Masterchef finalist unveils low-ABV spirits

by Kate Malczewski

Billy Wright, a 2016 finalist of the BBC TV series Masterchef, has created a range of low-alcohol 'spirits' called Decem.

The Decem collection features three expressions: London Dry, Spiced Blend and Aperitif. In keeping with the brand's name, which translates to 'ten' in Latin, each bottling clocks in at 10% ABV and is made with 10 ingredients. London Dry is 'distilled as a normal gin' and is then blended with natural flavourings. It features juniper, citrus and spicy notes. Spiced Blend marries light and white Caribbean rums from Martinique and the Dominican Republic; spices are then steeped in the liquid for three days. Finally, Aperitif is produced by macerating a variety of botanicals for three days, then blending the spirit with strawberry and grape juices. Wright began developing the range in 2019. Initially, he sought to create a 'more natural, British version' of the Italian aperitivo Aperol, but later decided to pivot to full range of low-alcohol alternatives. “Drinking is at the very heart of our society yet so many of us still can’t enjoy it without that slight fear of enjoying it a little too much. By reducing the alcohol content in our drinks it makes for a more enjoyable drinking experience yet still allows us to retain all the flavours," Wright said. "Decem has been three years in the making, working tirelessly to find the most interesting combinations of fruits, herbs and botanicals to blend genuinely different liquids that hold complex flavours yet are easy to drink with the simplest mixers. We’re proud to launch the first three spirits in the Decem range and give drinkers lighter alternatives to be enjoyed all day or all night.” The collection is made in the UK: developed in Hackney, distilled in Suffolk and bottled in Yorkshire. Each expression is priced at RRP £30 (US$39.17), available for purchase at decemdrinks.com. Want more low and no? Earlier this year, we revealed our pick of the brands to watch in this burgeoning category.