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UK\u2019s first dedicated brandy distillery, Burnt Faith, launches premium brandy-based ready-to-drink cocktails, aiming to disrupt the stagnant brandy sector while gearing up for expansion through a major crowdfunding campaign.<\/p>\n
UK\u2019s Burnt Faith Distillery Pioneers Brandy-Based RTDs, Eyes Growth Through Crowdfunding<\/p>\n
Burnt Faith, the first dedicated brandy distillery in the UK, has entered the fast-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) market with what it claims are Britain\u2019s first brandy-based RTDs. The launch sees two premium canned cocktails, Burnt Faith Brandy & Apple and Brandy & Ginger, hitting wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels priced at \u00a33.50 per 250ml can. Both drinks use Burnt Faith\u2019s signature British brandy as their base, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6.2%. The Brandy & Apple offers a flavour profile of citrus blossom, juicy fruit, marmalade, and a cinnamon apple crumble finish, while Brandy & Ginger highlights burnt orange, fragrant ginger, biscuit, spiced honey, toffee, and toasted coconut notes.<\/p>\n
Founder Simon Wright, previously the creator of London cider brand Hawkes acquired by BrewDog, explained that the introduction of brandy RTDs is a deliberate challenge to an industry that has largely neglected innovation in this category. “RTDs in the UK alone are now worth over \u00a3800 million and growing fast, up 20% in value last year, but brandy\u2019s been completely missing from the shelf,” Wright said. He emphasised that while other spirits categories like rum, vodka, whisky, and gin have embraced RTDs amid shifting consumer trends around price, accessibility, and experimentation, brandy has been overlooked until now.<\/p>\n
The move to develop brandy RTDs comes as Burnt Faith prepares to scale its business through a forthcoming crowdfunding campaign aimed at expanding inventory, increasing distribution, and supporting further innovation. Although a specific fundraising target has not yet been announced, the company was valued at \u00a34.3 million in 2024, having raised over \u00a32 million in an earlier funding round. The business demonstrated striking growth with revenues reaching \u00a3600,000 in the 2024\/25 financial year, up from \u00a3120,000 the previous year. Forecasts suggest revenues could approach \u00a31.4 million in the 2025\/26 year, reflecting growing consumer interest and sales momentum. Burnt Faith\u2019s advisory board counts former Skyy Vodka founder Keith Greggor and PR executive and entrepreneur Matthew Freud among its members.<\/p>\n
Strategic discussions are ongoing with potential retail stockists to place Burnt Faith\u2019s RTDs more broadly, with a view to capitalising on the category\u2019s significant consumer demand. Wright highlighted brandy\u2019s versatility and underrepresentation in the RTD segment as key opportunities for success. Beyond the RTDs, Burnt Faith has continued to bolster its presence with initiatives such as the recent opening of a cocktail bar at its Walthamstow distillery, where classic cocktails featuring its brandy are served with innovative twists using local ingredients. The distillery itself is notable for housing the UK\u2019s only Charentais pot still and aims to produce brandy \u201cwithout boundaries,\u201d not constrained by traditional Cognac regulations.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s approach is firmly rooted in scaling while preserving authenticity. Wright stated that the crowdfunding campaign is about \u201cscaling the business without losing our soul,\u201d underscoring a commitment to innovation paired with brand integrity. This balancing act aligns with Burnt Faith\u2019s broader mission of refreshing the British brandy category, which has traditionally remained static in comparison to other spirit types.<\/p>\n
In addition to the RTDs, Burnt Faith collaborates with local partners such as East London Liquor Company to produce limited-edition items like an apple brandy released to support The Orchard Project charity. These efforts reflect broader engagement with the community and sustainability themes, helping position Burnt Faith as a distinctive, forward-looking presence in the UK spirits scene.<\/p>\n
Burnt Faith\u2019s developments highlight a broader trend where distinctive spirit brands are leveraging innovation in product formats and marketing to capture evolving consumer tastes. The arrival of brandy RTDs fills a conspicuous gap in the market and could well drive renewed interest in British brandy as a versatile and accessible choice for modern drinkers.<\/p>\n