Free spirits
The rise of no-and-low alcoholic (NOLO) beverages in Ireland reflects a broader shift towards healthier lifestyles and moderation. Donna Ahern reports
Print22 October 2024
Many breweries, wine-makers and distillers are investing in high-quality, flavourful options to meet this growing demand for NOLO drinks. This trend not only caters to those looking to cut back on alcohol but also appeals to a wider audience, including those who want to enjoy social occasions without the effects of alcohol. As more innovative products hit the market, consumers are likely to have even more choices, making it an exciting time for both NOLO beverage brands and drinkers alike.
Contrary to PR and marketing dogma, what draws consumers to NOLO drinks is not health and sobriety but rather taste and innovative flavour experiences. Commetric, a strategic media insights company reveals survey findings based on AI-powered analysis of 10,000 Reddit posts, on NOLO drinks. And one of the most notable points is that taste trumps health. According to an article titled ‘Consumers choose NOLO drinks primarily for flavour, not health’, which was published in the current issue of Drinks Industry Ireland, (ShelfLife’s sister magazine), Georgi Ivanov, marketing director, Commetric, said: “There has been widespread support for NOLO drinks, including by government bodies, based on the assumption that consumers choose them as healthy alternatives. Based on the same assumption, many brands have positioned their NOLO offering to appeal to drinkers who want to stay sober and healthy, as our own research found. However, recent studies have shown there is very little evidence to support this view, and that more data is needed on consumer behaviour to create meaningful positioning strategies for NOLO drinks.
“To address this research gap, we used Commetric’s blend of AI-powered analytics and human expertise to analyse nearly 10,000 Reddit posts published in the last six months in discussions around NOLO drinks. We were in for a treat. NOLOs serve as a social glue.”
It is interesting to note that taste and aftertaste were the most widely discussed NOLO product features from the research, as users prioritised these sensory aspects when choosing beverages that replicate the experience of traditional alcoholic drinks or offer new flavours.
A perfect choice for Christmas gatherings
Celebrate the season with Santa Rita 120’s 0% alcohol wines
With the holiday season fast approaching, many are looking for festive alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, and this Christmas, Santa Rita is offering a great solution for those who wish to enjoy the taste of wine without the alcohol. Awarded Best Non-Alcoholic White and Red under €15 at the NOffLA Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2024-25, Santa Rita’s 0% Alcohol wines have been recognised as the perfect option for all to enjoy, from family dinners to festive celebrations.
Award-winning taste, without the alcohol
Santa Rita’s 120 De-Alcoholised Cabernet Sauvignon (2021) and 120 De-Alcoholised Sauvignon Blanc (2023) are part of a growing trend of high-quality, non-alcoholic wines that maintain the taste, sophistication, and enjoyment of traditional wines. These wines are available at SuperValu, Dunnes and Spar for €7.00, making them a smart choice for the health-conscious and an affordable option for all wine lovers this festive season.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, attending a party, or simply seeking a thoughtful gift for loved ones, Santa Rita’s 0% alcohol range offers the rich flavours of their renowned vineyards without the alcohol. This makes them ideal for designated drivers, expectant mothers, or anyone opting for a healthier, alcohol-free celebration.
Health-conscious choices for modern lifestyles
With growing interest in health-conscious consumption, Santa Rita’s de-alcoholised wines are a testament to the evolution of modern winemaking. These wines are crafted with care, ensuring that the process of removing alcohol does not compromise their vibrant flavours. The 120 De-Alcoholised Cabernet Sauvignon offers notes of ripe berries and soft tannins, while the 120 De-Alcoholised Sauvignon Blanc delivers refreshing citrus and tropical fruit characteristics, perfect for complementing festive dishes.
A thoughtful gift this Christmas
Santa Rita’s 0% alcohol wines are ideal gifts this season, offering an inclusive option for all. The Irish Wine Show Star Awards 2024-2025 recognises these wines as part of their elite collection, marking them with distinctive Award symbols that make it easy to identify in stores.
“We’re proud to see our de-alcoholised wines recognised at this year’s Irish Wine Show Star Awards,” said Terry Pennington spokesperson for Santa Rita. “Our 0% alcohol wines provide a sophisticated and enjoyable alternative for anyone looking to celebrate this Christmas without the alcohol, and we’re excited to offer a premium non-alcoholic option that stands out in quality and taste.”
