Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
How can I source discontinued or hard-to-find spirit ingredients when my usual suppliers run out?
When standard suppliers can't fulfill orders for discontinued or rare spirits, members recommend reaching out to specialist drinks development and contract manufacturing contacts who may have stock or alternatives. **Key contacts and approaches:** - **Tom Hurst** — tried as a first port of call for hard-to-source spirits, though success varies - **Canify (London)** — members can make introductions for ingredient sourcing and RTD/canning support - **Riviera Drinks** — experienced in own-label projects and multiple pack formats; contact rdarfi@rivieradrinks.co.uk or phone - **Sam Pembridge** — recommended as a drinks development specialist who may help locate alternatives or reformulate **Caveat:** Members noted that popular discontinued products like Rockstar Passion Fruit Grenade become widely unavailable once production ends—"most people are sold out." In these cases, reformulation or alternative ingredients may be the only practical route rather than locating existing stock.
Which consultants offer drinks development, on-trade serve strategy, and photography support?
Members recommend **Luke Pearson of Pear & Sons** for integrated drinks development, on-trade serve strategy, and photography support for shoots. He previously worked as Northern Brand Ambassador at Seedlip for 3 years before transitioning to full-time consultancy. Members have commissioned him for cocktail development work and report he is "genuinely excellent & reasonably priced." Website: https://www.pearandsons.com/