The Pathfinder Hemp and Root hits the UK

Distilled non-alcoholic spirit The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, which has become a big success in the US, is now available in the UK.

The Pathfinder, which has already shown year-to-date growth up over 300% in the US, will be available across Britain via Speciality Drinks and Champers & Hammond’s of Knutsford.

This spirit is fermented from hemp before being refined by copper pot distillation and blended with botanicals and has been inspired by “apothecaries of the Old West” as well as “alternative medicine and the supernatural”.

As part of its marketing messaging The Pathfinder claims to “lift the veil of illusion” and attempts to “blaze new trails in the no and low alcohol category by creating an entirely different experience, which aims to bridge the gap between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks” and has stated it is more than “liquid alchemy – rather a destroyer of bad vibes”.

Speaking to the drinks business, The Pathfinder UK country manager Rishi Ravalia said: “The Pathfinder has big energy and high intensity in a category that is renowned for being relaxed and calm. We’re changing perceptions of the category by making it fun. There is also nothing else in the market like it. This unique spirit is fermented from hemp and carefully refined by copper pot distillation. The base liquid is blended with botanicals through the art of alchemy to yield a spirit of both character and complexity.”

While its exact formulation remains a secret, the drink is said to have been created with a three-step process which inclues “the fermentation of naturally harvested hemp seed” then “distillation in 16th-century-style copper pot stills” and then being blended together with “angelica root, wormwood, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel and wild-crafted Douglas-fir, as well as natural terpenes”.

In terms of its best serve, The Pathfinder brand’s signature spritz recipe – 50ml The Pathfinder, 10ml lemon juice, topped with soda and garnished with a lemon wedge and served over ice in a Collins glass – has been championed across the industry. However, the drink can also be served as a shot, sipped neat, served over ice, or used to modify a multitude of classic cocktails.

The Pathfinder Hemp and Root was co-founded by Steven Grasse, who was the creator of brands such as Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry Rum and Chris Abbott who was the cannabis entrepreneur behind Mr. Moxey’s and Guy Escolme which was ex-Diageo.

Speciality Drinks buying director Dawn Davis stated: “I really like the product, which is a miracle considering my normal stance on non alc” while World Class bartender and bar owner Jack Sotti added: “The Pathfinder brings a much needed energy and complexity to the UK’s no and low alcohol category.”

Ravalia told db that Brits should be aware that “The Pathfinder has a cult-like nature which creates an air of mystery and intrigue.“

Ravalia explained: “The target demographic are people who are in search of inspiring and meaningful experiences and who want to socialise with complex and fun adult drinks but don’t want them to be alcoholic all the time.“

Describing which venues would be suitable for The Pathfinder, Ravalia said he could see it fit into “all venues that serve delicious tasting drinks. The Pathfinder makes delicious full strength, mid strength and non-alcoholic drinks from The Pathfinder Spritz (0% ABV), Rhubarb Americano (4.2% ABV) and The Pathfinder Negroni (20.4% ABV).”

The Pathfinder Hemp and Root will be available through the brand’s website for consumers retailing at £34.99 per bottle and via Speciality Drinks, Champers & Hammond’s of Knutsford for trade customers.

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