Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Mindful Drinking and Moderation in Midlife: How to Drink Less, On Your Terms
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #67. MUUSH: The Functional Mushroom Elixir Served Hot, Cold & in Mocktails | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:57:11 | |
Matt Martin is the co-founder of MUUSH functional mushroom elixirs. A unique range of alcohol-free drinks that can be mixed and served hot, cold or added into mocktails – covering your functional needs though morning, noon and night. But they’re not stopping there. Matt & Dan have also added an extension of kid-friendly drinks with their Mini Muush range, and wanting to ensure Generation A stays enthused and motivated, they’ve also launched a brand new docuseries called ‘One Small Step’, sharing the incredible feats of regular humans doing exceptional things. Warm yourself up or cool yourself down with a MUUSH and settle in for a listen…
WE CHAT ABOUT 1:54 2025: A big year? 3:36 Matt's story 6:13 Land Rover events 7:24 Working with Asahi 9:10 The inspiration for MUUSH 12:14 What makes MUUSH unique 14:57 Adding functional mushrooms 18:08 Does it taste like mushrooms 22:22 Hot, cold & in mocktails 28:17 For the kids: Mini MUUSH 29:36 Carcinogenic concerns of sugar 32:02 One Small Step docuseries 34:17 Disrupting the alcohol market 42:07 Functional gains 47:25 Where to connect 47:55 One Small Step guests 51:15 The BBQ-Q
============ TRY MUUSH // @MUUSH.UK // MUUSH.CO ============ WE ALSO TALK ABOUT: ============ #64 FAQ: What do functional beverages do? === | |||
| #66. Active vs Passive Moderation Techniques | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:29:36 | |
“It's a change in who you are. It's a change in the way you think. It's a change in the way that you act, and, most importantly, it's a change in your belief system.”
0:21 Active vs passive moderation 0:46 Warning: Not suitable for people with AUD 2:19 3 Es Framework 3:52 What is active moderation? 4:41 Setting the rules of active moderation 5:34 Pros of active moderation 7:30 Cons of active moderation 8:19 The final countdown 9:34 It's only temporary 10:23 Pros of passive moderation 12:13 Long-term sustainability 12:58 My passive moderation journey 13:53 Does alcohol serve you? 15:55 Cons of passive moderation 16:43 Understanding yourself 18:58 Which one is best for you? 20:52 Swapping between active and passive moderation 22:35 Mindful drinking parallels 23:01 From passive moderation to active 25:22 No right way 26:15 Questions to ask yourself
Best episode to listen to next: #63 FAQ: What exactly are zebra striping and bookending (& do they work)? === | |||
| #58. What Do I Do After Dry January? | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:11:24 | |
============================================= FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES
============================================= === | |||
| #57. Why Non-Alc is Boring: Drink The Pathfinder | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:56:31 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE FIRST HURDLES - START YOUR MINDFUL DRINKING JOURNEY IN JUST 3 DAY ====== “I actually think non-alc is boring now.” “The UK is the most sophisticated non-alc market in the world!” ====== Rish Ravalia is the UK Manager for The Pathfinder. Rish Ravalia doesn’t pull any punches. In this interview, Rish tells me exactly why he thinks the non-alc category is boring and what his brand, The Pathfinder, is doing to change that. We talk about the controversial way some brands are approaching bars and why they are therefore struggling to stock the best drinks, and we discuss the growth of the brand and the category and why now is the right time for them to enter the UK. If you love honest and frank discussion, you’re going to love this episode.
2:04 Rish's story 10:58 Why non-alc is boring 17:02 Growth is coming 21:40 Why bars are struggling to stock good n/a drinks 26:39 Tasting The Pathfinder 32:31 'Destroyer of bad vibes' 34:38 Why is now the right time to launch in the UK? 40:55 How to get the bar industry enthusiastic about low/no 50:25 The BBQ-Q
====== TRY THE PATHFINDER* // @DRINKTHEPATHFINDER // DRINKTHEPATHFINDER.CO.UK
====== REAL* (10% off with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE) Most recommended drinks by LND guests
====== #52 Is drinking low/no a gateway? with Dionilife (Mash Gang) === | |||
| #56. The ABVs of Low/No Alcohol Drinks | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:15:22 | |
FREE COURSE - START YOUR MINDFUL DRINKING JOURNEY IN JUST 3 DAYS: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES === | |||
| #55. Rebels0.0: Launching Switzerland’s 1st Alcohol-Free Brand | 16 Jan 2025 | 00:47:31 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE FIRST HURDLES - START YOUR MINDFUL DRINKING JOURNEY IN JUST 3 DAYS
====== 'When we started three and a half years ago, there were a lot of question marks in everyone’s eyes; a lot of pushback from proud bartenders who said "No. I need to sell alcohol. I don't want to do alcohol-free!" And now, in these three and a half years, that's totally changed!"
Christof Tremp is the co-founder behind Rebels 0.0 alcohol-free spirits range, including a dark spiced rum alternative with a real kick and an Amaretti that tastes as close to the real thing as you can get.
In this week’s episode, I talk to Christof about quitting his job at Lindt Chocolate with no real plan other than to walk the 800km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and how that unknown adventure led to the launch of Switzerland’s first AF spirits brand, now available in 12 countries around the world.
