Born and bred in New Zealand, Ecology and Co. started as a way for a husband to cure his wife's gin cravings without consuming any extra alcohol.
Will Miller, co-founder and head distiller at the company, said that after his wife Diana gave birth, she struggled to have more than one drink without having detrimental effects on her sleep.
"One day, we were at a party. She was driving, and after a gin and tonic, she fancied another,” said Will.
"She didn't want the alcohol, but she didn't want any of the sweet soft drink options on offer, saying she wished that someone would come up with an alcohol-free gin. The rest is history."
New Zealand is one of the few countries that allows home distilling, which pushed Will to co-create the foundation of Ecology and Co. with his wife Diana.
While Diana used her entrepreneurial skills to help get the product into trade markets, her husband went to train at the Institute of Brewers in Scotland. Although alcohol brewing varies from non-alcoholic brewing, this gave Will a strong understanding of the importance of flavour.
Will and Diana Miller
Ecology and Co. is known for its two home blends. The first is the London Dry, a juniper-based gin alternative that is dry on the pallet. This is the recommended switch for a standard gin and tonic.
The second is the Asian Spice blend, an aromatic cardamom base laced gin with sweet cassia cinnamon, dry black pepper, and sherbety lemon myrtle.
The company also offers a range of limited edition flavours, ranging from blood orange to pandan. The entire range of products is made using still and herbs, spices, and fruits. They are all sugar-free, artificial sweetener-free, colour-free, and, of course, alcohol-free.
"All of our beverages offer a truly satisfying alternative to a spirit, whether with whatever mixer or in a cocktail if you prefer," said Will.
"Our alcohol-free spirits are best enjoyed with a sparkling mixer like soda to tonic to open up the flavours."
Ecology and Co. spirits stand out against other alternatives due to their rich layers of flavour and aromatics, which have all been hand-made. Despite being alcohol-free, they share an almost identical taste pallet to regular gin, making them great for consumers craving that traditional taste.
Ecology and Co. has formed a great relationship with its community, forming a stable customer base from beginning to end. From appearing at trade shoes, they have witnessed their products' impact on the alcohol-free community.
"We get amazing feedback from customers who choose to integrate us into their lifestyle, whether it is because they love the taste or because they are choosing to cut down on alcohol," said Will.
Both founders believe in delivering an adult replacement for alcohol that shares a similar taste pallet. Will has witnessed the exponential growth of the alcohol-free industry and the opportunities it has provided for innovations.
"The botanical world is our oyster when it comes to flavour," expressed Will.
"We've many more herbs, spices and fruits to use and blend."
After seven years in the business, Diana and Will Miller have seen the potential for the alcohol-free industry, growing their brand to create delicious alternatives for all.
Read more about alcohol-free alternatives here.
