Ever thought about the eight to twenty years it took to produce that shot of Tequila from Mexico you just barely managed to stomach? Probably not. “People don’t consider the environmental impact of their exotic alcohol tastes”, says Ben Gill, Brewer and Alcohol Expert at Cotleigh Brewery, Somerset. He believes “the whole drinking industry is marketed on luxury and the exotic” and “that needs to change.”

 

One recent culprit and favourite for us Brits is the “craft ale craze”. The craze hit hard in 2015 with beer from all over the world being shipped in and consumed on a massive scale, totally disregarding the humble and sustainable beginnings of craft ale. One bottle of imported beer can produce three or more times the carbon footprint of a pint of locally brewed beer. 

 

There are still ways to enjoy your ‘Americal Pale Ale’. This classification often means that only some of the ingredients (hops) are imported before being brewed closer to home. Check the labels or ask your friendly bar staff for more information. Ben urges beer enthusiasts to “drink local or brew your own, there are so many brilliant breweries in the UK.” Think before you drink!