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October AF Beverage Guide Update!

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The AF Beverage Guide

October AF Beverage Guide Update!

We're excited to announce the first update to our recently launched AF Beverage Tasting Guide.


The Guide includes tasting notes from our panel on everything from NA beer and wine, to nonalcoholic spirits, bitters, mixers, and more.


Each month, we’ll be updating you with the products our panel gets to try as we add to our extensive database of drinks.


For Sober October we tried a wide variety of beverages including a functional hemp spirit, a few liqueurs for adding to your mixed NA cocktails, and beers from white to dark. We also tasted a floral spirit and a nice dark one as well, two sparkling wines, ready to drink cocktails, and two limited edition bitters. You can find details and tasting notes on all of them below!


Here’s hoping you find beverages you’re excited to try this season!


Cheers from Cara and the Guide Team

Wines

Giesen fans will be happy to see this festive update from New Zealand. The tartness scratched a sour beer itch for our panel.

 

Giesen Sparkling Brut
Alcohol-Free Wine|
White, Sparkling
Try it here

Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut

Strong bubbles with a significant lingering tartness. Tasters got notes of apples, pears and fruit skins. Some found the flavor didn’t linger though the tart effervescence did.
Alcohol-Free Wine|
White, Sparkling

Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut

Strong bubbles with a significant lingering tartness. Tasters got notes of apples, pears and fruit skins. Some found the flavor didn’t linger though the tart effervescence did.
Find it here

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, this peach sparkling wine will be your jam. The flavor and light sweetness makes it a good choice where you’d serve a mimosa. 

No & Low Peach Sparkling
Alcohol-Free Wine|
White, Sparkling
Try it here

No & Low Sparkling Peach

Long, lingering, lightly sweet peach flavor that didn’t taste artificial. Moderate bubbles. Some felt the notes were more unripe peach or nectarine. Could be considered sour beer adjacent.
Alcohol-Free Wine|
White, Sparkling

No & Low Sparkling Peach

Long, lingering, lightly sweet peach flavor that didn’t taste artificial. Moderate bubbles. Some felt the notes were more unripe peach or nectarine. Could be considered sour beer adjacent.
Find it here

Beers

If you’re craving a Blue Moon, you’re in luck! The prevailing opinion I’ve seen (and share) is that this is better than the original.

Blue Moon
Nonalcoholic Beer|
Try it here

Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian White

Our panel had varying opinions. While some noted that they enjoyed it more than the original Blue Moon, noting a convincing mouthfeel and a bright, juicy flavor others wished for more even more body. Distinctive orange notes.
Nonalcoholic Beer|

Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian White

Our panel had varying opinions. While some noted that they enjoyed it more than the original Blue Moon, noting a convincing mouthfeel and a bright, juicy flavor others wished for more even more body. Distinctive orange notes.
Find it here

Ready for dark beer and sweater weather? Cozy up with this stout-adjacent dark beer. 

Busty Lush Oatmeal Dark
Nonalcoholic Beer|
Try it here

Busty Lush She’s Divine Oatmeal Dark

We detected chocolate on the nose and some complex savory notes in the flavor. Our panel was divided with some feeling the texture was thinner and more bubbly than expected for a dark beer. Others felt it was rich in texture with an almost barleywine flavor—malty and not too sweet.
Nonalcoholic Beer|

Busty Lush She’s Divine Oatmeal Dark

We detected chocolate on the nose and some complex savory notes in the flavor. Our panel was divided with some feeling the texture was thinner and more bubbly than expected for a dark beer. Others felt it was rich in texture with an almost barleywine flavor—malty and not too sweet.
Find it here

Spirits

You’ve probably never had anything quite like this bright and citrusy hemp spirit before. Drink it straight or mix it with a spritz. (Note: contains CBD)

Tweedle
Zero-Proof Spirits|
NA Gins / Botanical Spirits
Try it here

Tweedle Botanicals

A unanimous panel favorite. Cloudy color with a slight anise, root beer nose, almost medicinal. Our panel noted balanced flavors including citrus/bitter grapefruit, wintergreen, and anise.
Zero-Proof Spirits|
NA Gins / Botanical Spirits

Tweedle Botanicals

A unanimous panel favorite. Cloudy color with a slight anise, root beer nose, almost medicinal. Our panel noted balanced flavors including citrus/bitter grapefruit, wintergreen, and anise.
Find it here

This floral botanical spirit is great wherever you’d use gin, but it’s totally its own thing.

