Non-alcoholic whiskey is a relatively new addition to the non-alcoholic beverage market. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of whiskey without the alcohol content. Here's a guide to non-alcoholic whiskey:
What is non-alcoholic whiskey?
Non-alcoholic whiskey is a type of whiskey that has the same flavor, smell, and aroma of regular whiskey, but without the alcohol content. This makes it an interesting option for those who are looking to enjoy the taste of whiskey without the buzz associated with it.
How is non-alcoholic whiskey made?
To produce a non-alcoholic whiskey, producers can use a range of techniques and processes—some even dating back thousands of years.
Maceration is a simple technique for extracting flavor from a substance by immersing it in a cold liquid.
Through distillation, a liquid is heated to produce a vapor. Catching and condensing that vapor results in a “new” liquid with new characteristics.
Filtering is used to purify and “decloud” liquids produced through various methods by passing the fluid through filters.
Various distillates, macerations, and other filtered substances are blended to obtain a specific flavor, appearance, and texture.
Non-alcoholic whiskey is made using a variety of ingredients, including natural flavorings, extracts, and essential oils. These ingredients are blended together to create a flavor profile that mimics the taste of whiskey. Some non-alcoholic whiskey brands also use aging techniques, such as oak barrel aging, to add complexity to the flavor.
What are the benefits of drinking non-alcoholic whiskey?
The main benefit of drinking non-alcoholic whiskey is that you can enjoy the taste of whiskey without the negative effects of alcohol.
It's also lower in calories and sugar compared with its alcoholic counterpart, making it a healthier alternative to traditional whiskey. Additionally, non-alcoholic whiskey can be enjoyed by people who are unable to consume alcohol due to health or personal reasons.
How do you drink non-alcoholic whiskey?
Non-alcoholic whiskey is often used in mocktails and cocktails, allowing people to enjoy the taste of whiskey without the associated risks. It can also be enjoyed neat or over ice, providing those who don’t imbibe with a unique flavor experience. Non-alcoholic whiskey is an intriguing option for those looking to enjoy the flavor of whiskey without the alcohol content.
Where can you buy non-alcoholic whiskey?
Non-alcoholic whiskey is becoming increasingly popular, and it can be found in most liquor stores, as well as online retailers. It's important to note that the availability of non-alcoholic whiskey may vary depending on your location.
Five best non-alcoholic whiskeys
1. Ritual Whiskey Alternative
Ritual Whiskey Alternative is a non-alcoholic whiskey that allows you to enjoy the taste and ritual of drinking whiskey without the alcohol. Plus, it's keto friendly with only five calories and no artificial flavors. With its natural ingredients, Ritual Whiskey Alternative's taste is described as "overtones of vanilla and oak, with notes of stone fruit and caramel, finishing with a pleasant heat."
2. Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey
Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey is the perfect adult beverage for those looking for an alternative to traditional whiskey. Hand crafted in small batches, it's vegan, gluten free, and keto friendly with zero carbs, sugar, and calories. The flavor profile is described as "on the nose, butterscotch, raisin, and toasted brown sugar. The palate presents roasted coffee, rich caramel, and warm molasses. The finish is long with spicy heat down the middle and a hint of orange."
3. Spiritless Kentucky 74 (Distilled Non-Alcoholic Whiskey)
Spiritless Kentucky 74 is carefully crafted through a proprietary distillation process consisting of thermal extraction to recreate barrel aging and reverse distillation of ethanol. The end result mimics the taste of bourbon whiskey without the burn or alcohol, described as "a high-quality, smooth finish, underpinned by familiar notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak." If you prefer the taste of cinnamon whiskey for your mocktails and punch, try Spiritless 74 Spiced.
4. Lyre's Highland Malt
Traditionally, malt whisky is made from a fermented mash of primarily malted barley to give it its distinctive flavor. Lyre's Highland Malt is the world's first non-alcoholic malt whisky, crafted to emulate the taste and character of a traditional single malt whisky. The flavor profile of Lyre's Highland Malt consists of the "lovely, deep flavors of toffee, spiced oak, and nutty grains with a firm, dry finish."
5. Gnista Barreled Oak
The wood of whiskey barrels, such as oak, play an important role in the fermentation process and flavoring of alcohol. Gnista Barreled Oak recreates this experience with this zero-proof beverage. The flavor profile is described as "dry and smokey, with tones of warm spices, chocolate rye and a distinct character of oak barrel."
In conclusion, non-alcoholic whiskey is a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of whiskey without the alcohol content. It can be enjoyed in the same way as traditional whiskey and is available from a range of popular brands.
