I love whiskey, and a whiskey-mixed cocktail used to be my drink of choice at the bar. From bourbons to Scotch, I’ve tried them all.
Since switching to non-alcoholic drinks, I have found myself trying different non-alcoholic whiskeys to see if they taste as good as real whiskey (or close enough). A girl can hope, right?
As you might expect, some non-alcoholic whiskeys deserved to be poured down the drain – which can be a painful lesson because they don’t come cheap (my tip: skip Lyre’s American Malt).
But both the Spiritless Kentucky 74 and Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey impressed me and stood out with their taste. Here are the six non-alcoholic whiskeys that taste better than others.
- If you’re looking for an Old Fashioned alternative, I enjoy the oakiness and spice of Spiritless Kentucky 74.
- For a non-alcoholic whiskey with a burn, I love Monday’s Zero Alcohol Whiskey.
- One of the best non-alcoholic bourbon alternative I’ve tried is Free Spirits’ The Spirit of Bourbon.
Best For Old Fashioned: Spiritless Kentucky 74
Made in Louisville, Kentucky, Spiritless Kentucky 74 does not claim to be a non-alcoholic whiskey. Instead, it says on the label that it is for “bourbon cocktails”, which is an accurate reflection of its production process (less whiskey, more gin-like).
On the nose, I like that there’s lots of oak with a hint of spice. The oak carries over to the taste, and you get the same woodiness with some sweetness.
Here’s where I really enjoyed Spiritless Kentucky 74 – add some ice and non-alcoholic bitters, and it becomes impressively close to an Old Fashioned.
Order direct from Spiritless (within the United States)
Best For Burn: Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey
This is one of my top two favorites non-alcoholic whiskeys. It has a delightful warm caramel essence with hints of dark chocolate.
However, the tangy citrus notes were a tad too overpowering for my liking, and the body felt a bit thin and watery.
Meanwhile, the spiciness came across as excessively intense without adding to the experience.
I’ll skip sipping this solo but it tastes great as a mixing ingredient with cola, ginger beer, or other mocktails.
Order directly from Monday (within the United States)
Best Bourbon Alternative: Free Spirits – The Spirit of Bourbon
Crafted as the ultimate substitute for traditional Kentucky Bourbon, this non-alcoholic bourbon is in my top three picks for the best non-alcoholic whiskeys to buy.
I enjoy the blend of rich oak and caramel flavors that feels so smooth over the palate. The experience is further heightened by the presence of toasted almond and brown sugar undertones, adding an extra layer of complexity.
And here’s a little extra perk: If you’re battling a post-meal sugar crash, this bourbon has your back.
It is enriched with vitamins B3 and B6, along with natural aminos like Taurine, which supposedly helps lift your mood and provide a boost of positivity.
Order directly from Free Spirits (within the United States)
Best For Drinking Neat: Seir Hill Mashville Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
Most non-alcoholic whiskeys are not made for sipping neat, but I think Seir Hill Mashville is delicious when sipped neat.
It has hints of smokey oak, notes of crisp red apple cider and cloves, all balanced by a subtle undercurrent of sweet corn.
There’s lots of versatility with the taste profile, which allows you to whip up all sorts of whiskey-based drinks with this non-alcoholic whiskey – from the iconic Manhattan to the everlasting Old Fashioned and even the invigorating Whiskey Sour.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Proof No More (within the United States)
Best Non-Alcoholic Scotch Whisky: Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative
This alcohol-free distillery from Chicago has been making waves with its non-alcoholic spirits, and it is one of the lower-priced non-alcoholic whiskeys I’ve found ($30 on Boisson).
The appearance is a little cloudier than normal whiskeys, and on the nose, there are notes of floral and citrus.
The palate leans fruity, vanilla, smoke, and some spice. Overall, this whiskey is best suited for those who prefer the taste of a Highland Scotch Whisky versus an American Whiskey.
That said, I personally think that it is not quite as flavorful as Spiritless Kentucky 74 and Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey.
Order from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Boisson or Amazon (within the United States)
Best Non-Alcoholic Ready-To-Drink Whiskey Cocktail: Spiritless Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour
If you prefer a ready-made Whiskey-based mocktail, then check out this pour-over non-alcoholic Whiskey Sour by Spiritless.
It features Spiritless’s award-winning non-alcoholic bourbon, some cane sugar for sweetness, and fresh lemon. The result is a bright and tart take on the whiskey, citrusy classic.
I like cracking a can open and serving it over ice in a Cocktail glass with an added lemon peel. If I’m in an adventurous or indulgent mood, I might also add an egg white and shake vigorously.
Order direct from Spiritless (within the United States)
Conclusion
I’ll be honest here – non-alcoholic whiskeys still have some ways to go when it comes to resembling traditional whiskeys.
I’ve tried different non-alcoholic whiskeys and found that the watery body is a common let-down among the different brands. The lack of alcohol is a lot more obvious in a non-alcoholic whiskey than in a non-alcoholic beer or non-alcoholic gin.
That said, my advice is to go into trying non-alcoholic whiskeys with an open mind and know that you’re not going to get the same tasting experience as a real whiskey.
They might not taste like whiskey when you drink it neat, but you’ll discover that they are great bases for making mocktails and other drinks!
Also Read: 8 Best Non-Alcoholic Tequila For Margaritas And More