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Botanical Elixirs of the Cornish Coast: How Pentire Create Their Unique All-Natural Spirits

Never has there been a spirit quite like Pentire. Alcohol-free, sugar-free and completely natural, their botanical blends were sourced from a treasure trove of magical ingredients native to the founder Alistair Frost’s beloved Cornish hideaway, Pentire Head. We caught up with Alistair to find out more about how these incredible ingredients come together to create such captivating flavours and an intriguing finish rarely achieved by other non-alcoholic spirits.

Pentire takes its name from Pentire Head in Cornwall. What is it that makes this place such a unique and special source for drinks ingredients?

Alistair: We realised that our local headlands happen to have one of the most diverse plant ecosystems on the UK coastline due to the favourable climate, soil pH and moisture here. We’re really lucky because some of our key botanicals thrive in the Cornish climate. We use fresh plants in all our drinks, with the aim of creating something that tastes like coastal living. What makes the Pentire headland so special is all the senses it appeals to; when standing there you get all the top-notes – it’s grassy, clean, and earthy as well as being slightly salty and citrusy. The combination of flavours echoes the taste of the coast which is exactly what we set out to achieve.

 

What’s the importance of working in harmony with nature and with local farmers?

Alistair: We’re committed to sourcing sustainably and ethically, including the native coastal botanicals that are fundamental to our spirits (rock samphire, sea rosemary, wild seaweed and more). It’s really important for us as a company with sustainability so high up the list that all our products are made in the UK and that we know the growers and their farming methods. We use seasonal ingredients and most of our ingredients are consciously grown in the UK, which means we have very low food miles and zero air miles. By partnering with local farmers, we can ensure all our products are made with high quality ingredients, are grown, and nurtured in the right way, whilst also supporting sustainable farming practices.

 

Like so many brands committed to working with nature, Pentire use seasonal ingredients. What’s the benefit of this?

Alistair: We got our B Corp status last year, which was a huge accomplishment for us. Using seasonal ingredients helps us to reduce long-distance transportation and supports our local farmers and producers. It also helps us to have fresher and more flavourful components, which enhances the overall taste of Pentire. We want to protect the environment that surrounds us as much as we can, because ultimately this is what inspires us and the drinks we’ve created.

 

One of the most curious things about these drinks is their interesting finish, which has been likened to gin and aperol. How does Pentire do it?

Alistair: Our botanical non-alcoholic spirits are created by collaborating with local botanists and distillers to make delicious coastal, herbaceous, and fresh flavour profiles. Pentire is made through the same distillation process as a premium gin, with added steps to enhance the pH and mouthfeel to replicate the texture of a spirit. Unlike soft drinks that are from fruit extracts or cordials, we distil botanicals to get as much flavour as possible.

 

That’s how the refreshing and invigorating spirits are made, but how are they best enjoyed?

Pentire is a brand that’s shaped as much by the outdoorsy Cornish lifestyle as by its nature. To really embrace the Pentire spirit, the drinks are best enjoyed as part of a refreshing day outdoors doing the things that make us feel good. On an active day out in the Cornish nature, they’re great for winding down after a day of surfing or cycling, and if it’s a non-alcoholic cocktail you’re looking for, Alistair swears by a refreshing Pentire Margarita, or a simple Pentire Dirty Martini, which is just Pentire, olive brine and fresh grapefruit.

 

Experience the unique flavours of Pentire yourself, and hurry! In the spirit of Christmas, we’re offering an amazing 15% off for a limited time only.