Available nationwide for €7in Dunnes, Spar and SuperValu.
For more information about these award-winning wines and where to purchase them, visit your nearest NOffLA member outlet or inquire at Bibendum Ireland.
Atopia is an impressive low-alcohol gin choice
From the creator of Hendrick’s Gin, Atopia is an impressive low-alcohol gin choice. The range has an alcohol content of 0.5% ABV, making it an ultra-low alcohol option.
A range of super premium non-alcoholic botanical spirits now available in three delicious flavours: Rhubarb and Ginger, Spiced Citrus and Hedgerow Berry.
Atopia believes when you don’t want to drink alcohol, it shouldn’t mean a compromise on quality, taste or experience.
Atopia has been created and exquisitely crafted by their award winning master spirits distillers with generations of experience. Craft distilled in a Copper Pot Still with natural botanicals, it’s then blended with natural flavours to create a characterful and refreshing taste sensation.
Kylie Minogue leads the ways with her zero alcohol sparkling wine range
Kylie Minogue continues to lead and innovate the wine industry with her and Sparkling Rosé, contributing to more than half of the entire growth of the Zero Alcohol Sparkling category in the UK alone. Kylie Minogue Sparkling Blanc will hit the shelves later this year (SOURCE: NIELSEN EPOS TOTAL GROCERY MULTS 52WKS TO 18TH MAY 2024)
In December 2022, Kylie Minogue Wines launched its first 0% alcohol Sparkling Rosé in The UK and Ireland, with flavours and acidic balance mirroring that found in wine. Through a blend of Organic European grapes and green tea selected from the Liu-Mountains of Yunnan province in China, Kylie Minogue Wines’ 0% alcohol production process provides maximum development of wine attributes without generating any alcohol. The careful selection of ingredients is reflected in the extraction process of the tea, with one bud and two leaves individually hand-plucked at a time. Brewed into a strong infusion and added to the grape ferment, the result is an additional mouthfeel and finish, rounded off with dried tannins to present a complex and finely balanced Sparkling Rosé, minus the alcohol.
Speaking about her Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine range, Kylie Minogue, said: “Wine is such a historic part of our gatherings and celebrations, romantic evenings and after-work winddowns. I talk about this a lot with all my wines and is part of why I wanted to start this venture – the ‘experience’ of wine. The importance of the moment, whether it is for yourself or sharing it with others, can still be cherished with a non-alcoholic wine. Our 0% tastes like the wine you may be accustomed to but without the calories you would expect. The colour is gorgeous, the bubbles shimmer away in a champagne glass and it’s delicious. It still feels utterly celebratory.”
Kylie Minogue Wines’ Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rosé contains just 22 calories per 100ml which is around 80 less calories per glass than a standard glass of prosecco*, making it a delicious, lighter alternative. Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.*(Source: DrinkAware.co.uk 125ml glass of 12% ABV Prosecco contains around 108 calories).
‘Kylie 0% Alcohol Sparkling Blanc is an elegant non-alcoholic Sparkling with delicate notes of jasmine and a refined finish, offering a sophisticated and refreshing experience for any occasion. Produced with premium European grapes and hand-picked green tea from the Liu-Da Mountains of Yunnan. The innovative fermentation method reduces sugars by up to 30%, generates no alcohol yet delivers all the subtle flavours and characteristics of a traditionally fermented wine.’
Punked up flavour
BrewDog is on a mission to prove that alcohol-free does not equate to taste free. And now the brand has delivered a new alternative to the mainstream. A beer for those seeking a point of difference at 0.5% ABV that brings all the attitude of the flagship, Punk IPA. Punk IPA was the beer that kick-started the craft beer revolution and Punk AF is the next step in the brand’s desire to brew beer for every taste, for every occasion. No-alcohol just got punked up. And Punk AF lives up to its billing, with all the flavour but none of the alcohol.
BrewDog has now extended the AF range. Elvis Alcohol – free. It’s Elvis Juice, but the alcohol has left the building. It’s fruity, it’s citrusy, its alcohol free! Hazy Alcohol – free. All the attitude, all the flavour but none of the alcohol. It’s hoppy, it’s hazy – say hello to the juiciest alcohol-free beer in town.
