FIVE OF THE BEST: SUSTAINABLE SPIRITS

The process of manufacturing spirits can have a detrimental effect on the environment, if it isn’t done sustainably. Energy use, sourcing of raw ingredients, water management, packaging and dealing with waste are key issues for producers to tackle. The following brands are worth seeking out for your eco-friendly drinks cabinet.

1 Absolut Vodka £20-£25/70cl Widely available

Sweden’s Absolut is made in the world’s most energy-efficient distillery. Located in Ahus, it’s carbon-neutral and aiming for zero-emissions, zero-waste and 100% recycling by 2040 – all while producing more than half a million bottles of vodka daily. This is a versatile vodka with notes of grain, vanilla and liquorice on the palate.

Alcohol 40%

2 Ketel One Vodka

£23-£26.95/70cl Hard to Find Whisky, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, The Whisky Exchange, Waitrose Cellar

The Nolet Distillery in Schiedam, in the Netherlands, is powered by a giant wind turbine disguised as a traditional Dutch windmill; the surplus energy it generates contributes to the national grid. Brandowner Diageo has a sustainability policy that includes water management, reducing waste and using recycled packaging. Made from 100% GMO-free European wheat and distilled in small batches, it’s smooth and clean with a crisp citrus flavour and notes of honey, plus a long and lively finish that works well in a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%

3 Bombay Sapphire Star of Bombay Gin

£36-£41.50/70cl Amathus Drinks, Amazon UK, Asda, Gerry’s, Harvey Nichols, Hedonism, Master of Malt, Ocado, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World, Tipples & Co

Bombay’s Laverstoke Mill distillery won a BREEAM award (recognising best practice for sustainability) for its design. Features include a biomass boiler that uses byproducts of the distillation process, and renewable, low-carbon energy such as a hydro-electric turbine. The distillery also sits within a wetland conservation area.

Star of Bombay is a premium, small-batch gin, with a punchier taste than the classic Bombay Sapphire. Alc 47.5%

4 Bacardí Carta Blanca Rum

£15-£19/70cl Widely available

Big player Bacardi operates a global initiative called ‘Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future’ which has so far led to a 32-tonne reduction of landfill waste and 90% less carbon emissions at its rum bottling facilities in the US. It works with sustainable sugar-cane farms, aiming for 100% sustainable sourcing by 2022. Carta Blanca is the original Daiquiri rum: light, creamy palate with notes of tropical fruit and vanilla toffee. Alc 37.5%

5 Glengoyne 12 Year Old Single Malt

£35.90-£45/70cl Amazon UK, House of Malt,

John Lewis, Loch Fyne Whiskies, Master of Malt, Robbie’s, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Reserve, Waitrose Cellar, Whisky Please

Run by Ian Macleod Distillers, Glengoyne uses 100% renewable energy. The distillery is set within its own wetlands and is a partner to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, helping to convert CO2 and conserve nature. Matured in ex-Sherry casks, the 12 Year Old is (unusually) an unpeated Highland single malt, which is fruity and easy-drinking. Alc 43% D