REVIVE, a gin created to prevent alcohol waste during COVID-19

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease has changed the lifestyle of people. Countries declared in a state of emergency, people engaging in self-quarantine, businesses forced to comply with shortened operating hours, the list goes on.

These drastic changes have impacted not only the food and beverage industry but also, the alcohol industry. The sales of alcoholic beverages such as beer have plummeted. According to a multinational drink and beverage company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, there is an excess of over 80,000 glasses of beer, an estimated 20,000 liters of unconsumed alcohol. Instead of disposing of the excess beer, a revival project to turn leftover beer into craft gin was created.

This special gin, REVIVE, is the product of the collaboration of three companies: sustainable spirits brand The Ethical Spirits & Co, sake manufacturer Geikkeikan Sake Co. Ltd., and Bud Weiser Japan. The manufacturing process is simple. A neutral spirit is obtained by distilling leftover Bud Weiser beer. This base is then flavored with beech trees, juniper berries, hop, and lemon peel. This is an innovative way to turn leftover beer into a brand new compound gin without losing the traits of Bud Weiser beer.

REVIVE is light, elegant, and sweet to taste. It is a perfect pairing with cuisines with rich sweet and savory flavors. Products will go on sale in September 2020, but pre-orders can be made at The Ethical Spirits & Co’s official website.

A portion of the sale of REVIVE will be donated to Music Cross Aid to support artists and musicians whose activities have been disrupted by the pandemic.

The pandemic has caused multiple industries in a state of surplus. It forces businesses to come up with ways to reduce waste, recycle, and put sustainability into action. This is something that could be prioritized even in a post-COVID-19 society.