Organic and Naturally Vegan
Why are we Organic and Naturally Vegan?
In a marketplace with many organic healthy options, less than one percent of liquor available in today’s marketplace is organic, according to the Land Institute. This even though organic food sales in the U.S. have shown double-digit growth in most years since the 1990s, with no chance of slowing any time soon.
Over the past decade, the appetite for organic products has ballooned past the point of trendiness, bolstering the idea of “going organic” as a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Nearly anything we put into, or onto, our bodies has shifted away from the use of harmful chemicals and toxic pesticides. So why do organic spirits still sound like such a novel concept?
100% organic means that all ingredients have been grown without nitrates, fertilizers, chemical sprays and other chemical growth enhancers. Because there are no fertilizers used, organic spirits are smooth, with very little burn to the taste.
The need to charcoal filter after distillation is not needed with our organic spirits, which come off the still as clean and pure as possible. Non-organic spirits need to be charcoal filtered more than once due to the impurities within the spirit after distillation. Many producers proudly exclaim they filter their spirit many times. This is pure marketing spin, turning a negative into a positive. The more you use the charcoal filter to eliminate impurities, the more you lose the individual character of the spirit.
Finally, organic spirits contain extremely low levels of methanol, which contributes to an uncomfortable after effect commonly called a hangover.
Natural Ingredients
The spirits industry is witnessing a seismic shift as the demand for natural ingredients takes center stage. In a world attuned to wellness and sustainability, consumers seek spirits that delight their palates and align with their values. This growing preference for natural ingredients has propelled distilleries to explore the bountiful offerings of nature, uncovering a realm of previously untapped flavors and possibilities.
One of the primary benefits of using natural ingredients in spirits lies in their inherent purity. Natural ingredients, such as organic grains, herbs and botanicals, are cultivated without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This distinction makes a world of difference in the final product.
Moreover, using natural ingredients in spirits also aligns with environmental sustainability. Conventional agricultural practices often involve the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm water sources and ecosystems.
In contrast, distillers that embrace natural ingredients actively contribute to the preservation of the environment. By sourcing organic sustainability-grown ingredients, Croton Hudson Distillery minimizes its carbon footprint and supports ethical farming practices, fostering a more harmonious relationship between the spirits industry and the planet.
Why Aren’t All Spirits Vegan?
The biggest source of hidden animal products in alcohol enters during the final stages of filtration. For example, many distilleries use a fish bladder/isinglass or gelatin to clarify their spirits. This information is not listed on their labels. Here are the top offenders:
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This is the most common filter still in use today. Isinglass is made from the dried bladders of various fish, mostly cod and sturgeon.
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The skin, tendons, and bones of pigs and cows. This is the same stuff that gives conventional marshmallows their bounce and gummies their chewy texture.
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A dairy product, this common cow’s milk protein is found in abundance in most cheeses.
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Less frequently used these days, as it’s more expensive and typically goes into other applications, such as protein powders and other highly processed foods.
Croton Hudson Distillery’s products are 100% organic and don’t need filtration; our spirits are naturally vegan.
The Future of Natural Ingredients
in the Spirits Industry
Premiumization and eco-friendly standards have been on the rise for the last decade. Today’s consumers are willing to pay more for responsibly produced, better quality alcohol. Consumers focused on quality over quantity want to know what's in their alcohol, how it’s made, and what, if any, additives it may contain.
In a world where discerning consumers seek authentic and meaningful experiences, the natural ingredients trend in the spirits industry has emerged as a beacon of quality, craftsmanship and transparency. Croton Hudson Distillery, with pure clean water at its core, is an avatar in this field.