With a combined 10 years in the global spirits market (on both sides of the Atlantic) co-founders Jamie and Bill have spent the past year crafting a spirit that they are proud of. How it is made? Picture: Victoria Cranstoun Bold by nature, Feragaia is an alcohol-free spirit made from land and sea botanicals. True to its name, meaning ‘Wild Earth’, it is a product of windswept coastlines, open country and creative minds. Feragaia met the buyer from Harrods while exhibiting at Scotland’s Speciality Food Show in Glasgow in January.

Feragaia has a work from home policy to encourage all employees to apply environmentally conscious decisions in the virtual office.

We have eliminated all harmful chemicals from our manufacturing process. Our manufacturing process is low impact, chemical free and our botanicals are composted afterwards. I, on the other hand, was fixed on ‘where is the confidence in alcohol-free’ and felt strongly that it was because almost all alcohol-free drinks rely on what they are not – alcohol! Typically, they contain or mimic alcohol, which is why Feragaia is a ‘Free Spirit’ distilled to be different in Scotland and is not trying to be anything but itself. Reducing carbon emissions. Ambition is to become carbon negative as we grow our business. Currently, carbon is a key factor in our strategy going forward and the partnerships we start. We include a guide to reducing carbon in our employee handbook. Our bottles are sitting prominently in a five-star display, rubbing shoulders with other leading drinks brands. A handcrafted, small batch, alcohol-free spirit distilled from 14 land and sea botanicals in a pot still. Modern life requires speed, we believe in taking time. That is why Feragaia’s process takes over two months from land & sea to your glass. Time optimises the extraction of natural flavours, which are then hand blended, cut with Scottish water and rested to achieve Feragaia’s characterful depth of flavour. At 0.0% ABV – Feragaia does not compromise and use alcohol in its process. Pioneers of a new era of alcohol-free Scottish distillation – It is a true alcohol-free spirit. Feragaia has zero sugar, and is vegan and gluten-free.

Supporting environmental organisations, as an outward looking, purpose-driven enterprise we look to work with organisations that share out values. GreenSea Solutions Ltd is one such organisation that cultivates seaweed in Scotland. Its name means ‘wild earth’, with Fera in Latin meaning ‘wild’ and ‘Gaia’ in Greek mythology translating to ‘earth’.We set our KPIs for environmental and social outcomes on an annual basis which are discussed in all board meetings. We minimise the use of high emission vehicles in favour of cleaner, environmental and delivery. Our impact is low currently, but as we grow, clean logistics will be a key area for us live up to our commitment.

The product contains 14 botanicals including seaweed, bay leaf and chamomile, and is hand-blended and cut with Scottish water. Discover wonderful wildlife tours to book and experience in Scotland, including bird watching safaris, whale watching, farm tours and much more! JW: My sculpture and the Feragaia brand both centre around the same general concept, which is loosely finding a greater connection to ‘the wild’ – conveniently, my surname.I got to the point in 2018 that I was prepared to do something about it – that’s when I spoke to Bill and Feragaia; the Original Free Spirit was born. Encourage sustainable practices internally and externally. We require suppliers to fill out our social and environmental questionnaire and review and update our policies.

Most alcohol-free spirits rely on alcohol to carry flavour in the process, this is then stripped out along with natural flavours of the botanicals. Meaning wild earth, the new alcohol-free spirit, which has an amber hue, is distilled, blended and bottled in the Scottish Lowlands. JW: For a simple serving, I drink the ‘Wild Ginger’, which is Feragaia, Ginger Ale and a slice of lime. If I have a little more time on my hands, I concoct a Feragaia Sour. We make a seasonal ‘Spiced Pear Sour’ special, which I love.Our mission is all about reconnecting drinkers to Wild Earth (Feragaia’s translation) within themselves and each other. Feragaia is a radically authentic alcohol-free spirit that redefines what you think you know about alcohol-free. Our social and environmental policy is a huge factor in our decision-making process and is seen as integral to the long-term viability of our business. As part of our commitment, and as a purpose-driven organisation we strive to help restore and protect Wild Earth and bring a net positive impact to the world.