Spirit Reviews: Zero-proof Products

While no-proof cocktails and spirits have become increasingly popular throughout the year, they really shine during Dry January when many consumers opt to abstain from alcohol. Here’s a roundup of some winning nonalcoholic products.

The following notes and ratings come from the most recent judging of the New York International Spirits Competition. Judges for the NYISC are trade professionals — retailers, bartenders, buyers, etc. — who blind taste products based on price tiers. These ratings and reviews of the Double Gold Medal winners recognize nonalcoholic  spirits that represent both quality and value.

ISH Spirits London Botanical (ISH Spirits)

Matches the London dry gin profile. The nose has juniper, citrus and light pepper spice. When in the mouth, the juniper is still present with black pepper spice. A classic gin experience and ideal for cocktails. The judges were happy to learn that it is vegan, gluten free and low sugar.

Squared Classic Margarita THC Mocktail (Squares)

A classic Margarita from the nose to finish. Lime and orange fill the nose. You taste the agave syrup with the citrus, yet still light as a sparkling beverage and not overpowering. Finish is crisp and a good relaxing companion with the added THC.

Athletic Run Wild IPA (Athletic Brewing Co.)

A solid non-alcoholic IPA. Nice amber color with citrus and orange aromas. It has hoppiness up front with some floral notes. Smooth mouthfeel as well as crisp for a IPA. Overall a drinkable IPA all day.

Gigli Blood Orange Margarita 4-pack (Gigli)

A great twist on a traditional Margarita with real blood orange. The nose is full on citrus with lime. When in the mouth, it is layered with strong presence of the blood orange and hints of vanilla. It is overall clean and refreshing, with subtle spice on the finish and does not taste artificial.

Free AF Apero Spritz (AF Drinks)

Classic Aperol spritz flavor with orange and a light herbal nose. Crisp and tight with bittersweet orange on the tongue, though still overall delicate and sweet on the finish. Would be great over ice and some fun garnishes.

Pavari 17 Mediterranean Apertif (DioniLife)

Definitely a Mediterranean-themed apertif with its strong blend of botanicals. A very aromatic nose with grapefruit, orange and dark herbs. Sparkling citrus in the mouth with subtle herbal undertones. The finish is clean and dry with no heavy sugar aftertaste.

Mingle Mocktails Non-Alcoholic Blood Orange Elderflower Mimosa (Mingle Mocktails)

It is a Mimosa and does not shy away from it. A sparkling cocktail with blood orange and elderflower on the nose. Natural sugar cane is a good balance, with the blood orange and elderflower lying gently in the mouth. Good carbonation levels to give it a crisp palate and cleansing finish. Served chilled — would look great in a Champagne flute at brunch.

Varnum Rosé Zero (Varnum Vintners)

A blend of Oregon grapes is the base of this sparkling rosé. Apples and hints of pinot noir are on the nose. Green apple and hints of citrus is lightly sparkling in the mouth. The finish is fresh and soft layers of apple and crisp fruit. Good chilled, and looks lively in your glass.

Momentum Hazy IPA (Momentum Brewery)

It is a hop-forward IPA with tropical and floral aromas. Its crisp with citrus flavors along with melon notes in the mouth The finish is smooth. with lingering notes of tropical fruit. A great segue to the no-alcohol IPA world.

Namari Amaro (Namari)

A classic bitter Italian liqueur experience. The nose has a citrus and spice mix. The bitters are present in the mouth, along with cinnamon and spice. The finish is lightly bitter and the citrus returns for a refreshing experience. A great digestif or a foundation for a fun cocktail.

Spiritless INC Espresso Martini (Spiritless)

It has the deep velvety brown color of a real brewed coffee martini. Roasted coffee wafts up from the glass. The subtle bitterness of a fresh espresso is part of the layered experience when in the mouth. It has a smooth finish of coffee and natural sweetness. Serve it chilled.

Sober Tangerine Gin & Tonic (B. Nektar)

A fun tangerine addition to the Gin & Tonic world. Tangerine is the focus in the nose with a soft reminder of juniper. Citrus is the theme when in the mouth, with light juniper layers. It is light bodied with a crisp finish and you taste the natural juices. Great over ice and throw in a fun garnish.

Veritas Superior (White) Chardonnay (Panavac)

A de-alcoholized chardonnay with lemon and toasted nuts on the nose. Creamy and layers of tropical fruit and minerals with an oaky presence. A nice long finish with hints of vanilla. It would pair great with seafood and white-meat meals.

Nowadays Low Dose 5mg (Nowadays)

A nice alternative to a brown spirit with its clean citrus filled nose. Lightly sweet with an assortment of berry flavors. The finish has a floral freshness and is light on the palate. A nice companion in a social setting.

Norie Red Rose Whisper (Norie)

A sparkling rose blend with strong floral notes along with dark fruits on the nose. Dark vibrant fruits lay in soft layers in the mouth. The sparkler has a clean finish and works as a great palate cleanser and would be a great the first drink at a party or meal.

Veritasbrau (Panavac)

A classic pilsner beer with a sublte nose of malt aromas and hints of grass. In the mouth it is lively, but still clean and crisp and refreshing. The finish is short and clean and what you want from a pilsner to drink on its own or with a spicy seafood dish.

Artis Chardonnay Sparkling (Cordier)

A sparkling chardonnay from France with a nice golden hue in the glass. Floral notes, along with hints of vanilla and tropical fruit. Creamy and buttery in the mouth with a medley of flavors of pineapple and vanilla and minerality. The finish is long and clean with floral notes on top. It would pair great with most salmon dishes.

ISH Mojito (ISH Spirits)

A classic Mojito style with citrus and lime on the nose. Crisp in the mouth of layers of lime and spearmint with a softness of sweetness to balance it. It is effervescent and clean and crisp on the finish. Serve it cold and or over ice and even some extra lime,

Blind Tiger Southside Mojito (Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails)

A sparkling Mojito with fresh mint, lime and hints of juniper to trace its orgins and direction when nosing it. Sparking and full of lime and mint makes it refreshing in the mouth. A clean finish that would be best served cold and over ice at a party or with appetizers.

Dr. Zero Zero AmarNo (Dr. Zero Zero)

A classic amaro from Italy fitting the profile with its strong herbal nose. Bitter botanicals with light sweetness and hints of wormwood gives it a full mouth presence of a strong liqueur. It is meant to be drank neat or as strong foundation in a cocktail.

Want more spirits reviews? Check out the recent ratings for brandy and Cognac, bourbon and tequila.

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