0:00Coming up... 2:36 Christof's story 8:00 Launching Switzerland's first AF spirits range 15:56 Health is not the main message in AF 20:07 Double distillation 25:26 Low/no in Switzerland 29:12 Understanding the value 31:44 Finding a co-founder & the Rebels00 team 36:22 Who's drinking Rebels0.0? 42:16 The BBQ-Q ====== TRY REBELS* // @REBELS0.0 ====== ====== #33 GNISTA's 'not' spirits & 'not' red wines with Erika Ollén === | |||
| #54. Introducing Low No Drinker FAQ | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:08:04 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES === | |||
| #53. Creating A Household Legacy with Noughty AF Wines & Amanda Thomson | 09 Jan 2025 | 00:48:10 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES ====== “And so I doubled down on seeing if I could create the world's first good non-alcoholic wine. And when I say good, it was my definition of good, which it was quite nuanced.” “I always want a democratic price point and qualitative relationship […] I want it to be the household name that we all turn to when we want a good non-alcoholic wine.” ====== Amanda Thomson needs little introduction to the world of AF wines; she’s the pioneering powerhouse behind the leading brand NoughtyAF. In this episode, Amanda takes me on her journey from exuberant arts journalist with a penchant for champagne to becoming the founder of an alcohol-free wine brand with no pretence and only great flavour. Amanda is, in equal parts, passionate, driven, concerned, and hopeful about a sector that is finally coming into its own. Hear how she’s gone full circle from student to master and all the stops in between. This conversation is fun, open and heartfelt as we talk about everything from her mother’s entrepreneurial inspiration in the 70s to understanding how to open the doors stateside and make the US her biggest market to date. Pour a glass, sit back & enjoy!
====== #39 Bolle: The only double-fermented alcohol-free sparkling wine === | |||
| #52. Mash Gang/Dionilife with Damian McKinney | 02 Jan 2025 | 00:50:36 | |
FREE COURSE - STARTING YOUR MINDFUL DRINKING JOURNEY: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES ====== “I’m not anti-alcohol. I’m a really big believer in inclusivity and I’m a real believer in moderation.”
“I feel like I’m going from Blackberry to iPhone. There is massive change going on here, and the consumer is driving it.”
DioniLife is a new low/no beverage firm ready to shake up the marketplace. Working with Mash Gang AF beers as their first partner, this fledgling company already has big plans to bring exceptional liquid to the lips of low/no drinkers everywhere. In this episode, CEO Damian McKinney and I talk gateways to full-strength alcohol, drinking responsibly and moderation & inclusivity.
0:00 Coming up... 1:54 Damian's story 7:48 Moderation & inclusivity 10:55 Drinking responsibly 15:13 DioniLife 20:40 Changing tastes 24:25 Mash Gang beers 33:22 Gateway drinks? 39:39 What's to come from DioniLife? 45:47 The BBQ-Q
====== MASH GANG // @MASH__GANG // DAMIAN.MCKINNEY@DIONILIFE.COM
====== ====== #24 Going international with Big Drop Brewing co-founder Rob Fink === | |||
| #51. Taking a Christmas Break | 26 Dec 2024 | 00:07:11 | |
FREE COURSE - STARTING YOUR MINDFUL DRINKING JOURNEY: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES === | |||
| #50 Eisberg Wine: Dealcoholisation & Doubling Capacity | 20 Dec 2024 | 00:43:05 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES
“If we wanted to introduce a new variety, we can’t just make a bit in a barrel. We need thousands of bottles just to see if it works. So it’s not a very easy category to […] play around with.”
Alcohol Change UK describes Eisberg Wine as the ‘Grandaddy of alcohol-free wine”. That’s quite a moniker to live up to. In this week’s conversation, I speak to UK Manager Dan Harwood about the brand that’s been ubiquitous in the UK since the mid-eighties but is still iterating every day to improve the liquid in the bottle.
2:28 The Eisberg story 4:17 Dan's story 6:23 Why is good low/no wine so hard to find 10:03 Doubling capacity 12:04 What is dealcoholisation? 13:47 The Eisberg range 22:42 Bestsellers 25:01 How to enjoy alcohol-free red wine 28:08 Alcohol-free in Germany 33:39 What's next for Eisberg? 36:00 The role of customer feedback 39:34 The BBQ-Q
====== Eisberg wines are also available as part of the Club Soda in Majestic collaboration now available in every Majestic Wine store in the UK. ======
====== #33 GNISTA's 'not' spirits & 'not' red wines with Erika Ollén === | |||
| #49. San Francisco’s Ocean Beach Cafe | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:55:51 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES Ocean Beach Café is San Francisco’s leading alcohol-free spot. In this episode, founder Joshua James takes me on the journey from unexpected inspiration found walking into a failing deli to creating a space where once seen, the wonders of his AF bar, cannot be forgotten.
0:00 Coming up... 2:40 Joshua's story 9:30 Other US venues 12:36 The vibe inside? 18:37 Comparing bars in the UK 25:45 Cali sober 28:32 The language we use 30:57 Big alcohol 36:39 Drinks of the future 41:25 On the menu at OCB 48:26 BBQ-Q 52:05 Josh's final thought
======
====== #47 Psychotropic-curious with High & Dry founder Daniel Rowntree === | |||
| #48. Wild Idol: Naturally Alcohol-Free, Premium, Sparkling Wine | 05 Dec 2024 | 01:00:16 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES
“You cannot buy premiumisation, in my view.” “Out of the 95 sommeliers I think we tasted in the first six months, 85/86 are still working with us today.”
