A gin distillery writing about Sober October might sound odd. We think it makes complete sense. We make spirits on King Street in King's Lynn because we care about flavour, craft and taking the time to enjoy a drink properly. Taking a month off fits with that. If you've signed up for Sober October this year, this guide is for you: what the month is about, a few practical ways to get through it, and how to come back to drinking in November without overdoing it.
What is Sober October?
Sober October is a month without alcohol, from 1 to 31 October. Lots of people do it to raise money for charity. Others just want a break, a change of routine, or a chance to notice how often a drink turns up on autopilot.
It isn't a test, and nobody's keeping score. The idea is to step back for a few weeks and decide for yourself what part alcohol plays in your life.
Why a distillery is happy to talk about it
We're a family-run business, and we'd much rather have customers who enjoy one well-made drink than ones who pour without thinking. Our motto is Dabble, Tinker & Enjoy. That means trying something new, playing around with the serve and appreciating what's in the glass. None of that has anything to do with drinking more.
A break can also sharpen your palate for when you do pour again. Plenty of people come back from a month off more curious about what they drink and less interested in just having whatever's to hand. We think that's a good thing.
Practical tips for getting through Sober October
It's 20 October as this goes out, so if you're doing it, you're past the halfway mark. Well done. Here are a few things that help with the final stretch:
- Have a go-to order. Decide what you'll ask for before you get to the bar or the party. Then there's no hovering, and no awkward pause.
- Keep the ritual, swap the drink. If your evening drink is really about winding down, keep the moment. Use a nice glass, add ice and a twist of citrus, and sit down with it properly.
- Tell people early. Mention it at the start of the evening and most people will just get on with things. If someone pushes, that's their problem, not yours.
- Plan around activities, not rounds. A night built around something to do is easier than one built around drinks.
- Don't beat yourself up. If the month doesn't go to plan, it isn't a failure. Take what you've learned and carry on.
Nights out in King's Lynn that aren't about the glass
Our bar is part of our community as well as somewhere to drink, and much of what we put on is really about the company. The Hooma Comedy 'WhataHoot' Comedy Club is a night of laughs. Street Food Friday with Pizza Slice Guy is about good food and a relaxed end to the week. Look at the details on each listing before you book.
If you're looking further ahead, the November Quiz Night is a fun way to get friends round a table. And when Christmas arrives, the Christmas Wreath Making Evening with Norfolk Ivy means you go home with something you made yourself.
After Sober October: drink less, choose better
When November comes, there's no rush to make up for lost time. If you decide to drink again, think of it as a chance to dabble: pour one good measure of something you'll actually taste and take your time with it. All three spirits below are 70cl, and the gin and vodka are both 40% ABV. They show the different directions you can go.
For a clean, simple serve: Signature Vodka
Our WhataHoot Signature Vodka (£37) is a full-strength, hand-distilled premium vodka made from sugar beet. It's very smooth, so it works with a mixer or simply on the rocks. That suits a first drink back, when you want something uncomplicated.
For something fruity but grown-up: Raspberry & Pink Peppercorn Gin
Our Raspberry & Pink Peppercorn Gin (£44) is hand-distilled here in historic King's Lynn and made with real fruit. This is where you get to tinker: garnish it with fresh or dried raspberries and a few pink peppercorns, and enjoy putting the serve together.
For a slow, sit-down sip: Signature Golden Rum
Our Signature Golden Rum (£44) is a premium Caribbean golden rum, blended with our own subtle spices: Szechuan pepper, coriander, chocolate and orange. Enjoy it over ice or with your favourite mixer. Or try it the way we like to: with a square of really good dark chocolate. It's a drink for a quiet autumn evening, made to be savoured.
Whatever you choose, keep it to a measured pour, enjoy it slowly and drink responsibly. Our spirits are for adults aged 18 and over.
Thinking ahead to Christmas
If your month off has got you thinking more about experiences than bottles, a Wise Old Owl Gin Making Experience gift voucher makes a thoughtful present. It's a hands-on session at our King Street distillery, where you learn about botanicals and make a bottle of your own. It's about the craft as much as the gin, and it's a good day out to share with someone.
FAQ
When does Sober October take place?
It runs for the whole of October, from the 1st to the 31st.
Can I still go out during Sober October?
Of course. Choose evenings built around something to do, like comedy, a quiz or good food. Decide on your drink order in advance so you're not caught out at the bar.
What's a good way to start drinking again afterwards?
Take it slowly. Pick one well-made drink, keep to a single measure and actually taste it. There's nothing to catch up on.
Is it strange for a distillery to support Sober October?
We don't think so. We want people to enjoy flavour and craft, and that fits with drinking thoughtfully, including taking time off when you want to.