Climate positive drinks
Nardar means nature in Gaelic which is fitting for this gin. Nadar gin is a Scottish distilled gin from The Arbikie Highland estate. The gins base spirit is made from the humble pea as it does not require any nitrogen or artificial fertiliser. Each bottle saves 1.54kg or 0.2 stone of carbon dioxide. Nardar is at the forefront of fighting climate change with its climate-positive methodology and practices. The Arbikie Highland estate is also helping fight biodiversity loss. At the estate, they make their own base spirit, which means they can control their crops and direct control of the whole production.
The simple pea is developed into their base spirit which is then used to make their gin and vodka. Pea plants are very helpful in improving soil quality, as the pea plants grow they collect nitrogen. This improvement in the soil allows crop rotation to be more beneficial to farms, increasing yield and quality of the harvest.
Legumes are a few plants that can take advantage of the nitrogen in our air. Most plants are unable to tap into this resource, meaning that peas are unique and renewable resources.
During the fermentation process, they have a method called pot ale. Pot ale is a liquid filled with proteins, a reusable waste product from the fermentation process. Pot ale can be given to livestock as feed resulting in lower wastage. Pot ale from peas and legumes is more sustainable for animal feed than traditional feeds. With the increase in demand for animal products, there is an increase in animal feed. Deforestation and overworked soils have become a by-product of the overproduction of animal feed. Using legumes is a more long-term solution for feeding our livestock.
Let's get to the gin itself, there are hints of citrus and lemongrass. Both are grown on the estate where the gin is distilled. A fruity note at first then once tasted there is a refreshing and silky taste on the palate. Fill a glass with homemade ice, and 2 parts of your climate-positive gin, and top up with sustainable tonic water. Slice of lime or ginger. “ The aromas instantly let you know that it has ventured away from a classic grain base, while the green, herbal, subtly vegetal, and fruity character of the lime leaves and lemongrass provides a flavour profile that feels fitting of its name, meaning 'nature' in Gaelic.” Paul Jackson 2021 from The Gin Guide.
This gin is the start of a new wave of climate-positive gins and other alcohol products entering the market.
Resources and quotes