Wild Idol is a premium alcohol-free sparkling wine found in prestigious locations such as Selfridges, Harrods, and numerous fine-dining restaurants. In this episode, CEO Paul Beavis discusses in detail the process of producing a drink intended to be the best in the world, how premiumisation has and will continue to impact the category, and why Wild Idol has opted to be naturally alcohol-free at every step.
0:00 Coming up... 3:01 Paul's story 8:12 Being the best in the world 16:40 Naturally alcohol-free 23:11 Production volatility 25:39 Changing behaviours 29:39 Demanding quality 35:06 Premiumisation in low & no 43:22 Moving forward with caution 46:37 Wild Idol flavour profile 54:33 The BBQ-Q
======
====== £109 sparkling wine (French Bloom)
====== #39 Bolle: The only double-fermented alcohol-free sparkling wine === | |||
| #47. Psychotropic-Curious with High & Dry Founder Daniel Rowntree | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:50:56 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “I think we're in a second phase of moderation. The first phase was all about mimicking the taste of alcohol. Now it's about mimicking the whole experience of alcohol: depth of flavour, complexity, mouthfeel and, of course, mood.”
CBD, THC, micro-dosing, nootropics, adaptogens… there is a whole sub-category of ingredients making their way into the non-alc space, and in this episode, I speak to the founder of the High & Dry agency and co-author of a new report on the subject (The Future of Socialising: What’s next for the dry economy?) Daniel Rowntree, to spread some much-needed light on the subject both at home and abroad.
0:00 Coming up 2:09 Meeting Daniel 3:26 UK / US - living Cali Sober 7:13 The law & the research 14:11 Adaptogens, nootropics & psychedelic derivatives 16:46 The impact on low/no drinks & drinkers 28:43 Daniel's story 33:47 Creating High & Dry 35:53 "Big alcohol" 39:22 The High & Dry report 43:18 Working with Daniel 44:22 On safari 46:06 The BBQ-Q
#38 80/20 living with MoodyBrew functional adult drinks #45 - 5 brand new functional spirits from Smiling Wolf === | |||
| #46. Double Dutch Mixers: Supporting Low/No Drinkers & Women in Hospitality | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:46:47 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES ============= “I think we visited 120 accounts or something before someone said, ‘Okay, I'll buy one case’.” ============ It’s quite a journey, and they’re taking women everywhere with them as they scale their brand to be a partner in arms for females in hospitality everywhere, all the while ensuring that whatever is in your glass, their mixers give it the respect it deserves. ============ ============ ============ === | |||
| #45. 5 New Functional Spirits from Smiling Wolf | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:49:37 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES ============= “I didn't like that feeling when you're tired, and someone would say, “Come out.” And you wouldn't go out, not because you didn't want to see them, but because, “Oh gosh, I might have to drink”, and I just didn't have that option out there.”
0:00 Coming up ============ ============ ============ === | |||
| #44. From Whole Foods To Harrods: Creating Diversity in Non-Alc Cocktails with Savyll | 08 Nov 2024 | 01:00:25 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES ============= “The bottle couldn't handle the carbonation in that neck, and we lost £20,000 pounds. I didn't have any product, but £20,000 pounds was gone!” “Availability and visibility are key in this category.”
Avnish Babla is the 1st time entrepreneur behind Savyll Cocktails, a sophisticated range of non-alc cocktails created with diversity in mind. In this talk, we cover everything from importing suspicious white powder to launching big and scaling back to the bottling disaster that left him £20,000 out of pocket with nothing to show for it.
WE CHAT ABOUT 0:00 Coming up... 1:34 Avnish's story 9:52 Are these "mocktails"? 12:48 UK / USA production 17:39 The evolution of the range 25:40 Wholefoods to Harrods 30:42 Non-alc playbook 32:08 Premiumisation in low & no 35:26 Navigating diversity in low & no 40:23 The importance of being seen 46:57 The BBQ-Q
TRY SAVYLL* // SAVYLL.COM // @SAVYLLBEVERAGECO
WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
BEST EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT #42 Behind the scenes at the world alcohol-free awards #29 The rise and rise of Mocktails with Pooja Sharma-Jones === | |||
| #43. Inspiration & innovation with NON World Wine Alternatives | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:49:04 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES ============= “In the UK, it's 20 quid a bottle. I've always thought about it like some people get paid £20 quid an hour. So you know, if someone's going to give you an hour of their life, bloody, make it good if they're drinking your product, and I honestly believe in that.” “So you give them two tonnes of raspberry crumble because you're pulling out 90% of the water weight, but you've got 20 tons of flavour.”
All the way from Australia, in this episode, I got to chat with the inspired mind behind the always unique and never boring NON World Wines. Aaron Trotman is equal parts funny and sincere, and this interview was a pure joy.
Aaron's story Amazing flavour combinations A late-found love of food International seasonality Stewed cherry & coffee Replicating red wine Made for food? Aaron, ADHD & alcohol Hospitality (it's in the name) Australia, the UK & the US The NON stopper! Online and on-trade What's next for NON? Parenting while building a brand The BBQ-Q (& AF draught in Aus)
============
============
============ #39 Bolle: The only double-fermented alcohol-free sparkling wine === | |||
| #42. Behind the Scenes with the Co-Founders of The World Alcohol-Free Awards | 25 Oct 2024 | 01:06:00 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES ============= “I get emails every week from people saying, oh, ‘I'd love to come and judge, I'd love to learn a bit more about these drinks’. Whilst we’re keen on educating and teaching people. they have to come to us already having some background and some proof that they are making an effort and learning and have experience with these drinks.” “Progression of the AF space is really interesting. I think if we'd done this competition even four years ago (if there were enough drinks out there then to do this), I think the drinks that would have scored really well then would now be surpassed by almost everything that's coming out now.”
