Spirits of Virtue

Meeting an incredible young man who trained on Islay and is taking traditional techniques into the production of Korean fine spirits. Peated Toasted Rice spirits? Aye! And they taste amazing . The maturation process is very different. Tasted 12 month old that was seriously impressive. Normally I’m the only kiltey ! But his accent was as broad as mine. #Hwashim #breakingthemold

It’s the end of an era for the first bottles to ever roll off the Spirits of Virtue production line.   The last batch of our Dochus non-alc whisky alternative in its distinctive Kingstone bottle has been dispatched to the Old Man of Storr visitor centre, on the Isle of Skye.   As one chapter closes, another begins and we’ll be unveiling a stunning new, lighter Dochus bottle very soon. SoV Creative Director Alex Bontoft has truly outdone himself with the new Dochus design. Keep your eyes peeled.

We love a good trade show. Ideal opportunities to showcase our non-alcoholic spirits, these events are key to boosting our global profile, building valuable connections and securing new partnerships. And we never miss an opportunity to highlight our Scottish heritage. Here are 10 SoV trade show insights…   🛫 The SoV team will clock up around 125,000 miles this year travelling to trade shows and trade missions around the world.   🗽 In 2024, our travels will take us to 23 cities in 14 countries by the year end.   🌎 Attending trade shows has propelled us into 22 countries worldwide.   👄 Our trade show motto, ‘Liquid on lips,’ reflects our belief that tasting our non-alcoholic spirits firsthand is the best way to win over buyers and partners.   🇺🇸 At the 2023 PLMA in Amsterdam, we met our future US e-commerce distributor, igniting a hugely significant partnership.   🗓 Trade shows are not an easy shift. It’s not unusual for us to cram 10 meetings into one day. We also welcome walk-ups.   🥃 While all our brands look and taste great, our non-alc whisky alternative Glen Dochus and gin substitute Pearsons attract most attention.   🤝 Our partnership with MMI began from a simple conversation at Gulfood 2023 in Dubai.   🚢 Trade show exposure has already contributed to a 214% increase in export sales this year.   👀 The SoV gents like to cut a dash at shows by donning their kilts. Always a talking point!   Our trade show adventures continue at Whisky Live Warsaw tomorrow and Saturday. Schedule a meeting in Warsaw here: https://bit.ly/SoVWarsaw. Then, we’re off to Bar Convent Berlin, from 14-16 October. Schedule a meeting in Berlin here: https://bit.ly/SoVBerlin. Or, if you’re in either city and would like to know more about our non-alc spirits and private label capabilities, just swing by and say hello.

Congratulations to Club Soda’s Laura Willoughby MBE and her team for organising the recent Low, Light & Alcohol-Free Summit.   The summit in London brought together start-ups and established brands, supply chain providers, consultancies and allied industries to contribute to “a roadmap for the future of alcohol-free”.   A panelist at the event, SoV Co-founder Roddy Nicoll said: “It was a great experience to engage with such a dynamic group of industry leaders and pioneers at this forward-thinking summit. The NoLo space is evolving rapidly and events like this are crucial for sharing knowledge and addressing the challenges we all face in growing this category.”   #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry

Spirits of Virtue Co-founder Roddy Nicoll has just wrapped up a whirlwind three days in New York – all in the name of business development.   When he wasn’t stopping traffic with his shirts, Roddy packed in back-to-back meetings with strategic advisers, key retail buyers and potential distribution partners.   “It’s been an intense few days,” said Roddy. “I always enjoy meeting people face to face and all the discussions are part of our strategy to increase Spirits of Virtue’s footprint in the US. The US is a crucial growth territory for the company and we’re committed to building lasting partnerships that will help us reach more consumers across the States.”   #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry

Interested in the non-alc drinks industry? Then do yourself a favour and attend next week’s Low, Light & Alcohol-Free Summit in London, organised by Club Soda. A day of learning, support and networking for the pioneering NoLo community, the summit – on 10th September at Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, Waterloo – aims to provide “a roadmap for the future of alcohol-free”. Sessions, questions and ideas discussed throughout the day will become a white paper. Bringing together start-ups and established brands, supply chain providers, consultancies and allied industries, the conference will address four key topics – launching, growing, normalising and collaborating. SoV Co-founder Roddy Nicoll is a panelist at the event. He’ll join Boisson’s Nicholas Bodkins, Vaughan Yates of TVM Collective and Double Dutch’s Raissa de Haas on a panel addressing the question: ‘How Do I Export?’ Together, they’ll offer insights and advice on choosing international markets, finding international partners and distributors, navigating regional regulations, logistics and customs, and much more. “From backyard beginnings, we now ship our non-alc spirits to over 20 countries worldwide,” said Roddy. “Over the years I’ve learned a lot – sometimes the hard way – about exporting and global growth. Exporting is not just about expanding reach; it’s about understanding and embracing the cultural nuances of each market to build lasting partnerships. “The LLAF Summit is a welcome step forward for the NoLo industry,” added Roddy, “and I’m very much looking forward to sharing experiences and insights, alongside a host of respected industry peers.” Buy tickets for the LLAF Summit here: https://bit.ly/LLAFSummit #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry

