Non-alcoholic distilled spirits trend
The new trend in the beverage industry and especially among craft distillers is called “non-alcoholic distilled spirits”. In other words: alcohol-free distillates. So where does this new movement come from and what are its success factors?
Sober curious
No alcohol but always in a good mood: sober curious. The term for non-alcoholic beverages was introduced in the United States in 2018. “Sober curious” describes a concept that rethinks and stages sobriety and an alcohol-free life with exciting mocktail ingredients and cool Instagram hashtags. In New York City, sobriety parties and alcohol-free bars celebrate being sober and living without a hangover the next morning. The trend is already noticeable in Switzerland.
Non-alcoholic distilled spirits are gaining more and more fans for reasons related to lifestyle, a performance-oriented society and the desire for healthy living. This trend is expected to continue, as consumers still want to go to fancy bars to enjoy a cocktail, but in a different form.
Production of non-alcoholic distilled spirits
Why are we talking about non-alcoholic distillates and not non-alcoholic spirits? The reason is simple: because spirits, by definition, must contain at least fifteen percent alcohol. The term “distillate”, on the other hand, refers only to the condensed steam that drips into a still. In other words: herbal water from the still.
Basically, the production of non-alcohol distilled spirits does not differ much from the production of alcohol-rich distillates. For example, a gin is produced like a normal gin. Some aromas, such as those of citrus fruits, are very water-soluble, while others, such as juniper berries, are not soluble in water. In this case, the aromas are extracted from the juniper berries with oil and sugar as an intermediate step and then added to the water. Then the whole product is distilled and preserved with lemon water.
In order to replace the missing alcohol, strong taste impulses have to be given. This is why strong spices are widely used.
What non-alcoholic distilled spirits are available?
In Switzerland, this trend is still in its beginnings. The global pioneer is “Seedlip”, which was the first to launch alcohol-free distilled “spirits” in 2016. Many producers of alcohol-free distilled spirits rely on the principle of “omission”: no alcohol, no sugar and no preservatives. This is a good concept, but it also means that the shelf life of opened bottles is very short. We are talking about two to six weeks.
Non-alcoholic distilled spirits in Switzerland
It remains to be seen how the arrival of this trend is perceived in Switzerland and whether it has a chance in this market. To answer this question, we spoke to Mr Adrian Affentranger, CEO of the Willisau distillery (Diwisa). Thanks to continuous innovation and highly motivated employees, Willisau Distillery has become the market leader in the production and distribution of spirits in Switzerland. The family-owned company optimally combines traditional expertise, innovative flair and high technology. This is why it goes without saying that Diwisa is already “distilling” something in the field of “non-alcoholic distillates”. Adrian Affentranger confirms: “It is indeed a very current theme and several brands are in development. “
The perfect glass bottle for non-alcoholic distilled spirits
Non-alcoholic wine is also an option
In the meantime, there are also winemakers who bet on non-alcoholic wines. Very often at the beginning, these wines smell and taste like apple juice. Here, the alcohol produced during fermentation is separated from the liquid by distillation. When it is heated, the alcohol evaporates – as do many of the aromas.
There are already alcohol-free vermouths on the market made from non-alcoholic wine and grape must or other alcohol-free bitters.
Non-alcoholic drinks are becoming more and more popular: Focus on non-alcoholic aperitifs
It is not just about non-alcoholic distilled spirits – non-alcoholic beverages in general are becoming more and more popular and also more and more innovative.
The Appenzell company Goba has also been looking at the “alcohol-free” trend.
Alcohol-free is becoming increasingly popular: Zoom in on this trend.