This episode was a pure delight as I got to hear all about the entire judging process for the World Alcohol-Free Awards – the WAFAs! Chris and Chrissie don’t hold anything back, making this one not to be missed!
0:35 The WAFAs story 6:37 Categories! 9:21 Who can enter the WAFAs? 13:09 How many entries did you have? 15:32 New & unique drinks 22:25 Judging 30:44 Progression 34:44 Trophy winners 42:54 WAFAs 2025 (+best range winner) 46:00 Going international 49:34 AF is not a zero-sum game 54:26 How to enter for 2025 56:26 The BBQ-Q
VISIT WAFA - WORLDAFAWARDS.COM / @WORLDAFAWARDS WE ALSO TALK ABOUT: Best halal drink: ASDA Best cocktail: Bloody Drinks Best alcohol-free range: Jukes === | |||
| #41. Session Gin: A 25% Gin for the Modern Drinker | 18 Oct 2024 | 01:01:04 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “When we designed the product in the first instance, we wanted to go with taste, texture, and tenacity over anything else.” SHOW NOTES === | |||
| #40. What Low/No Drinkers Are Really Saying | 11 Oct 2024 | 00:17:42 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES
=== | |||
| #39. Bolle: The Only Double-Fermented Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine in the World! | 03 Oct 2024 | 01:01:09 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES === | |||
| #65. No Compromise with ZENO Alcohol-Liberated Wines | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:56:53 | |
Just past their two-year birthday, ZENO alcohol-liberated wines are a range of five (for now) hand-crafted wines, made “for wine enthusiasts when they choose to abstain”. In this week’s conversation, I talk to co-founder David Hodgson about his transition from 25 years in traditional wine to launching an alcohol-free wine brand amidst the uncertainty of COVID, Brexit & a fledgling category presented to an unforgiving market. We also touch on the inspirational philosophies behind the brand name, the growth of the non-alcoholic wine sector and ZENO’s plans for the development of both a new “serious” red wine and RTD wines in a can. It’s a great convo with lots to sink your teeth into. Pour a glass, sit back and enjoy.
0:00 Coming up... 2:10 David's story 9:33 3 years in the making 11:51 The only growth market 15:18 From traditional wine to alcohol-free liberation 16:10 Minimising the sugar content 17:01 Spanish winemaking 19:34 The ZENO range 27:08 RnD in frustrating times 29:19 A new 'serious' red wine 29:52 Non-alcoholic red wine challenges 33:04 Dealcoholised wine market predictions 35:16 Off trade / on trade / retail 36:45 International exports 38:31 Behind the brand name 41:01 A choice of moderation 42:17 The obstacle is the way 44:08 It's not about sobriety 45:22 Not a wine imitation 49:04 Finding ZENO 51:13 The BBQ-Q 52:44 ZENO's new RTD cans ==========================================
DRY DRINKER* (10% off with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE) WISE BARTENDER* (10% off with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE) THE ALCOHOL-FREE CO ========================================== #53 Creating a household legacy with NoughtyAF wines & Amanda Thomson ========================================== === | |||
| #38. 80/20 Living with MoodyBrew Functional Adult Drinks | 27 Sep 2024 | 00:51:09 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “If 80% of your lifestyle is healthy, you can accommodate a 20% indulgence, which may be your cream cakes, it may be a glass of wine, it may be whatever. It's unfortunately when you tip it over and you suddenly think you'll do 20% healthy, and you expect a result because the body doesn't work that way.” “We do have stockists who really believe in what we’re trying to do. They share the same values and they like the drinks.” ============== MoodyBrew is a functional beverage range made for adults with the tagline “Not alcoholic, but not soft”.
In this episode, I speak to husband-and-wife co-founders Alli and Rob Noel about the journey that led them to create this four-strong range of drinks, including Smoke, Ginger, Sunny, and Velvet.
Hear how Alli’s cancer diagnosis led them both to reassess the power of the nutrients we put in our body and how they helped her fight her way to the other side.
Created to both nourish the body and delight the tastebuds, MoodyBrew’s range is designed to replace specific moments from whiskey drinking to red wine.
Alli is also a regular contributor to Low No Drinker Magazine, and we discuss how her scientific background lends itself to measured articles designed to help those who want to cut back on alcohol without insisting that they give it up for good. ====================================
#27 Meeting the Botanist: a tea-infused 'Function-Ale' #7 The powerful journey of mushroom magic in alcohol-free brewing. === | |||
| #37. You Don't Need A Sad Story (Don't Do What I Did) | 21 Sep 2024 | 00:11:36 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “You do not need a sad story to decide that you want to start to look at your relationship with alcohol.” “It was the, you know, two or three days where I just felt subpar. I was operating at 60% capacity" ====== It's easy to compare ourselves with others in all walks of life but it's very rarely helpful.