Who wouldn’t like a well-stocked SoV bar cart like this at home? Showcasing our gorgeous brands, this lovely shot was captured by super-talented food and drink photographer Clair Irwin. We spent a fantastic and highly productive day with Clair in her Glasgow studio recently, shooting our range of zero-proof whisky, vodka, gin, rum and tequila alternatives. And we’re thrilled with the results. SoV Creative Director Alex Bontoft said: “We wanted to capture the essence of a premium bar experience that you can enjoy at home, without the alcohol. Clair really understood our vision and translated it beautifully into each shot, capturing not only the sophisticated visual appeal of our range but also the lifestyle and elegance we aim to deliver with every bottle.” #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry

The Spirits of Virtue family is growing, with Ian McKenzie joining the commercial team in our Glasgow HQ.   Bringing an arsenal of valuable skills across marketing, e-commerce and commercial development, Ian has clocked up a wealth of experience with the C&C Group’s Tennent Caledonian Breweries and Matthew Clark Bibendum divisions. But he’s most at home helping SMEs to grow, which makes him a perfect fit for SoV.   “I’m really enjoying getting to know the SoV team – they’re a lively bunch! – and seeing the ebb and flow between departments,” said Ian. “I’m eager to contribute to SoV’s journey as we reach new heights globally. Moderation is increasingly becoming a lifestyle choice across all age groups and it’s an exciting time to be part of the non-alcoholic spirits movement.”   “Ian’s expertise and enthusiasm are exactly what we need as we continue pushing forward into new markets,” said SoV Co-founder Roddy Nicoll. “It’s a dynamic time for the company and we look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make as we put our expansion plans into motion.”   #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry

It’s double victory for our non-alcs with big wins in this year’s International Spirits Challenge. From our range of vodka alternatives, USKO Nordic Berries lifted a coveted gold medal, and zero-proof tequila substitute Seven Giants Reposado landed silver.   “The gold for USKO Nordic Berries is fantastic news,” said SoV’s Head of Product Development Angela Mount. “We refreshed this recipe last year and really concentrated on elevating the aroma and flavour of the Nordic cranberry, lingonberry and other Nordic fruits.   “ISC judges were also impressed by the balance we’ve achieved in Seven Giants Reposado, where hints of caramel, vanilla and oak beautifully enhance the soft and elegant agave notes,” added Angela. “Introduced to the world just 18 months ago, the Seven Giants range is enjoying remarkable success.”   #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry #internationalspiritschallenge

Big news! We’re now supplying non-alcoholic spirits to Aldi UK.   Greyson’s 0% London Dry and Greyson’s 0% Pink Berries – crafted and produced by Spirits of Virtue – have launched nationwide. New additions to Aldi UK’s own-label Greyson’s range and retailing at £8.99 (70cl), the gin alternatives are low-calorie, vegan and Halal-certified.   “We’re delighted to be working with Aldi and very excited about the launch of these products,” said SoV Co-founder Roddy Nicoll. “The team and all involved have put a lot of hard work into creating and refining these two drinks to optimum quality.”   Pre-launch, Greyson’s 0% London Dry and Greyson’s 0% Pink Berries each won a silver medal in the International Spirits Challenge 2024.   Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “Shoppers are increasingly looking for new ways to enjoy low or no-alcohol drinks, which is why we are excited to expand our offering with the 0% London Dry and Greyson’s 0% Pink Berries.” Commenting on the ISC wins, she added: “We are thrilled they have been recognised by experts in the industry before the products even landed on shelves!”   Spirits of Virtue’s Head of Product Development Angela Mount said: “We worked closely with the Aldi buyers to handcraft the two Greyson’s 0% products to their specific brief and in order to meet the high levels of quality and standards expected by the retailer. That both products were awarded silver by International Spirits Challenge judges pre-launch is a phenomenal achievement and it’s wonderful to see our combined efforts recognised on such a prestigious platform.”   #wedrinkdifferently #nonalcoholic #nonalc #spiritsindustry