Abstinence Cape Floral
Zero-Proof Spirits|
NA Gins / Botanical Spirits
Try it here

Abstinence Cape Floral

A unanimous panel favorite. Floral forward with strong geranium and rose notes which were balanced enough to appeal even to floral-averse panelists. A light tonic brought out a delicate complexity. We thought this would also be excellent in lemonade.
Zero-Proof Spirits|
NA Gins / Botanical Spirits

Abstinence Cape Floral

A unanimous panel favorite. Floral forward with strong geranium and rose notes which were balanced enough to appeal even to floral-averse panelists. A light tonic brought out a delicate complexity. We thought this would also be excellent in lemonade.
Find it here

This take on a whiskey can be used wherever you would add the original. The smoky flavor makes it fun to play with. (Abstinence Epilogue X)

Abstinence Epilogue X
Zero-Proof Spirits|
NA Whiskeys and other Dark Spirits
Try it here

Abstinence Epilogue X

Slightly smoky, sarsaparilla nose. We described the flavor as a peppery root beer with hints of cinnamon, smoky vanilla and rooibos tea. The panel didn’t care for this in ginger beer, but when we mixed it into a whisky sour, we found the smokiness added to the experience and led into a mellow finish.
Zero-Proof Spirits|
NA Whiskeys and other Dark Spirits

Abstinence Epilogue X

Slightly smoky, sarsaparilla nose. We described the flavor as a peppery root beer with hints of cinnamon, smoky vanilla and rooibos tea. The panel didn’t care for this in ginger beer, but when we mixed it into a whisky sour, we found the smokiness added to the experience and led into a mellow finish.
Find it here

Aperitifs and Liqueurs

Giffard is known for spot-on flavors and these two didn’t disappoint. (Stay tuned for the other two flavors coming soon!) (Giffard ginger and pineapple)

Giffard Ginger
Aperitifs/ Liqueurs/ Amari|
Liqueurs
Try it here

Giffard Ginger Non-Alcoholic Liqueur

Vegetal on the nose with initial strong spice. We tasted sweetness first, followed by the ginger, which lingered. When we added club soda or tonic, it tasted exactly like ginger beer.
Aperitifs/ Liqueurs/ Amari|
Liqueurs

Giffard Ginger Non-Alcoholic Liqueur

Vegetal on the nose with initial strong spice. We tasted sweetness first, followed by the ginger, which lingered. When we added club soda or tonic, it tasted exactly like ginger beer.
Find it here
Giffard Pineapple
Aperitifs/ Liqueurs/ Amari|
Liqueurs
Try it here

Giffard Pineapple Non-Alcoholic Liqueur

A unanimous panel favorite. A strong pineapple nose leads to a rich pineapple flavor. With tonic, it drinks like a sophisticated pineapple soda. Our panel was inspired to include it in everything from classic tiki drinks to a pina colada and more.
Aperitifs/ Liqueurs/ Amari|
Liqueurs

Giffard Pineapple Non-Alcoholic Liqueur

A unanimous panel favorite. A strong pineapple nose leads to a rich pineapple flavor. With tonic, it drinks like a sophisticated pineapple soda. Our panel was inspired to include it in everything from classic tiki drinks to a pina colada and more.
Find it here
Abstinence Lemon Aperitif

This isn’t trying to be a limoncello dupe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put it in a spritz!

Aperitifs/ Liqueurs/ Amari|
Aperitifs
Try it here

Abstinence Lemon Aperitif

An almost minty nose with pronounced lemon zest and peel flavor. Light sweetness, and a lingering bitter finish (those who enjoy bitterness enjoyed this).
Aperitifs/ Liqueurs/ Amari|
Aperitifs

Abstinence Lemon Aperitif

An almost minty nose with pronounced lemon zest and peel flavor. Light sweetness, and a lingering bitter finish (those who enjoy bitterness enjoyed this).
Find it here

Ready to Drink

If you’re a fan of Free Spirits’ Spirit of Bourbon and Spirit of Tequila, I have a hunch you’ll love these canned cocktails. 

Free Spirits Margarita
Ready-To-Drink|
Spritzes
Try it here

Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Margarita Cocktail

A unanimous panel favorite. Spicy, tequila-forward nose. The flavor is balanced with a pleasant savory characteristic. Has a full mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. The heat level leaves the mouth tingling rather than burning.
Ready-To-Drink|
Spritzes

Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Margarita Cocktail

A unanimous panel favorite. Spicy, tequila-forward nose. The flavor is balanced with a pleasant savory characteristic. Has a full mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. The heat level leaves the mouth tingling rather than burning.
Find it here
Free Spirits Kentucky Mule
Ready-To-Drink|
Spritzes
Try it here

Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Our panel had varying perceptions of this cocktail. Some enjoyed the smoky, pleasantly spicy flavor and found it reminiscent of bourbon. Others found the nose to be a tad artificial and more suggestive of bourbon due to its smokiness. One says they would have preferred it to be still not sparkling but compared it to a bubbly chilled hot toddy. A definite try-it-for-yourself situation.
Ready-To-Drink|
Spritzes

Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Our panel had varying perceptions of this cocktail. Some enjoyed the smoky, pleasantly spicy flavor and found it reminiscent of bourbon. Others found the nose to be a tad artificial and more suggestive of bourbon due to its smokiness. One says they would have preferred it to be still not sparkling but compared it to a bubbly chilled hot toddy. A definite try-it-for-yourself situation.
Find it here

There’s a lot to love about these non-alcoholic cocktails—from the lovely colors, to the natural and simple ingredients, and the adorable packaging, these are a great pick for your next girl’s night. (As Barbie says: every night is girl’s night!) 

