Sip, Cruise and Plant: Sapling Spirits launches in the Netherlands with sustainable canal cruises and premium cocktails

We are really happy to say that we have launched Sapling Vodka in the Netherlands! This has been such an exciting transition and you’ll be able to find Sapling across all the major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. We had a tree-mendous launch day in the shining sun in Amsterdam last month, celebrating the arrival of Sapling on The Floating Garden. 

‘What’s The Floating Garden?’ you might be thinking to yourself. Well, it’s our new Sapling themed electronic boat which will be cruising around the canals of Amsterdam for the next two months. Decorated in a myriad of bio-diverse plants, our mobile greenhouse will be stopping at a range of Amsterdam’s most prestigious bars. In July, we’ll be going to Vesper, Chapter 1896 in Hotel De L’Europe, The Tailor in Krasnapolsky Hotel and Rosalia’s Menagerie. Then, in August we’ll be stopping off at Law & Order, Sonora, Feijoa and Sins of Sal. 

Our Head of Sales and Advocacy in the Netherlands, Lewis Thomson, pulled through to create an unforgettable launch experience. Lewis said that, ‘it’s been quite the experience to start from scratch in a new market’ and it truly was all hands on deck (mind the pun) for the launch of The Floating Garden as he sewed Sapling pillow cases and installed plant pots in time for our guests! When talking about why people should book onto The Floating Garden this summer Lewis said, 

'There is no better way to experience Amsterdam than by boat. Whether you’re a local, an immigrant (like myself) or here for a visit- it’s a must for the summer. Once you add in delicious cocktails from a phenomenal line-up of local bars & a very knowledgeable host from our partners at Starboard you’re set for a wonderful time. I’ve had the pleasure of joining the tours more often than I’d like to admit over the past few weeks (my tan is looking fab!) and it still feels special each time to sip on a world class Sapling cocktail whilst traversing the Amsterdam canals.'

Our founder, Ed Faulkner, said that ‘launching Sapling in the Netherlands has been hugely exciting’. As outlined in a recent report, the Netherlands’ growing alcohol industry is due to ‘key growth factors includ[ing] increasing customer preference for premium and sustainable options.’. So, with Sapling being a super premium brand which prioritises environmental sustainability at its core, it’s been so rewarding launching in a country where everyone is as excited about premium vodka and the environment as us! 

The growing research into environmental sustainability within the Netherlands reflects Sapling’s own mission to discover solutions for environmental issues such as the improper disposal of plastic; which we’ve been tackling through our refillable pouch postal scheme in the UK. In recent years, the Netherlands have actually become market leaders in plastic recycling which you can read further about in this article on how they are leading the way in this field. Consequently, the Netherlands’ innovative ways of thinking about a greener future has made launching Sapling there a super smooth (like our vodka) and natural journey!

Ed also spoke about some of the exciting activations over the next year, such as hosting one of our famous Sapling Planting Party’s in November. This will be our first reforestation project in the Netherlands in partnership with the Pollinators. Ed says, ‘think tree planting, live music, and open fire cooking’. There will also be regular trips to regenerative farms in the Netherlands led by Lewis Thomson, in line with our own interest in the future of regenerative farming like through our Regenerative Wheat Vodka.

We can’t wait to grow and for all of you guys to see what’s in store over the next year! It’s been amazing to see everyone enjoying The Floating Garden and to see it featured in a number of Dutch news platforms like Cosmopolitan and Talkies Magazine . We hope you enjoyed this little insight into our Amsterdam launch, until next time!