
Why? Because most of our experience of taste isn't a taste at all, but scent. Because water evaporates at a much higher temperature than alcohol, we experience the flavor of non-alcoholic spirit in a completely different way. The results of these formulations, whether compound or distillation, are water-based liquids.

Why don't straight non-alcoholic spirits taste the same as alcohol? Some non-alcoholic spirits, like Gnista, use both compounding and distillation to achieve their complex and interesting flavors, and most distillers will add preservatives or texturizers after the distillation process. First, the spirit maker distills a product with alcohol, like whiskey, then boils the alcohol out in a second round round of distillation. Distillations can be made entirely without alcohol, or they can be double distilled. For body and richness, producers might also use ingredients like glycerin or cellulose gum to mimic the mouthfeel of traditional spirits.ĭistillations are a more complicated process, involving boiling liquids, causing some of the water to evaporate, which concentrates the flavor in the remaining liquid. A compound is just a blend of extracts, sweeteners, juices, and any other flavor additives with water. Non-alcoholic spirits generally fall into two camps: compounds and distillations. Think of them like spices: they taste great mixed into recipes, but, as anyone who has tried the cinnamon challenge will tell you, they can be too intense on their own.

Non-alc spirits don't taste like the high-test stuff because they're formulated to be used in cocktails. Not because the makers of non-alcoholic spirits failed to make their products taste accurate straight out of the bottle, but because that wasn't their intention.

At all.ĭon't get discouraged! We're here to help you understand what non-alcoholic spirits are, how they are made, and, most importantly, the best way to enjoy them.Įxpecting a neat non-alcoholic bourbon to taste like a pour of 20-year Pappy Van Winkle is a recipe for disappointment. Excited and impatient, maybe you took a slug right out of the bottle, only to find what was described as non-alcoholic gin or tequila didn't taste how you thought it would. Your package has arrived, you've opened the box, and you finally have your highly anticipated bottle of non-alcoholic spirits in your hands.
