Sustainable spirits may still be a niche part of the liquor business, but they’re a clear sign of the zeitgeist, reflecting where both the industry and its consumers are headed. Drinkers today are asking tougher questions: where does this come from, how was it made, and what impact did its production have on people and the environment?
The answers matter. Producers are responding with smarter practices, from regenerative farming to cleaner distilling methods, cutting waste and reducing carbon footprints along the way. Certifications like B Corp or organic seals help, but what resonates most are transparency and credibility. Interstingingly, Scottish producers not only make some of the best whiskies but are some of the most forward-thinking brands at the moment.
From mezcal that revitalizes a village economy to gin made from climate-positive peas, these seven spirits not only taste good but employ good production practices — making this holiday season a little more spirited for everyone.
The first organic Sotol Reposado.
RAUL VILLALOBOS
Hacienda de Chihuahua, Reposado Sotol, $65
Hacienda de Chihuahua, a family-owned distillery in northern Mexico, has played a pivotal role in reviving Sotol, a traditional spirit crafted from the wild-growing Dasylirion plant. Certified organic, the distillery emphasizes sustainable harvesting and innovative techniques like steam-cooking and champagne yeast fermentation. Their Reposado Sotol, aged in French oak barrels, highlights the spirit’s complexity with rich caramel and vanilla notes layered over earthy, herbal undertones, embodying the rugged character of the Chihuahuan Desert.
This rye whiskey from New York uses honey in its production process.
Pollinator Spirits
Pollinator Spirits, Rye Whiskey, $54.99
Claire M. Marin, founder and head distiller, and co-founder Cathy Leidersdorff established Pollinator Spirits in the Western Catskills after transitioning from careers in New York City. The brand draws its name from its honeybee-inspired origins, reflected in both its product line and the use of honey barrels to finish this New York grain-based rye whiskey. The result is a spirit where rye’s signature spice is balanced by nuanced notes of orange, toffee, and wildflowers.
Scottish whisky brands have become some of the most forward-thinking in the industry, including Bruichladdich.
Bruichladdich
Bruichladdich, Islay Barley 2013, $91
This B-Corp certified Scottish distillery is on a mission to decarbonize its distillation process by 2025. Embracing biodynamics and waste-reducing packaging innovations, they also plan to establish on-site maltings, enabling them to locally harvest, malt, distill, mature, and bottle their whisky entirely on Islay. Their Islay Barley, an unpeated single malt sourced from seven island farms, offers a delicate balance of light sweetness, with flavors of honeyed porridge and lemon meringue adding depth and complexity.
Arbikie’s Nàdar Gin has revolutionized gin production.
Arbikie
Arbikie Distillery, Nàdar Gin, $54
Nàdar, meaning “nature” in Gaelic, is the world’s first climate-positive gin, crafted from peas. Based in Scotland, the distillery has a strong tradition of terroir-driven, field-to-bottle sustainability, and this release marks a significant milestone in their environmental commitment. Infused with makrut lime and lemongrass botanicals, Nàdar delivers a refreshing profile, featuring delicate notes of fresh fruit and citrus that embody both innovation and respect for nature.
Mezcal Amarás is well-known for its replanting of agave plants and care with rare and wild species.
Mezcal Amarás
Mezcal Amarás, Cupreata, $69.00
Mezcal is often considered a wine lover’s spirit, offering remarkable diversity through the use of nearly 20 agave varieties in distillation. Mezcal Amarás Cupreata showcases the complexity of single-variety agave, with Cupreata being a less common alternative to the widely used Espadín. Grown on high-altitude slopes in Guerrero and harvested after 13 years, it delivers vegetal, peppery, and mineral-driven flavors, culminating in a bold, spicy finish that highlights its unique terroir.
Nc’Nean has an inspiring story that includes eschewing peat due to the impact harvesting it has on the planet and ecosystems.
Nc’Nean
Nc’Nean, Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky, $89.99
This forward-thinking B-Corp distillery in Scotland is redefining whisky production with sustainability at its core. Nc’nean uses 100% organic Scottish barley, renewable energy, and fully recycled glass bottles, significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Nc’nean Distillery’s decision to produce unpeated whisky stems from both environmental and stylistic considerations. Founder Annabel Thomas has expressed concerns about the sustainability of peat use, highlighting its role as a carbon sink and biodiverse habitat.Their flagship single malt is unpeated and offers a modern, elegant style with notes of citrus, orchard fruits, and a creamy vanilla finish.
Mezcal Tosba stands out as a first-generation, family-run start-up that has revitalized a village economy.
ANNA BRUCE
Tosba Mezcal, Espadín, $67
Sustainability has become a critical issue in the agave spirits industry. The rapid expansion of large-scale tequila and mezcal production has profoundly impacted farming practices, environmental resources, traditional methods, and small-scale producers. Amid these challenges, Mezcal Tosba stands out as a first-generation, family-run start-up that has revitalized a village economy. Their Espadín bottling offers a light nose with long-lasting citrus and fruitiness on the tongue, complemented by a subtle flavor of smoke resulting from the wood-fired roasting of the agave hearts.