Toasting indie d2c retailers this Christmas
At the advent of the Christmas season, we reflect back on the independent drink retailers that have stood out during 2022 and (in the writers opinion), are sure winners for stocking up on this December.
Berkshire based 137 Distillery launched an Ivy vodka earlier in the year and opened up a bricks and mortar experience Eat.Drink.Distil. Their unique gin blend is triple distilled making it a premium product so it’s no surprise they scooped up a gold at The World Gin Awards 2022 and their gin experiences sell out fast. Master distiller and founder Pete Lumber was recently welcomed into the Gin Guild which exclusively has just over 400 members worldwide.
Dunnet Bay Distillery, based in Scotland, named their first still which has been operational since 2014, ‘Elizabeth’ after a very famous lady who returned to Caithness year after year, HRH Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. The distillery recently launched their Rock Rose smoked orange gin which is a great festive treat and was developed by one of their graduate recruits. They also produce a Holy Grass Vodka and offer various hamper options, ideal for gifting.
Family founded Sibling Distillery are a strong independent brand who use 100% renewable energy, recyclable materials (glass and paper) and are sent in biodegradable packaging. Since we last met up with Sibling, they have launched a subscription service and offer gift miniature sets.
Rockstar Spirits was launched to create the very best spiced rum in 2018 and have gone on to be recommended on Dragons Den, This Morning and Sunday Brunch. The Christmas recommendation would be the Captain Webb’s Two Swallow rums, the Passionfruit Granade or the Cherry Bomb rum.
Sloemotion Distillery’s award-winning Sloe Gin as a perfect example of a drinks business embracing the importance of rewilding on UK farmlands to improve insect and bird diversity. This ethos led to a collaboration with infamous influencers at Sorted Food. Together, they have re-released their hugely popular ‘Strawberry Gin Liqueur with Vanilla & Black Pepper’. This is a perfect conscious gift this Christmas.
For the music and drinks lover, 8Track Rum is an independent Cornish label born from a love of music and celebrating good times. It is committed to supporting the independent music industry, whilst doing good for our people and the planet. 8Track is the first launch from Upbeat Spirits founded by friends Jeremy Mitchell and Matt Franks. 8Track also partner with TULU, a creative development network for independent artists to connect, create and collaborate with each other, industry professionals and brands.
