great British Producers
Just a few of the many great British Producers.
A selection of amazing British producers of bitter herbal drinks
Asterley Bros
Maybe the vanguard of British bitter herbal drinks – the Asterley brothers certainly have got some good listings in retailers such as Harvey Nics and Fortnum’s. They also have the background – some of the recipes having been developed via Rob’s Sicilian in-laws.
Vault Aperitivo
Dan has not only got a great story about his background in restaurants but he has great plans for Vault.
Dan has created an amazing range of not only new style herbal sprits but also gin and vodka. Defiantly one to watch in 2023.
The Aperitivo! Co
Bristol based – the Aperitivo Co put as much effort into the design of their labels as they do to drinks. Superb design.
Louis and team make a wide range of vermouth, aperitifs and liqueurs – all herbal based.
Sweet Dram
Covid resulted in a few British holidays recently – clouds and all that… Our trips to Scotland opened our eyes to the innovation that is going on. I suppose it’s obvious to Scots but for me it was amazing to see new herbal based drinks using whiskey as a base. Goes to show the diversity of what is going on.
Ostara
One of the things that makes todays English vermouths so exciting is that they can take advantage of the maturing of English vineyards. That is what Julian has set out to do. He uses wine from across the south east as the base of his vermouth along with numerous botanicals.
In the loop
Another producer just focusing on vermouth. This Kent based winery has a strong focus on sourcing locally – using English wine and botanicals. They make a real effort to minimise their environmental impact.
But this is not the only reason to try In the Loop’s vermouth – great either neat or as a V&T or G, V&T.
Sipello
What a great alternative to Campari. Tim produces just one product and that focus shows once you taste it.
Hand ‘crafted’ in the Surrey Hills Sipello is a perfect example that you do not need Campari to make a brilliant Negroni.
Devil's Botany
Bit left field this one – but it fits the bill of herbal based bitter drink. Wormwood (Latin – Artemisia absinthium) is the key.
Rhys has created London’s first absinthe distillery. In keeping with the absinthe tradition his London Absinthe is well over 50% alcohol but sensibly he has created a lower content chocolate absinthe at 24%.
More to come…
This is just a selection of amazing British producers of bitter herbal drinks – we will be updating the list – let us know if you have any ideas……