Judges thought the Non-abv category in the BBAs showed great progress this year. Here we summarise the results.
The enduring message from the non-abv spirits tasting was that these products are serious and getting better all the time.
This year Nona Spritz takes our award for Category Champion. With the highest mark on taste – and a gold medal – judges picked out bitterness and tangy orange on the palate. With a silver for design and value for money, Nona Spritz was the top low-no and the 12th best product in the BBAs 2023.
In second was one of Paul Matthew’s Everleaf non-abv spirits – its Forest expression, which finished in fourth last year. In the blind tasting the panel spotted apple, marzipan, stone fruit, with bitterness too. It took gold, which was also the medal for value for money: “The liquid vs branding vs price – it’s great,” said one judge.
In third was Rebel 0.0% Spritz Alternative. Judges detected rhubarb and blood orange notes, which “rolled over the palate” and “heat on the finish”, as if it contained alcohol.
Nona took fourth place too with its June expression. Silver on taste (“good mouthfeel and lengthy flavour with peppercorn heat on the finish”), and design (“beautiful bottle but the name could be clearer”).
Sipsmith Freeglider Alcohol Free Spirit completes our top five. Judges liked the liquid but combined with the packaging, loved the £22 price. “It positions the market for me”, said one.