Second climate-positive spirit launched with pea-based vodka

Second climate-positive spirit launched with pea-based vodka

ABOVE: Kirsty Black and Professor of Zymology at Abertay University, Graeme Walker

Scientists who created the world’s first climate positive gin have added to their drinks range – creating the world’s first climate positive vodka 

Five years of extensive research at Abertay University and the James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with Arbikie Distillery, has led to the development of Nàdar Vodka in time for World Sustainable Spirits Day. 

The spirit - crafted from the pea-base spirit originally developed for Arbikie’s initial world-first Nàdar Gin- avoids more carbon dioxide emissions than it creates with a carbon saving of over1.53 kg CO₂e per bottle. The drink derives its environmental performance from again utilising the humble garden pea: avoiding the need for synthetic fertilizer and reliance on imported protein for animal feed. 

The single-estate distiller controls the growing, distilling and bottling process, which ensures exceptional provenance and traceability. 

"By shifting our focus to climate change and biodiversity loss we not only want to minimise our impact on the environment but also inspire and demonstrate to others the potential options available and how they might take advantage of these challenges.” - Master Distiller Kirsty Black

Master Distiller, Kirsty Black said: “We’re always looking to think differently, and by aligning our distillery production with the activity of the farm, we are using our knowledge of growing, and the vagries of the changing Scottish climate, and indeed how these factors impact our growing season, to produce the finest spirits from some of the best agricultural land in the country. 

"By shifting our focus to climate change and biodiversity loss we not only want to minimise our impact on the environment but also inspire and demonstrate to others the potential options available and how they might take advantage of these challenges.” 

Director at Arbikie Distillery, Iain Stirling added: “Arbikie is focused on becoming one of the world’s most sustainable distilleries, as both farmers and distillers we are in an ideal position to grow & distil our family of sustainable spirits. 

"Sustainable products, particularly in the area of food and drink, are undoubtedly the future, and they will be the major economic driving force in the years to come, not just in Scotland, but across the world. 

"We are fortunate to have such a wonderful environment from which we can produce the highest quality of spirits, and we’re proud to play a part at the vanguard of what is becoming a global movement."

The launch of Nàdar Vodka falls on Arbikie’s World Sustainable Spirits Day, launched to reinforce the importance of reducing “spirit-miles”, operating in a sustainable and ethical manner whilst taking responsibility for the impact we have on our planet. World Sustainable Spirits Day will connect and encourage those in the Food and Drinks Industry to become as sustainable as possible.  

Glen Montgomery, Head Sommelier of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at The Gleneagles Hotel said: “Nàdar brings a whole new dimension to the drinks industry. Along with a luxury drinking experience, Nàdar has a strong sustainability message, which is fascinating. 

"At Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, quality and flavour are at the heart of everything we do. To be able to offer that same uncompromising quality, while also being underpinned by sustainability, makes Nàdar Vodka an essential addition to our Restaurant offering. 

"The sustainability movement is a tremendous step for the drinks industry, and we're delighted to be 'doing our bit' and to demonstrate that change is within our reach.”