Busty Lush Lavender Margarita
Ready-To-Drink|
Cocktails
Try it here

Busty Lush She’s Lavish Lavender Margarita

Attractive light purple color. Some noted a lavender nose, while others got candy shop. The panel enjoyed this cocktail but felt that it didn’t have enough lime flavor to suggest a margarita. We found it similar to a lavender spritz or even cream soda.
Ready-To-Drink|
Cocktails

Busty Lush She’s Lavish Lavender Margarita

Attractive light purple color. Some noted a lavender nose, while others got candy shop. The panel enjoyed this cocktail but felt that it didn’t have enough lime flavor to suggest a margarita. We found it similar to a lavender spritz or even cream soda.
Find it here
Busty Lush Paloma
Ready-To-Drink|
Cocktails
Try it here

Busty Lush She’s Glamorous Grapefruit Paloma

A unanimous panel favorite. Gingery on the nose with moderate bubbles. Sweet and sour are balanced for a refreshing experience. Strong grapefruit notes although we didn't detect the tequila notes of a classic Paloma.
Ready-To-Drink|
Cocktails

Busty Lush She’s Glamorous Grapefruit Paloma

A unanimous panel favorite. Gingery on the nose with moderate bubbles. Sweet and sour are balanced for a refreshing experience. Strong grapefruit notes although we didn't detect the tequila notes of a classic Paloma.
Find it here

Bitters

It’s always a good day when limited edition All The Bitter flavors are back in stock. Stock up on these current offerings (which usually come back in the fall) to get you through the winter. (All the Bitter aged new orleans and chocolate mole)

All The Bitter Aged New Orleans
Bitters / Shrubs / Mixers|
NA Bitters
Try it here

All The Bitter Oak Aged New Orleans Bitters

Starting with smoke on the nose, honey and smoke flavors blend with a spicy and warming sensation and a long, lingering lightly bitter finish. This oak-aged version of ATB's New Orleans bitter has more vanilla notes when compared with the un-aged version's bright flavors like cherry and hibiscus. We enjoyed it in cocktails and in sparkling water/tonic.
Bitters / Shrubs / Mixers|
NA Bitters

All The Bitter Oak Aged New Orleans Bitters

Starting with smoke on the nose, honey and smoke flavors blend with a spicy and warming sensation and a long, lingering lightly bitter finish. This oak-aged version of ATB's New Orleans bitter has more vanilla notes when compared with the un-aged version's bright flavors like cherry and hibiscus. We enjoyed it in cocktails and in sparkling water/tonic.
Find it here
All The Bitter Chocolate Mole
Bitters / Shrubs / Mixers|
NA Bitters
Try it here

All The Bitter Chocolate Mole Bitters

This limited edition bitter was a unanimous panel favorite! Spicy in both senses of the word—heat and spiced flavor—with lots of complexity. Earthy, cocoa powder notes. We tried it in a Oaxaca Old Fashioned and felt it would also be great in coffee or hot chocolate and a wide array of complex mixed cocktails.
Bitters / Shrubs / Mixers|
NA Bitters

All The Bitter Chocolate Mole Bitters

This limited edition bitter was a unanimous panel favorite! Spicy in both senses of the word—heat and spiced flavor—with lots of complexity. Earthy, cocoa powder notes. We tried it in a Oaxaca Old Fashioned and felt it would also be great in coffee or hot chocolate and a wide array of complex mixed cocktails.
Find it here
Meet the author
Picture of Cara Strickland

Cara Strickland

Cara Strickland is an award-winning writer specializing in food and drink, relationships, parenting, and books. Her work has appeared in outlets including The Washington Post, Salon, Slate, Southwest, eHarmony, Time Out, Atlas Obscura, JSTOR Daily, and the Rumpus. Find Cara at www.carastrickland.com.
See all articles by Cara Strickland
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We love surprises too!

Here’s an AF beverage for you to try, tested by our panel of professional mixologists and tasters! 

Ready-To-Drink|
Cocktails
Try it here

Non 5 Lemon Marmalade & Hibiscus

Lemon-mint nose. A tea-like quality and texture with the addition of bubbles creates a sparkling herbal iced tea vibe.
Ready-To-Drink|
Cocktails

Non 5 Lemon Marmalade & Hibiscus

Lemon-mint nose. A tea-like quality and texture with the addition of bubbles creates a sparkling herbal iced tea vibe.
Find it here

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Cheers!