The Alchemy Of An NA Cocktail, with Morgan McLachlan
Photo Credit: Courtesy of De Soi
Creating elevated, zero-proof spirits without the alcohol is a complex process. As more consumers turn to the category, developing high-quality options is key.
The alchemy of cocktails and spirits sans booze is complicated, and not without its challenges. As consumers continue to embrace options that may not be 1:1 replacements for their favorite alcohol drinks, the possibilities are endless. AMASS Botanics and De Soi understand that complex mission. With a portfolio of curated brands that span both the alcohol and non-alcoholic space (including a partnership with A-lister Katy Perry, co-founder of De Soi), Master Distiller Morgan McLachlan has set out to create cocktails that can meet the moment regardless of ABV.
“I realized, working in my distillery where I could literally go swimming in alcohol, there’s so much built around that (alcohol),” said McLachlan. “But sometimes I wanted a beautiful, elegant drink, but I didn’t want the alcohol part.”
As a little girl growing up on the Canadian side of the Pacific Northwest, McLachlan developed a love of botany. Not yet realizing where that might eventually lead her, she spent more than a decade in the entertainment industry working behind a camera. Deciding to change course and pursue what had been a side hobby, she made the transition into distilling, eventually becoming one of the only female master distillers in the world.
After trading her career in cinematography for one in beverages. McLachlan also took note of the similarities between the two otherwise very different professions, mainly the fact both are a combination of artistry and technical skill. “You could be a very good technical camera person, but if you don’t have the artistry part, you might not be that (good) overall. So I went into distilling with that approach, of being good at both ends of it. And similar to the craft of cinematography, you don’t just get good at it. You have to do it.”
Now more than seven years since AMASS was founded, it’s safe to say she’s pretty good at it. De Soi is one of the most widely-distributed non-alcoholic brands in the country, with retail partnerships that span large outlets such as Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmer’s Market, The Vitamin Shoppe, and many others. Other AMASS brands can be found in retailers ranging from Total Wine & More to Michelin-starred upscale restaurants and bars.
Interested to hear more about Morgan McLachlan and her journey into distilling? Listen to our podcast interview, above. Also available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you consume your content.