power of wind, and any extra energy goes back to the grid. Named after their first coal-fired copper still, Ketel One has been perfecting their vodka since 1691. Today, they use windmills, solar panels, and even electric bikes to power their operations. Their vodka, including Ketel One Vodka, Ketel One Citroen, and Ketel One Oranje, are cocktail favorites. It’s sustainability and tradition in every bottle.
Flor de Caña isn’t just making great rum, they’re setting the bar for sustainability. As the first spirit brand to be both carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified, they’re serious about their environmental impact. Located at the base of Nicaragua’s most active volcano, their distillery has been powered by renewable energy for over a decade. They even capture CO2 emissions during fermentation and plant 50,000 trees annually. Since 1913, they’ve provided free schooling for workers’ children and free family healthcare since 1958. Their award-winning rums, like the 30-year-old V Generaciones, are a testament to their commitment to both quality and the planet.
Mijenta Tequila is doing things differently. Based in Jalisco, Mexico, they became the first Tequila producer to receive a B Corp certification in 2022. This means they meet high standards for social and environmental performance. From using recycled agave waste for their labels to being fully carbon-neutral, Mijenta is leading the way in sustainable tequila production. With their focus on sustainability, you can enjoy their award-winning tequila knowing you’re supporting a brand that cares.
Maker’s Mark is making big strides in sustainability with their goal to divert all landfill waste by Summer 2025. Their recycling program encourages employees to bring in their bottles and cans, and they compost food scraps, grain dust, and barrel char. This dedication to reducing waste is just one way Maker’s Mark is committed to the environment. Enjoy their bourbon knowing it’s made with care for both the community and the planet.