For when you want a good tasting beer… but none of the booze. No corners cut; no time saved. We’ve dialled down the alcohol, not the beer.
BrewDog proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
A true trailblazer
Delivering an unrivalled taste with zero alcohol, McGuigan Wines pledges to make great quality wine accessible to everyone around the world for every occasion. The company has subsequently been named
IWSC International Winemaker of the Year a record breaking four times and its commitment to alcohol free wines is no different. McGuigan Zero is a trailblazer in its category.
The range offers an unparalleled alcohol free experience both on the nose and palate, launching with Shiraz, Chardonnay, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s created using state-of-the-art spinning cone technology. By drawing the wine into super fine layers for efficient vaporisation, alcohol may be removed at lower temperatures than ever before, thus resulting in a truly beautiful tasting product. The fruit has been sourced and selected specially for McGuigan Zero from premium vineyards in Southeastern Australia.
The quality of the fruit and its adaptability to the alcohol removal process ensures that customers are drinking the best possible alcohol-free wines. McGuigan Wines, Ireland’s number one Australian wine brand, is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Fluère unveils innovative non-alcoholic gins in Ireland
Fluère, a pioneer in the non-alcoholic spirits industry, is thrilled to present FLUÈRE Original blend & Fluère Raspberry. Designed to meet the surging demand for premium non-alcoholic options, Fluère Original blend & Fluère Raspberry is a nod to the timeless appeal of classic cocktails, offering a rich tapestry of flavours derived from a handpicked assortment of botanicals and natural essences. Its exceptional quality has been recognized with the prestigious Luxury Awards and Spirits Business Low & No Masters.
Fluère Original blend & Fluère Raspberry provide an excellent base for sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails, like a non-alcoholic Basil Smash, Gimlet, Dry Martini, Raspberry Collins or the well-known easy to make Gin & Tonic. Just add 50 ml FLUÈRE Original or Raspberry in a glass filled with ice. Top with 100 ml tonic water. Garnish with a sprig of Rosemary and enjoy.
Fluère Original blend and Raspberry are now available in Ireland.
About Fluère
Fluère is a leading non-alcoholic spirits brand made with the same complex distilling techniques used for spirits and high-end perfume houses. Fluère’s range comprises five products, each in a stunning bottle design: Original, Spiced Cane, Raspberry, Smoked Agave and the Bitter apéritif. Available in over 20 countries, including Europe and the US. The no- and lower-alcohol market is a rapidly growing category: health consciousness and mindful drinking continue to be on the rise. Using Fluère as an accelerator, it is our vision to create one integrated cocktail menu in the bar scene that offers a wide range of options to consumers when it comes to alcohol intake. Consumers should be able to choose a cocktail at its original strength, but also a lower- or no-alcohol variant, depending on their desire and the occasion.
Proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Rockshore launches Rockshore 0.0
A refreshingly alcohol-free beer that’s inspired by the invigorating coasts of Ireland
Rockshore, the refreshingly Irish homegrown lager, has recently announced the launch of Rockshore 0.0.
Rockshore 0.0 is a refreshingly new alcohol-free beer that delivers the same crisp taste and refreshment as Rockshore lager and captures the essence of Rockshore’s refreshingly Irish spirit in the purest form.
Brewed with the same four quality ingredients as Rockshore Lager, Rockshore
0.0 undergoes a meticulous brewing process where the alcohol is removed but the classic refreshing, light and crisp taste profile remains. This non-alcoholic beer offers balanced sweetness and bright character, allowing you to enjoy your moments of refreshment no matter the occasion.
Rockshore 0.0 is also a low-calorie option for those choosing to moderate, with only 14 calories per 100ml. This means a standard can of alcohol-free Rockshore 0.0 contains just 70 calories.
Rockshore 0.0 key features:
* Taste: Light, refreshing and crisp.
* Ingredients: Brewed with only four quality ingredients.
* ABV: 0.0%
* Calories: Low-calorie option with only 14kcal per 100ml and 70kcal in
a 500ml can
* Availability: Supermarkets in the Republic of Ireland starting 2nd of
September, 2024.
Rockshore 0.0 is brewed at St James’ Gate, and will be launching in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland from 2nd of September, 2024.
