The latest update to the AF Beverage Guide with a bonus round for June!
Our Guide includes tasting notes from our panel (always at least four tasters) on everything from NA beer and wine to nonalcoholic spirits, bitters, mixers, and more. Check out the full guide here.
Happy start of summer to all!
Wines
Noughty Non-Alcoholic Blanc
A home run of a white wine with a blend of chardonnay and chenin blanc grapes, thoughtfully crafted for a very satisfying experience.
Noughty Blanc
Noughty Blanc
A panel favorite. Classic Chardonnay on the nose, taste, and texture. Crisp, tart, and acidic with a strong nose and lingering flavor profile. On the full-bodied side.
Click to try2023 Oceano Zero Pinot Noir
A long-awaited premium red offering that we feel confident saying is one of the best on the market and provides a true wine experience.
(A note from the tasting team: The NA categories twe find are the most challenging in terms of replicating the original are red wine, whiskey alternatives, and dark beer. We’ve happily noticed all three are getting better all the time!)
Oceano 2023 Zero Pinot Noir
Oceano 2023 Zero Pinot Noir
A strong red wine in a challenging category. Earthy, tannic nose with hints of grass. Some in our panel found it smooth and flavorful with tannin on the tongue and a round mouthfeel, others found they preferred it with a few drops of bitters to round out the flavor profiles.
Click to tryBeers
A refreshing and easy-to-drink pils with lots of complexity and interest! No flavorless light beer here!
Atmosphere 0.0 Pils
Atmosphere 0.0 Pils
Exactly what we would expect of a classic German pilsner. Round mouthfeel, bitter start with a slightly sweet finish. Our panel was divided on the staying power of the flavors but enjoyed it overall.
Click to tryWe had the opportunity to taste two seasonal beers from Athletic: Oktoberfest and Dark & Gourdy. The Oktoberfest is lively and light-bodied with some spicy complexity, and the Dark & Gourdy is darker and more savory (it has real pumpkin in the recipe).
Athletic Brewing Oktoberfest "Fest Brew"
Athletic Brewing Oktoberfest "Fest Brew"
A panel favorite. On the lighter side, but packed with flavor. We found it balanced with a lingering, slightly spicy aftertaste. Good with food and on its own.
Click to tryAthletic Brewing Dark & Gourdy
Athletic Brewing Dark & Gourdy
With a nose ranging from earthy to medicinal with a caramel finish, we tasted notes of chocolate and light spice with the pleasantly vegetal presence of pumpkin. Not overly carbonated. Reminded one of our panelists of a “holiday Guinness.”
Click to tryA treat for dark beer fans, this beer has a balanced sweetness and lots of earthy flavor.
Fremont Brewing Non-Alcoholic Dark
Fremont Brewing Non-Alcoholic Dark
A panel favorite. The balanced sweetness and nutty, bitter cocoa, and coffee notes suggested a celebratory beer that could pair well with dessert. Smooth and rich, but not overly so, with a long, complex finish. Imperial stout flavors without the heaviness.
Click to trySpirits
This unique spirit blew the panel away. If you’re looking a complex and sipable spirit, Tenneyson can be served neat, with ice, or with soda (mixes beautifully as well).
Tenneyson Black Ginger
Tenneyson Black Ginger
A strong orange flavor with a spicy orange peel nose. Our panel found it very tart and spicy in a ginger/peppery way, with a pleasant tannic bitterness and texture of orange peel. Several on the panel found it complex enough to substitute for a neat whiskey.
Click to tryAperitifs
We really liked that this spritz isn’t trying to replicate something specific; the flavors are fun and surprising.
Pentire Coastal Spritz
Pentire Coastal Spritz
A panel favorite. Notes of orange and spice with a pleasant bitterness and astringency and a full mouthfeel. A spritz that our panel felt is not limited to summer months.
Click to tryReady To Drink
We tried two canned cocktails from Per Se and two from Siponey this month. There were some good flavors, but we also had some ideas on how we would mix them for a fully customizable experience. (Never let a "ready to drink" label stop you from adding your own spin to a premixed cocktail!)
Per Se Negroni
Per Se Negroni
A strong cherry nose and a bit of warmth and sweetness balanced by tart notes of cherry and cranberry. Slightly tannic texture. Light carbonation makes it enjoyable over ice and more reminiscent of a spritz than a classic Negroni.
Click to tryPer Se Old Fashioned
Per Se Old Fashioned
On the sweet side with cherry flavors and notes of ginger, butterscotch and maple. We recommend adding ice and a favorite NA whiskey for a more classic Old Fashioned experience.
Click to trySiponey Pollinator
Siponey Pollinator
Very delicate flavors with a fresh raspberry nose. We recommend mixing with an NA spirit and a touch of orange or lime to draw out the complexity.
Click to trySiponey Botanics
Siponey Botanics
A subtle flavor with a fresh grapefruit nose. As per the instructions, we recommend mixing with an NA tequila or mezcal and a bit more citrus for a full Paloma-inspired experience.
Click to tryCheers! Love, Cara and the Tasting Team
