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Reviews for 2022

October 2022 - Conscious Spirits

October 2022 - Conscious Spirits
This month's Spirits feature is Conscious Spirits™. The Conscious Spirits™ review, conducted by the Beverage Testing Institute, is open to all distilled spirits that are health-, socially-, or environmentally conscious. In this special spirits review session, the experts at the Beverage Testing Institute blind tasted, reviewed, and recognized award-worthy beverage brands that make conscious efforts, including: low-to-no alcohol spirits geared towards a healthier lifestyle and/or spirit alternatives; socially-conscious brands that make the extra effort to give back to their communities either through financial donations or stewardship, and environmentally-conscious brands that are certified organic, biodynamic and have made proven efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

Conscious Spirits Reviews

Copalli Unaged Fresh Cane Juice White Rum
93 points
$29
A delightfully complex sipper all on its own that will add depth and complexity to a cocktail; a natural option for a spirit forward daiquiri.
New London Light Midnight Sun Non Alcoholic Spirit
93 points
$34
Fruity, herbaceous, and savory, this would make a wonderfully elegant fruity cocktail.
Awards:
FAIR Ginger Liqueur
92 points
Spicy ginger and herbs with luscious sweetness that will mix well in numerous cocktails.
Copalli Barrel Rested Aged Fresh Cane Juice Rum
92 points
$34
The barrel characteristics harmonize and don't over power the delicate cane flavors; this Rum is extraordinarily well executed.
New Scotland Spirits Helderberg 5-Year Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$64
A quality sipping Bourbon that would work well in a lot of dark seasonal cocktails.
New London Light Aegean Sky Non Alcoholic Spirit
91 points
$34
Savory and delicious, this would make an excellent aperitif and substitute for either a G&T or a classic Martini lover.
Brothers’ 1910 3-Year Old Empire Rye, Cask Finished Straight Rye Whiskey
91 points
$68
A somewhat rustic but very interesting nonetheless Rye for adventurous drammers and cocktailians.
Brothers’ 1910 Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon Whiskey
91 points
$68
A rock solid bourbon that will please as a sipper, mixer, or after dinner companion to a cigar.
Curious Elixirs No. 2 Non Alcoholic Spirit
90 points
$40
Fresh and funky, and tastes like a ginger Margarita; would also make a nice Tom Collins.
Astral Blanco Tequila
89 points
$34
Refreshing without being overly smoky, maintains complexity throughout the finish, and would likely appeal to Gin drinkers.
Curious Elixirs No. 1 Non Alcoholic Spirit
89 points
$40
An herbaceous, savory, fruity, hangover cure.
KOVAL Distillery Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
89 points
$45
A zippy and zesty Whiskey that would make for a great after dinner dram before dessert.
Go3 1865 Vodka
88 points
$26
A great Vodka to use for mixing.
Caleño Dark & Spicy Tropical Non-Alcoholic Spirit
88 points
$30
A friendly Dark and Stormy mixer that almost tastes like a Mounds bar.
Banks Botanicals Herbarium Distilled Non Alcoholic Spirit
87 points
$25
Light and subtle, this is a refreshing slice of Key lime pie in a glass.
Cîroc Vodka
87 points
$29
Simple and pleasant with a whisper of citrus.
Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative Non Alcoholic Spirit
87 points
$29
Reminiscent of a lowland Scotch or Irish Whiskey with mineral water.
Copalli Cacao Flavored Fresh Cane Juice Rum
87 points
$32
An earthy, grassy, and fruity Spirit that speaks of its base cane juice.
Haus Citrus Flower Aperitif Wine
87 points
$35
This would make a fun twist on a herbaceous Vesper.
Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey
87 points
$45
Wonderful and inviting nose that leads you to think this will be a tasty Rum and coke, with lots of capsaicin on the palate.
Caleño Light & Zesty Tropical Non-Alcoholic Spirit
86 points
$30
With zippy citrus and refreshing herbal notes, this is a natural pair with a tonic water.
Sans Junipre Non Alcoholic Spirit
86 points
$30
Notes of pine come through on the nose, and the flavors hit with a zesty wave of pepper and citrus.
Maria & Craig’s CBD Botanical Non Alcoholic Spirit
85 points
$29
Pine, grapefruit, herbs, and baking spice blended in an interesting herbal menagerie.
Rasasvada Rose Bergamot Non Alcoholic Spirit
85 points
$40
Layers of savory and fruity, this is tasty enough for what it is.
Monday Zero Alcohol Mezcal
85 points
$42
Spicy and lively, would make a nice mocktail Marg or Paloma.
Bonbuz Slowburn Functional Non Alcoholic Spirit
84 points
$39
Spicy, sweet, and savory flavors mingle nicely, though lacking fully harmonious integration.
Monday Zero Alcohol Gin
84 points
$40
Think lime-forward Daiquiri or Mojito vibes with a peppery finish.
Rasasvada Ruby Artemisia Non Alcoholic Spirit
84 points
$75
This would make a fine spicy Bloody Mary alternative, or could be interesting mixed with cola or soda water.
Rasasvada Black Ginger Non Alcoholic Spirit
84 points
$75
Would take a play on a Whiskey and coke cocktail to an interesting and new place without all the sweetness.
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