=== | |||
| #36. Launching A Brand New Non-Alcoholic Cider with Chance Clean Cider | 14 Sep 2024 | 00:50:49 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “You know it's fascinating and I think that's why I cannot see this being anything other than the most important change to the drinks landscape in my lifetime, for sure.” SHOW NOTES In this conversation, he tells me exactly what that two-year journey has involved. In a really candid and open conversation, John takes us from ideation to creation and shares how the network of low/no-&-light industry professionals he’s built along the way from working with non-alcoholic brands like Lucky Saint, Crossip and Rekorderlig has played an essential role in supporting his dream. From labelling issues to self-doubt, John’s experienced it all, but his passion for buoying an often-neglected sector of low/no has kept him going and led him to create a wonderful and much-needed drink. With big plans for the next phase of Chance Clean Cider, John shares how his passion for music and festivals will impact the trajectory of the brand and how he’s focusing on on-premises sales as a route to reaching drinkers like him who love a cold, crisp, (& sustainable) cider made with England’s finest apples. TRY CHANCE CLEAN CIDER ========================= === | |||
| #35. Reimagining Classic Cocktails with Talonmore Scottish AF Spirit | 07 Sep 2024 | 00:49:07 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “At every event we do, at least one person would be like “Non-alcoholic! What's the point?” Sometimes, they used to anger me. […] But I can understand where they're coming from. I mean, alcohol in Scotland is important.” NOTES FROM THE SHOW This episode is a meeting of generations and a testament to what low/no-&-light does to bring people together in a whole new world of appreciation for a life less intoxicated.
Lewis Kennedy, 26, is the founder of Talonmore, a Scottish non-alcoholic dark spirit with notes of ginger and fresh Assam Tea.
In this episode, we discuss everything from what’s driving Gen-Z to drink less to how we can create a new drinking experience while still respecting the years of tradition behind the cocktails that the older generation has come to know and love.
Lewis takes us through the inspiration behind the brand and the help he received from his university to make this initial passing brag a reality.
Lewis unveils some plans for the brand with a new release coming soon, and of course, I ask him what he’s bringing to the BBQ.
Despite being hundreds of miles apart, talking to Lewis for this episode was like having a chat with a mate over a pint in a pub, and I cannot wait for you to come and join us.
Building Low No Nation Newsletter ================================ #12 Redefining Scottish Alcohol-Free Spirits with Feragaia #1 Low No Drinker Magazine meets Unltd. founder Johnny Johnson === | |||
| #34. Making 6% Red Wine with Co-Founder Russell Lamb | 31 Aug 2024 | 00:49:51 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES We talk about the ever-present question of why lower alcohol drinks are priced the way they are even though they don’t contain alcohol (I love Russ’ answer to this by the way). Make sure you tag us both on Instagram when you try it @6percent.wine & @lownodrinkermagazine
(this is not financial advice nor an endorsement from Low No Drinker. Your capital is at risk if you choose to invest, and you should seek professional guidance when necessary) ============================== === | |||
| #33. GNISTA's 'Not' Spirits & 'Not' Red Wines with Erika Ollén | 24 Aug 2024 | 00:48:23 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “I don't really care that wine is normally made from grapes or that a gin is made from, you know, distillates of xyz herbs.” =========== Bringing you more international insight from Low No Nation, in this week’s conversation, I’m chatting with GNISTA founder Erika Ollén about her unique range of ‘not’ wines and ‘not’ spirits.
I love Erika’s story and how her goal was always to make the best liquid by travelling the world to ask the drink makers what they wanted from a non-alcoholic liquid to make the best cocktails.
After years of research GNISTA launched in 2019 to an international market of bartenders and drinks enthusiasts who just happen to prefer their drinks alcohol-free at times.
Erika shares her experiences of creating her Frenh & Italian style ‘not’ wines and we discuss the challenges of getting the same buy-in from sommeliers as she did from the bartenders she spoke to.
Non-alcoholic GNISTA is available in 10 markets around the world, but Brexit has impacted the way the business runs from the UK. We also talk about the pros & cons of ‘big alcohol’ and the buying power of millennials in the low/no-&-light alcohol space.
