Discarded launches Grape Skin Vodka

Discarded Spirits Co. has launched a new Grape Skin Vodka - the latest release in its range which aims to rejuvinate food processing by-products.

The Discarded Grape Skin Vodka is made using waste products from the wine-making process including the skins, stems and seeds (also known as the pomace). 

According to the distiller, the new vodka - made with a Chardonnay grape spirit - has aromas of green apple, lychee and almond croissant and notes of Williams pear, guava and starfruit on the palate.

Sam Trevethyen, Discarded global ambassador, said: "With the rise of the no and low category, there has been an increased demand for high-quality dealcoholised wine. And one of the waste products created by dealcoholising wine is 'wine alcohol', which actually retains a lot of the flavour of the original grape. 

"Typically sold on or, in most cases, destroyed, we instead wanted to celebrate the exquisite essence of this Chardonnay 'wine alcohol' by blending it into our Discarded Grape Skin Vodka - creating something totally new, innovative, sustainable and utterly delicious."

The vodka's launch coincided with the re-release of the whole Discarded Spirit Co. range - which also includes Discarded Cascara Vermouth, made using a by-product from processing coffee beans, and the Discarded Banana Peel Rum - in 100 per cent recyclable packaging. 

This includes caps made from recycled tin, labels made from cane fibres (from sugarcane waste), corks made from repurposed excess cork granules, and bottles with a minimum recycled glass content of 65 per cent.

Sasha Filimonov, Discarded's UK brand manager, said: "We are setting the bar for the spirits industry and challenging industry norms - including with our innovative, 100 per cent recyclable bottle and packaging."

Discarded Grape Skin Vodka (40% ABV) launches with Master of Malt, Waitrose, Matthew Clark and Speciality Drinks in June, alongside select on-trade venues.

14 June 2021 - Bethany Whymark