Scottish zero-alcohol spirits producer Spirits of Virtue has announced a relaunch and expansion of its portfolio.
Established in 2018 by brothers Roddy and Kerr Nicoll, the company claims to produce the broadest range of zero-alcohol spirits in the UK, with no less than 24 products providing non-alcoholic equivalents in most of the major spirit categories.
Having carved out a market space for itself in the Gulf States and Australia, the company is now working to refocus on the UK, alongside other international markets.
Roddy Nicoll noted the recent rapid evolution of the low’n’no market – “It’s like the Wild West!” – and conceded that the company was ‘still learning and discovering’ how best to survive and thrive in the burgeoning sector.
“Our vision was, and is, to create the best portfolio in the market, across the entire portfolio, with the best product, the best packaging, the best provenance,” said Roddy.
“We are in the lucky position of being a small and entrepreneurial company that can adapt swiftly to market trends and the evolution of the sector. We can be swift and disruptively nimble in an ever-changing market.”
Sprits of Virtue’s products are marketed under separate brands – ‘Glen Dochus’ is a range of five non-alcoholic whisky alternatives reflecting the company’s Scottish heritage; ‘Seven Giants’ is a range of three non-alcoholic tequila alternatives; and ‘Pearsons’ is a range of five botanicals.
These are joined by two non-alcoholic American whiskey alternatives, under the ‘SOBOUR’ brand; five zero-alcohol vodka alternatives under the ‘USKO’ brand; and four dry cane rum alternatives marketed as ‘270° Botanicals’.
All these products are based on water from the Cairngorm mountains, use only natural flavourings, and are not only vegan and vegetarian but also low in sugar and halal-certified.
The company has also developed a single-serve pouch offering across its range, designed to encourage consumer trial and reduce the initial risk of purchase.
Production director Kerr Nicoll said: “We believe totally in what we’re doing; that’s what drives us every day as a small team. It’s all about respect for the end consumer and providing them with the very best product; from the unique Cairngorm water to the botanicals and ingredients, the formulation process, the glass, and the packaging. We want the ultimate quality, with provenance and authenticity.”
In preparation for the relaunch, the company brought in accredited creative designer Alex Bontoft, and drinks Industry expert Angela Mount, who has worked on the product range.
Since the redevelopment, the company has won awards for every entry into international competitions, including three golds at IWSC and Drinks Business Global Masters, together with numerous silvers and bronzes.