Rockshore 0.0 will be available in 4 pack x 500ml Cans in supermarkets, before rolling out to other retailers.
Faber Alcohol-Free Wines: The perfect choice for Irish wine lovers
Faber, Germany’s leading alcohol-free wine, is the perfect choice for Irish wine lovers looking to enjoy wine without the calories or alcohol. Represented in Ireland by Ampersand Wines, Faber offers a refreshing range of alcohol-free wines and sparkling wines, with less than half the calories of their alcoholic counterparts. This makes Faber ideal for those watching their waistlines or seeking a lighter, healthier alcohol-free alternative.
Faber’s alcohol-free wines are crafted from select terroirs, following the same traditional winemaking process as any other wine. Once the wine is fully made, a unique step is introduced. Through vacuum distillation, the alcohol is gently removed while preserving the wine’s authentic flavour profile. This ensures that Faber delivers a refined, alcohol-free wine experience without compromising on taste
Ampersand’s Faber range includes three still wines and two sparkling wines – offering variety for every palate. The Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon retail at €7.99 and the Sparkling White and Sparkling Rosé retail at €9.99. These award-winning wines have gained popularity over the last few years among Irish consumers seeking alcohol-free options. Faber has also earned recognition in the “Alcohol Free” category at the National Off-Licence “Irish Wine Show”, with the Sparkling Rosé winning gold last year, while the other varietals have regularly claimed awards in previous years.
Faber wines cater to a broad audience, from loyal fans to younger drinkers, all looking for the joy of wine without the alcohol. Easy to drink and packed with fresh, fruity flavours, they offer a relaxed, sociable experience—ideal for anyone looking to reduce alcohol consumption while still enjoying a quality glass of wine.
For further information or to place orders, please contact your Ampersand Wines representative or call 01 4130100.
Non-alcoholic beer brand Lucky Saint gains momentum in Ireland
The Lucky Saint story began when Luke Boase, the founder of Lucky Saint set out to revolutionise the world’s alcohol-free beer market. His mission was simple. To reward those who aren’t drinking with the beer they deserve. After spending two years of intensive searching across Europe, in 2018 he found a 400-year old Bavarian brewery who could make it all happen. Together they created a non-alcoholic beer using centuries-old brewing techniques that tasted superior to anything else on the market – a full bodied unfiltered lager with a refreshing citrus hop finish. Today Lucky Saint is proud to be the UK’s number 1 dedicated alcohol-free beer brand and having launched in Ireland last summer, their first market outside of the UK, the brand has quickly gained momentum with key stockists on and off trade with listings in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Dede at Customs House, Ox Belfast and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, in five-star hotels such as The Shelbourne Hotel and The Leinster, and across independent retailers and Tesco and Dunnes stores nationwide. Late this summer, Lucky Saint launched their second alcohol free product in Ireland, a juicy Hazy IPA with notes of tropical fruit, zesty citrus, and fresh pine, providing a refreshing and balanced beer. For more information see www.luckysaint.co
Celebrate Sober October with Natureo: award-winning 0.0 wines by Familia Torres
Earlier this year in April, Familia Torres was recognised as the “Best International Producer” of dealcoholised wines at Mundus Vini Non-Alcoholic 2024 in Germany. The pioneering family winery received 7 medals and 2 ‘Best of Show’ awards for its Natureo range, reaffirming its leadership in the 0.0 wine category.
Gold medals were awarded to Natureo Muscat 2023, Natureo Garnacha Syrah 2022, and Natureo Sparkling, while silver medals went to Natureo Chardonnay 2022. Additionally, Natureo Muscat 2023 earned the prestigious ‘Best of Show’ distinction.
In order to celebrate Sober October, Natureo is bringing its award-winning wines directly to consumers by hosting sampling counters in major retailers. This initiative allows wine lovers to experience the exceptional taste of non-alcoholic wines firsthand. From the bright and aromatic Natureo Muscat to the rich and fruity Garnacha Syrah, these tastings provide a unique opportunity to explore premium 0.0 wines without the alcohol.
Having pioneered the dealcoholised wine segment since 2004, Familia Torres continues to innovate, making Natureo a standout choice for those seeking high-quality, alcohol-free options. Sober October offers the perfect moment to discover the full depth of Natureo’s 0.0 collection.
Read more: NoLo on the go!
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