When it comes to doing good for society, liquor brands are not far behind. While you might be shocked to know almost every spirit maker, be it wine, whiskey, or beer, give to charity in one way or another. Some host annual charity events, while others donate a portion of every purchase to a good cause. Liquor companies are now trying to go beyond the ambit and prove their good intentions by taking care of the environment. They are adopting environment-friendly practices to manufacture the liquor to promote sustainability.
Do you want to opt for liquor that is food for you as well as the environment? Dive right in and learn more about the most environment-friendly liquors.
Which liquors are good for the environment?
Whether you are a liquor expert or not, you must consider your taste or preference and the price when buying liquor. You may also even consider the alcohol content which many producers determine with an ethanol extraction chiller. But, if you believe in drinking responsibly, you should opt for one that is good for mother nature. Here are a few alcohols that don’t hamper the environment:
1. Wine:
Wine is among the most popular drinks that you can find in every liquor store. With the bouquet of fruity flavors, you can easily pair wine with any kind of food or event. However, none of this matters if you think about the environmental impact of wine.The most carbon footprint of wine comes not from production but shipping. You can minimize carbon footprints by consuming locally produced wines. If you wish to preserve water, you can go for bubbly wines from easily-harvested grapes with low water requirements.
Must-Try: If you’re looking for organic wine, you must opt for Frey vineyards.
2. Whiskey:
If you’re a whiskey connoisseur, you must know that your favorite golden drink comes from grains like wheat, rye, corn, and barley. The production of whiskey covers many agricultural practices, but it generates a lot of acidic waste. Plenty of whiskey manufacturers are trying to control organic acidic waste production or convert it into biogas energy. Besides that, you can also get organic whiskey that is GMO-free.
Must-Try: Maker’s Mark is a company whose land is a nature preserve and uses local grains. They are a pioneer in the innovative practice of turning waste into biogas energy.
3. Vodka:
Traditionally, vodka came from potatoes, but now manufacturers use all types of grains to produce this liquor. When it comes to the distillation process, vodka needs more water and energy than any other alcohol. It is because vodka is distilled down to 95% ethanol, so many ethanol plants also make vodka and then dilute it to only 40%. The same production process and contents go into the making of gin.
Must-Try: For the ones looking for eco-friendly vodka, you can try the Square One vodka. The brand uses organic ingredients and gets one-third of the electricity from a local wind farm, an entirely renewable energy source.
4. Rum:
While rum is a go-to drink for most people, it is certainly not the most sustainable option. Manufacturers derive rum from sugarcane, which is not precisely an environment-friendly crop. Sugarcane can be responsible for a wide array of notorious destructions. It is associated with soil erosion and pollution, water contamination, loss of biodiversity, land damage by slash-and-burn harvesting. The manufacturers also leave fibrous leftovers in waterways which can throw away the micro-organisms. It can also produce greenhouse gases along with water waste. Many gin producers are now trying to treat the water waste to ensure it doesn’t impact the environment.
Must-Try: If you want to give in to your cravings for a mojito, you can look for organic rums. Try DonQ Rum, produced by a distiller from Puerto Rico. They turn the waste into irrigation water and compost, thus reducing the harm to the environment. The company also uses the excess steam coming from the treatment plant to power the still.
5. Beer:
Whether it is a casual house party or a huge celebration, it is never complete without free-flowing beer. According to an environmental analysis done by New Belgium Brewing Company in 2008, one-third of beer’s greenhouse gases come from its refrigeration. After that, glass production stands at 22%. Even though aluminum production has its environmental impact, it is still a better choice than bottles in terms of carbon emissions. The recycling of beer cans is also relatively easier. If you’re going for a beer, always opt for a can to reduce the harm to nature.
Must-Try: A Colorado-based beer company, New Belgium, produces highly efficient kettles. Their operations are powered by renewable energy, making it an ideal choice for you.
Final thoughts
While you might have heard the term ‘responsible drinking’ plenty of times since you were introduced to liquor, its meaning has changed drastically now. It doesn’t only mean opting for alcohol that is good for you, but also the environment. If you want to opt for sustainable sipping, you can opt for any of the options listed above. They will ensure you have a fun time while also doing good for the earth!
This post was written by Emma Wilson, a content specialist with a focus on health and wellness.
