Industry Update: Scottish vodka producer granted ‘Grown in Britain’ status in first for UK spirits industry – BIRCH Botanical vodka is the first non-timber product to be recognised by prestigious British forest conservation scheme
In a UK first, BIRCH Premium Botanical Vodka has become the first non-timber product to be certified by Grown In Britain in recognition of its sustainable, forest-based production process.
Produced by pioneering wilderness spirits experts Buck & Birch, this unique recognition relates to the vodka’s star ingredient – Birch sap, which is harvested every spring from Scottish birch trees grown in Buck & Birch’s partner community forests.
Grown in Britain campaigns for the future success of the UK’s woods and forests, engaging with producers to develop a strong and sustainable ‘wood culture’ across the country. Their recognition commends BIRCH vodka’s use of low-impact, highly sustainable harvesting techniques to gather their precious, silky sap, before it is married with pure spirit and infused with birch botanicals to give a delicate, distinctive flavour.
The entrepreneurs and wild flavour innovators behind Buck & Birch, Tom Chisholm and Rupert Waites, set up their business to make exceptional drinks that celebrate the incredible ingredients nature has to offer, having been brought up in the wilderness landscapes of Scotland (Rupert) and Norway (Tom).
They created BIRCH vodka as a delicious wild spirit, which would also bring environmental and economic benefit to the community woodlands and managers they partner with to secure their birch sap.
The company’s Creative Director Tom Chisholm said: ‘It’s an honour and a huge milestone for BIRCH Vodka to be the first non-timber product to be certified by Grown In Britain. This recognises the deep respect we have for our woodlands and the beautiful Scottish birch trees we harvest our sap from. For Rupert and me, every spirit we bottle starts with a walk in the woods and a passion to work hand-in-hand with local communities to protect the wild landscapes we love.’
Dougal Driver, CEO of Grown in Britain added: ‘We’re thrilled BIRCH Premium Botanical Vodka is Grown in Britain certified. Our updated standard now includes trees outside woodlands, recycled content and non-timber products derived from trees – like sap and fruit, which broadens the scope of how we can support both nature and our industry. It is exciting to have Buck & Birch lead the way as the first officially certified tree-derived product – their sustainable harvesting methods and partnerships with local communities, landowners and woodland managers are innovative and inspirational.’
Find out more at www.buckandbirch.com or via Instagram @buckandbirch
