September is celebrated as Organic Food & Drink Month, a dedicated time to appreciate the variety offered by the organic market. What once seemed like a niche lifestyle choice has now taken a firm hold on mainstream shopping habits, with more consumers actively searching for organic products in supermarkets and local stores.
The realm of organic spirits mirrors this trend, showcasing a growing collection of award-winning beverages. Below are some standout offerings that are worth experiencing.
Benromach
Introduced in 2006, Benromach Organic (currently branded as Contrasts: Organic) holds the distinction of being the world’s first certified organic single malt whisky. It is produced annually in limited batches and carries the UK Soil Association accreditation throughout its production process, from farm to bottle.
Exclusively matured in virgin American oak casks, this groundbreaking Speyside whisky has garnered numerous accolades globally. It delights the palate with sweet, malty flavors paired with hints of banana, coffee, and cocoa, complemented by elegant baking spices. A true masterpiece.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Bruichladdich
The Islay distillery Bruichladdich was an early pioneer in the organic Scotch whisky sector. Its organic edition has become an eagerly anticipated annual release, showcasing how various barley sourced from different farms can create unique flavor profiles in whisky.
The most recent release, The Organic 2011, is non-peated and utilizes barley from a farm near Inverness. It features delicate floral notes harmonizing beautifully with vanilla, lemon zest, and caramelized apple and pear.
Pour yourself a dram, savor, and unwind.
Hardy
Cognacs produced from organic grapes are quite rare, yet we have two exceptional selections here. This VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) is part of Hardy’s esteemed core offerings. Founded in the 1860s by Englishman Anthony Hardy, the company is now managed by the fifth generation of his family.
This VSOP also qualifies as Fine Cognac, meaning it is crafted exclusively from grapes sourced from the prestigious Grande and Petit Champagne crus.
With its elegance, aromatic profile, and delightful fruitiness, it is perfect for sipping neat or over ice.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Jean-Luc Pasquet
This family-owned Cognac house has roots dating back to the 1730s, operating on just 14 hectares of vineyard. Having gone completely organic in the mid-1990s, Pasquet introduced one of the world’s first fully organic Cognacs a decade later.
Today, this innovative distillery offers products with age statements and continues to challenge traditional boundaries. Expect tropical flavors with notes of apricot and peach complemented by a hint of warming oak spice in the 4 Years Old variant, along with richer flavors in the 7 and 10 Years expressions.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Mezcal Amarás
Mezcal, often overshadowed by its more famous sibling Tequila, is experiencing a renaissance. Founded in 2011, Mezcal Amarás embraces traditional artisanal distilling techniques while emphasizing sustainability. They use only 100% organically farmed blue agave, a rarity in Mexico.
A portion of each sale is also directed toward local initiatives that promote social and environmental responsibility.
Nc’ nean
In an age where sustainability is paramount, Nc’ nean in the western Highlands has taken it a step further by becoming the UK’s first certified net-zero emissions whisky distillery.
Utilizing 100% renewable energy and boasting an entirely female production team, this distillery is a model for the future.
It produces single malt whisky exclusively from organic Scottish barley, resulting in a soft, easy-drinking spirit with flavorful notes of apple, peach, citrus peel, and a hint of peppery spice. Truly delightful.
PURE
This crisp and refreshing vodka from WM Spirits is crafted from wheat sourced from family-owned organic farms in the UK, making it a true field-to-bottle spirit.
The farmers adhere to strict regulations, avoiding the use of pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, while maintaining soil health using natural methods. The outcome is a spirited drink that is both clean and vibrant.
Expect earthy and spicy undertones with delicate hints of citrus and florals. Its elegant profile has garnered numerous accolades in international competitions.
Also available as PURE Lite at 20% ABV.
Sacred
Sacred Organic Gin is crafted using a bespoke vacuum distillation process in Highgate, London. Creating organic gin poses unique challenges, as every botanical used—from juniper to orange peel—must be certified organic.
Sacred has excelled in this endeavor, resulting in a gin characterized by an explosion of juniper and citrus, supported by a pleasing earthy and spicy background.
This classic London Dry gin is perfect for crafting a refined martini. Absolutely delicious.
Utkins
The Surrey-based Organic Spirits Co. produces its award-winning Utkins UK5 organic vodka using biodynamically grown wheat from a single estate farm in Austria. The initial distillation occurs on the farm before the spirit is transported to the UK for further processing and bottling.
You can expect a smooth, gentle vodka with a sweet and creamy texture, ideal for sipping over ice with a twist of lemon zest or incorporated in classic cocktails like the cosmopolitan or dry martini. Simply fabulous.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Waterford
Located in southern Ireland, the Waterford distillery is presently the largest organic whisky producer in the world, built from the ground up to achieve this status. Established in 2015, the brand has continuously pushed boundaries, gaining a dedicated following.
Waterford collaborates closely with over 70 local organic farms, using only barley sourced from these farms for their single malts. The diversity of soils (19 different types) informs their innovative approach, introducing the concept of terroir into whisky production.
