The Industrious Spirit Company, Rhode Island’s first distillery since Prohibition, is the creator of a first-of-its-kind oyster vodka by the name of Ostreida. The idea for the product came out of celebrations for The Industrious Spirit Company's first year in business when the team began toasting with vodka cocktails and oysters.
Locally sourced are included in the final distillation of the organic corn neutral spirit and as a result, Ostreida is said to capture the taste of Rhode Island. The smooth and balanced product offers a salty taste with hints of minerality, and Manya Rubinstein, the company's co-founder and CEO, says "It's delicious. It reads like a dirty martini—the brininess comes through."
This product, in particular, speaks to the growing number of consumers who are interested in the story of how something was produced, and where its unique parts came from.
Image Credit: Rachel Hulin
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Local Sourcing
- The trend of locally sourced and organic ingredients is expanding to the spirits industry, creating an opportunity for distilleries to differentiate themselves and appeal to consumers looking for unique and sustainable products.
- Flavor Innovation
- Distilleries are experimenting with unique flavor profiles, such as the briny taste of oysters in vodka, to capture the attention of consumers and stand out in a crowded market.
- Storytelling
- Consumers are increasingly interested in the backstory of products, creating an opportunity for distilleries to highlight their unique production methods and sourcing to appeal to those seeking an authentic and meaningful experience.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Craft Distilleries
- Craft distilleries are uniquely positioned to take advantage of local sourcing and flavor innovation trends, as they have the flexibility to experiment with small batches and differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
- Organic Spirits
- The demand for organic and sustainable products is growing and presents an opportunity for distilleries to appeal to consumers seeking environmentally friendly options.
- Tourism
- Distilleries can capitalize on the storytelling trend by offering tours and tastings that showcase their unique production methods, local sourcing, and flavorful products to attract tourists seeking authentic and memorable experiences.