Despite a technical glitch that nearly set my camera on fire, this is a great conversation full of insight and new perspective. =============================== #19 You don’t have to be an alcoholic to want to change your relationship with alcohol #9 Wednesday’s Domaine: This alcohol-free wine is not for you === | |||
| #32. Exploring Everleaf: From Conservation to Cocktails with Founder Paul Mathew | 17 Aug 2024 | 00:48:15 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES “Whether you're drinking or not drinking, whether you're a vegetarian or a vegan or you like a steak, we should be accepting of you and welcoming and inclusive, and that's really for me why no and low exists.” “I stand by my medium fish because the pond also contains Diageo and Pernod and Campari and many other companies that are way, way bigger.” “It's not for people that don't drink, it's for people that don't want to drink that round.” ========================== NOTES FROM THE SHOW How do you go from conservational biology to alcohol-free mixology? I had no idea, so I asked the man who did it: Paul Mathew, the founder of Everleaf Non-Alcoholic Aperitifs. Not only has this range changed my appreciation for the aperitif category, but speaking to Paul opened up a world of botanical awareness that makes you want to dive right in with him. In this episode, Paul Mathew’s humble approach to the great things he’s achieved with the brand is matched by his passion for an on-trade industry that saw him go from university student to world traveller. And it’s an industry which he is excited and motivated to support as the nation considers it’s drinking habits both in the home and in our bars. In our chat, we cover everything from non-alcoholic cocktail competitions to the international low/no-drinking movement. We consider whether bar menus should add ABVs or units to their drinks lists, and Paul shares a fond appreciation for the amazing team around him. I ask Paul, “What’s next for Everleaf?” and, of course, our now infamous BBQ-Q (and you won’t be surprised to know that Paul’s list is a long one!) As one of the leading brands in the low/no-&-light drinks industry, it was an honour to interview a founder who is still so firmly rooted in what he believes in, never straying from his love of all things nature and his goals to build a sustainable brand that gives back to the forests, marines and mountains that make Everleaf possible. Grab a glass, pour yourself your favourite Everleaf Spritz and settle in for a great chat. Try Everleaf* === | |||
| #31. Alcohol-Free Drinks: Triggers or Lifesavers? | 09 Aug 2024 | 00:16:22 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES === | |||
| #30. REAL: The Sparkling Tea for Wine Enthusiasts | 03 Aug 2024 | 00:50:44 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES David Begg is the founder and driving force behind REAL Drinks Co, the naturally fermented sparkling tea brand. Inspired by his passion for homegrown food and fermentation, David turned his hobby from a garage corner operation (with his wife’s permission, of course) to, several years later, opening the first non-alcoholic fermentery based in Buckinghamshire, south-east England. REAL is the sparkling tea brand revolutionising the low/no industry by helping everyone “celebrate life unconstrained”. David takes us through each of his teas and the meticulous process that goes into creating them, from personally travelling the world to assess the finest quality leaves to the DNA testing to understand exactly how they deliver flavour and drive complexity. We look at the unique intersection of winemaking and tea fermentation that Real Drinks Co. has mastered, sidestepping the traditional challenges of dealcoholising wines and beers. Learn all about REAL’s three distinct and luxurious beverages, Peony Blush, Royal Flush, and Dry Dragon, as David takes us through each liquid's flavour profile with a sneak insight into the production process. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this episode promises to enlighten and excite your palate with the art of non-alcoholic fermentations. ========= We also talked about: =============================== #14 Unfiltered Journeys in Fermentation with Ama Brewery #19 You don't have to be an alcoholic to want to rethink your drinking
=== | |||
| #29. The Rise and Rise of Mocktails with Pooja Sharma-Jones | 28 Jul 2024 | 00:55:02 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES
In this conversation, she takes us through her own incredible journey working for some of the most dynamic and influential F&B companies in the UK and how that path led to her embarking on an industry that she admits, at first, she wasn’t very sure of.
From working with the innovative Luke Boase in the early days of Lucky Saint to stepping into a role at Mocktails tailor-made for her unique set of skills.
We learn the love story behind the inception of Mocktails and how it went from a US cocktail-shaker-style drink, to bottles, to the nitro-charged cans we know and love today.
Pooja shares some of the challenges of making it into grocery megastore Sainsburys, the Metropolitan pub chain and trying to stay top-of-mind in the low/no event space.
And, of course, I get her BBQ drink recommendations before we finish up with a look at Pooja’s predictions for the future of low-and-no. === | |||
| #64. What Do Functional Beverages Do? | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:15:50 | |
=============================================
0:00 What are functional drinks? 1:17 Adaptogens 2:31 Nootropics 4:02 Other functionals 4:55 Natural vs synthetic ingredients 6:51 Reality check 8:18 Individual responses 9:24 Health warning 9:58 Getting started 11:35 Recommendations ============================================= #59 Plant-powered AF Brewing: On Beer #45 - 5 brand new functional spirits from Smiling Wolf
============================================= Also mentioned:
=== | |||
| #28. 1,500 AF Beers & Counting, with Martin Dixon | 19 Jul 2024 | 01:12:30 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES
His expertise has not only fuelled the magazine's success but also mirrors that of the burgeoning alcohol-free beer market. Join us as Martin shares his journey through alcohol-free beer from the UK to Germany, France and Sweden, with a little stopover in the US for good measure.
That’s right, when Martin says Alcohol-Free World, he really means it! It started with the last Dry January that Martin participated in and we start the discussion there with an earnest look at how we don’t need to have a sad story to want to reduce the amount of alcohol in our lives.
We touch on a lot of topics in this hour-long conversation, including, of course, ‘big alcohol’s’ grip on the low/no market and how some AF brands can and must do better!
And, of course, I can’t let Martin go without finding out his own BBQ-Q favourites.
It was an honour to have Martin on the show. His beer reviews inside each and every issue of Low No Drinker are as quintessential a part of the magazine as beer at a BBQ.
=== | |||
| #27. Meeting the Botanist: The Tea-Infused 'Function-Ale' | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:46:15 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES Meet Kristian Harris and Amie Caldwell, the delightful duo behind The Gentleman Brewing Company. In this episode of the Low No Drinker Podcast, Kristian recounts his surprising pivot from IT to brewing, inspired by a transformative microbrewery course. Meanwhile, Amie reveals how her nursing background and creative vision perfectly complement Kristian's logistical expertise, culminating in six uniquely character-driven beers, each one a homage to classic and modern British personas. We spend most of our time, however, with The Botanist, Kristian & Amie’s 0.5% ‘Function-ale’, and discover the demanding double fermentation process that has to take place to allow this non-alcohol, tea-infused, health-promoting beer to come to fruition. The Botanist is infused with vitamins and hydrolysed collagen and is designed for those who seek flavour without the high alcohol content.
