Origen Vodka and Harmony Gin (Photo by the brand)

Health-Minded Spirits

A wellness-inspired spirits brand may sound like a ploy, but Holistic Spirits Company co-founder Amy Holmwood noticed a legitimate market need. Holmwood passionately advocates for longevity science and believes everything that goes into your body counts. That includes what you drink and where it comes from. As a health advocate always looking for new ways to improve wellness, she determined that the spirits world was overlooked.

She introduced Origen Vodka and Harmony Gin, two plant-forward spirits that offer a more mindful way to drink. Keep in mind that she did not miraculously remove the health drawbacks of alcohol. Instead, she took a more enlightened approach focused on health and wellness, especially using healthier base materials.

Her unique approach filled a market niche and sparked the interest of controversial actor Woody Harrelson, who was introduced to her spirits by a mutual friend. Harrelson has long touted his obsession with health, especially when it comes to product sourcing. So, theirs was a match made in health heaven, and Harrelson became the brand’s co-founder. After launching Holistic Spirits Co. together, this wellness-minded tag team appears to be onto something big!

Origen Vodka

As a flavorless spirit, it wouldn’t seem you can do much with vodka. However, that’s what makes this so noteworthy. Produced at its Maryland distillery, Origen is made with 100% organic wheat and has a 37% ABV. It’s clean, crisp, and accessible with no harsh bite or lingering bitterness. You may not think it is flavorless when you see its rosy pink color, but that comes only from what is done to the vodka after distillation.

Following traditional distillation, Origen is “rested” with artichoke, elderberry, green tea powder, and muscadine grape juice. Although it adds no flavor, the process imparts color and health benefits from these four superfoods, as Holmwood calls them. I enjoyed this served on the rocks with an orange twist – a simple way to enjoy any vodka, enhanced by Origen’s charmingly elegant color. Even chilled and sipped neat, this vodka wins on taste and texture.

Harmony Gin

Harmony is a classic on the nose, exhibiting all of the standard botanicals. It’s juniper-forward, with strong coriander, orris, and angelica root notes. On the palate, it expands into a remarkably nuanced and pleasant gin. Although bottled at 46% ABV, its organic corn base keeps it approachable and less stiff than a typical London Dry. Despite the distinct juniper character, the other botanicals steal the show. Harmony is infused with the same four healthy superfood ingredients rested with Origen Vodka, although, in this case, they add distinct character. The muscadine grapes add juicy fruitiness, while the green tea and artichoke bring herbaceous, vegetal notes that play incredibly well with the traditional botanicals. It seemed appropriate to see how it did in a classic gin and tonic, which turned out equally outstanding, both in taste and appearance.

Final Thoughts

As I stated earlier, these two spirits are not claiming to be some form of alcohol alternative or miraculous revelation of distilling that eliminates the downsides of drinking. However, not only are they made with personal health in mind, but they are sustainably and responsibly produced at every step – genuinely holistic, indeed! Even if you are not a health nut, these are two well-crafted spirits that are as innovative in their profiles as in the approach and methodology behind them. I can’t recommend them highly enough!