First up, we need to be clear about what organic means. Regardless of whether the base for distillation is fruit, sugar cane, molasses, potatoes or cereal crops, every ingredient that goes into the final spirit must be certified organic. This means that the farming practices used to grow the raw ingredients must be carried out without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Certification
The first way to ensure what you are buying is truly organic is by checking for certification. Certification or organic alcoholic spirits in the UK is commonly provided by various regulatory bodies that ensure compliance with organic standards. One of the leading organic certification bodies in the UK is the Soil Association. The Soil Association certifies organic products based on rigorous criteria and regular inspections. To be granted organic certification, spirit producers must adhere to specific guidelines set by the certification body. These guidelines typically involve the use of organic ingredients, traceability, and the segregation of organic and non-organic ingredients. Operatives need to be fully trained in the separation of all elements of the production process to ensure no ‘cross-contamination’. So, for example, with gin, it is not enough that just the base spirit is organic; every single botanical needs to be organically certified and traceable.
Sourcing
When buying organic alcoholic spirits, consumers often prioritise these products for their perceived environmental sustainability, health benefits, and support of organic farming practices. However, it’s important to note that the organic label primarily focuses on the production process and ingredients used rather than the taste or quality of the spirit itself. From an organoleptic point of view, organic certification does not imply any unique or better flavour or aroma profiles. So, when sourcing organic alcohol, it is best to also consider buying from trusted and reputable sources that already have all the right certification in place. Additionally, it is sensible to read product reviews and customer feedback to gain insights into the quality and organic credentials of the alcohol you plan to purchase.