================= Days* ============================== #24 Going international with Big Drop Brewing co-founder Rob Fink #19 You don't have to be an alcoholic to want to rethink your drinking
=== | |||
| #26. Understanding the Costs of Low/No-&-Light: Why Alcohol-Free Drinks Aren't Cheap | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:13:39 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES === | |||
| #25. £12k Bottling Disaster with Carouse Alcohol-Free Spirit Founder Steph Elswood | 05 Jul 2024 | 00:45:55 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Steph Elswood, the founder of Carouse, a cutting-edge non-alcoholic spirit brand. Steph takes us through her journey from the vibrant world of musical theatre to becoming a wellness influencer and entrepreneur. She opens up about her recovery from an eating disorder to the incredible benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle that led to the inception of Carouse's adaptogen- and nootropic-enhanced spirits. Finding new motivations and a profound sense of well-being, learn how Steph turned her life around by embracing sobriety and how that led to the birth of Carouse: A lockdown-inspired functional spirit designed to accompany you whatever your mood. Drift & Uplift are unique liquids that come with a unique backstory of trials and tribulations on their way to market. Hear how thousands of pounds and countless tears were spent in creating this drink (and my own honest review as to which is my favourite) and what disasters along the way nearly derailed it all! But Steph is not just an alcohol-free brand founder. Among many other things, she is also the co-founder of Dry Disco, where, along with Sober Girl Society’s Millie Gooch, she hosts a spectacular sober clubbing event in London’s iconic Ministry of Sound. This convo is jam-packed with sober-curious goodness! === | |||
| #24. Pubs & Pints with Big Drop Brewing Co-Founder Rob Fink | 27 Jun 2024 | 01:08:19 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES Rob shares his unique journey from life as a 90s teen musician to the ever-sexy world of insurance law to spearheading the craft alcohol-free beer movement. We talk about everything from the expectations of quality service down your local boozer to the choices confronting brands like Big Drop when it comes to global expansion. Watch on as I blatantly disregard Rob’s great work by carelessly discarding his beers about my floor and join us as we discuss his own favourite tipples in the omnipresent BBQ question. This convo is full of laughs, but we do touch on the serious business of how Big Drop, once partners to Alcohol Change UK, won a legal challenge against the alcohol charity and why Rob felt it was time for him to speak up. From advocacy to collaborations to 40% beers – in this conversation, we cover it all. === | |||
| #23. Fighting Back: Alcoholism, Monopolies & Love with Myth & Goat Founder Colette Safhill | 21 Jun 2024 | 01:04:59 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES Colette’s multi-award-winning drinks are now synonymous with low/no drinking, and you can find Myth popping up on almost every list of ‘my favourite alcohol-free drinks are…’ Goat is an energy drink with a difference. Made with natural ingredients and a drive to serve the everyday person who just needs a bit of help to get through the day. But it has not been easy. In this very frank conversation, Colette explains how she has put everything on the line, from her health to her home, to make these brands a success and is challenged at every step by the monopolies of big alcohol, red tape, and ‘old boys club’ guards at the door to retail and distribution chains. If you want to know what it’s really like bringing a brand to market then this is the episode for you. But don’t let those challenges fool you. Colette still has plans, big plans for both brands; listen in to find out what’s coming next for this international alcohol-free beverage powerhouse! Colette shares her story, including the loss of her mother to alcohol at a young age and finding the love of her life and why she said ‘no’ when he proposed. There’s a lot to cover in the conversation. Enjoy! Heineken 0.0* === | |||
| #22. Unpopular opinion? The Moderating Middle | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:08:19 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES === | |||
| #21. DECEM: From MasterChef Finalist to 10% Spirit Distiller | 08 Jun 2024 | 00:40:51 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES In this open and honest conversation, Billy shares his incredible journey from creating a range of three 10% liquids to making the difficult decision to pivot his entire business plan and start again with just one drink.
Tune in to hear about the botanical ingredients, customer feedback, and what the future holds for Decem Gin and how you can join Billy’s quest to create ‘The Guild…’ Bottle artist, Meredith Schomburg - https://meredithschom.com/ REAL Sparkling Teas* === | |||
| #19. You Don't Have to be An Alcoholic to Rethink Your Drinking | 24 May 2024 | 00:11:53 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES
You don’t have to wait until you’re in a ‘troubled’ relationship with grog; in fact, you don’t even need to wait for a hangover; all you need is to really assess what alcohol is bringing to your life vs what it’s taking away.
Once you’ve done your own personal accounting, you’ll be ready to start thinking about what you can do to make your relationship with alcohol, and, therefore, your life, better on your own terms.
In this solo episode, you get to hear some of my own story, what motivated me to make a change and some of the thought processes that help us act in our own best interests when it comes to booze.
No judgment, no rules, no expectations – let’s just have a chat. === | |||
| #18. Sober Curious or Mindful Drinker: What's the Difference? | 16 May 2024 | 00:05:37 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES Not sure what’s involved in being a ‘mindful drinker’ Wondering which lifestyle choice would suit you best?
In this short episode Denise unpacks both terms and helps you get to understand the difference between them both.
Still not sure which is right for you? Take the 1st and only low/no drinking personality type quiz at https://www.lownodrinkermagazine.com/quiz to find out where you are on your journey and what to do next? === | |||
| #63. What Are Zebra Striping and Bookending (& Do They Work)? | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:14:19 | |
In this week's FAQ, we cover: 0:21 Where do the terms come from? 1:05 What is zebra striping? 2:17 What is bookending? 2:59 Is there any data? 3:52 Who zebra striping is good for 4:33 Who zebra striping is bad for 6:59 Honest personal reflection 7:53 Zebra striping as active moderation 9:05 When bookending works well 9:41 When bookending won't work 10:27 Final thoughts 12:14 Free access to Low No Drinker Magazine === | |||
| #17. The Future of Alcohol-Free Drinks in Bars | 10 May 2024 | 01:16:50 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES He is a self-proclaimed low and no alcohol crusader and mental health first aider who recently shared some of his insight with Low No Drinker Magazine readers in the debate on mid-range spirits and their place in a moderation lifestyle. In this episode Arron and I get into the nitty-gritty of low/no beverages and their place in the UK hospitality experience. Raw, honest and with a unique approach, Arron is the living embodiment of the phrase ‘more than one way to skin a cat’. Aaron's candid revelations about undiagnosed autism and the stigma of sobriety peel back the curtain on an industry often synonymous with excess. I can’t wait for you to hear this one... Wednesday's Domaine - https://amzn.to/4dzpEWb* Guinness 00 - https://amzn.to/3JVkyGj* Big Drop Stout - https://amzn.to/44S1VwR* === | |||
| #16. Exploring Lighter Spirits with Quarter Proof 15% | 03 May 2024 | 00:45:15 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES As industry leaders in this newer mid-range space, Quarter co-founder Rohan Radhakrishnan is primed to welcome us into his world in this eye-opening delve into the 12% spirit brand. Co-founded three years ago by childhood best friends Fabian Clark & Rohan Radhakrishnan, the Quarter range includes a 12% Gin & a 12%Tequila – just a quarter of the standard ABV for full-strength spirits. In our conversation, Rohan shares the origin of Quarter and his own on-and-off love affair with booze, as well as the inspiration that led this dynamic duo to bring the brand to market.
As the mid-week drinkers become more discerning about what goes into their glass, Rohan & Fabian become equally discerning about what goes into their drinks; authentic ingredients, expert guidance and masses of trial and error later and this is still only the beginning for Quarter and the light-alcohol market. Small Beer - https://amzn.to/4a3nsUe* Days - https://amzn.to/4a32VPt* Wednesday's Domaine - https://amzn.to/4bn2Vuy* Pentire - https://amzn.to/3WlfVgd* === | |||
| #15. Crossip: The Zero-Strength Spirit Made for Full-Strength Drinkers | 24 Apr 2024 | 00:55:08 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES Carl comes at the low/no market from a different perspective, as in his inimitable “unapologetically Bold’ way he makes it clear that his drinks were never made to replicate alcohol and nor were they made for sober drinkers! Instead, Carl and the Crossip team are making flavour-first drinks for those times when full-strength imbibers are choosing to drink less. Carl takes me through the creation process of inventing Crossip, which involved a lot of time spent in dark rooms with a lot of booze as he taste-tested his way to just the right formulas for the “currently” three-strong range. We touch on Carl’s impassioned opinions about the word ‘Mocktail’, and I probe the nation’s favourite television drinks expert for some of his best tips for making low/no cocktails at home. This episode is full of open chat, honest opinions and lots of laughs. Get your glasses topped up, and come join us! Small Beer - https://amzn.to/4b40flq* Kitchen Cocktails by JJ Goodman - https://amzn.to/44cc07o* === | |||
| #14. Unfiltered Journeys in Fermentation with Ama Brewery | 15 Apr 2024 | 01:01:11 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES These brewmasters take us behind the scenes of their six-month ageing process, revealing how their culinary and fermentation expertise culminates in a drink that's as complex as it is refreshing. From the serendipitous discoveries that shaped their methods to the unfiltered essence that defines their brand, we sip through the artistry that sets Ama's offerings apart from conventional spirits. We also explore the vital role of the Makers Alliance in cultivating a community for small-scale producers and how they strive to preserve their integrity against the backdrop of a market often controlled by the heavy pour of larger corporations. Raise your glasses to collaboration and evolution within the craft drink industry, as we celebrate Ama Brewery's journey into the spotlight in fine dining. Aaron and Danny reflect on the importance of language and education in introducing new categories of premium beverages to the discerning palates of consumers and sommeliers alike. Join us for an episode that's bursting with the complexity, nuance, and the very essence of what makes a drink not just good, but remarkable. === | |||
| #13. Fat Jabs & Their Impact on Drinking Low/No | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:47:57 | |
FREE COURSE: OVERCOMING THE HURDLES This week things take a more scientific turn as I speak to Food & Beverage Consultant Hamish Renton. Hamish is the MD of HRA-Global and, with 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, is in a unique position to shed some light on the newest but little-known fad to be impacting the low-and-no industry. The ‘fat-jab’ is gaining increased notoriety among celebrities, social media and tabloids as everyone from the ex-Prime Minister to your Gran turns to them to help manage their weight loss. But what is the unrealised knock-on effect on the low-and-no-alcohol beverage industry? These medications, which are already being used for their side effects and not what they were initially designed for, are affecting how swathes of Americans (and now Brits) are approaching consumption of everything from food to alcohol and the relationships we have with others along the way. How will the low/no beverage industry respond? Will this mark the launch of yet another new category? Are the short-term effects going to have long-term impacts on independent producers who already face mounting struggles just to keep up with the big-alcohol Joneses? This is a truly fascinating subject, dive in with me now… === | |||