Lower ABV, Higher Expectations: Spirits with a Lighter Touch

The low and no-alcohol spirits category is experiencing a quality revolution. After a decade of development, what was once dismissed as "thin and sweet" is now delivering sophisticated complexity.

At this year's IWSC Alternative Drinks judging, 56 medals (5 Gold, 22 Silver, 29 Bronze) were awarded across low/no and lighter alcohol spirits, revealing a category that's hitting its stride.

Leading the evaluation was Claire Warner, co-founder of Æcorn and former International Brand Ambassador of the Year, whose expertise in alternative drinks provided crucial insights into where this rapidly evolving category is heading.

Beyond Mimicry

The standout trend this year was the move away from simple alcohol substitution toward genuine innovation. "Just because it's innovative and new doesn't necessarily mean that it's great," observed Warner. "Are you really putting the care, consideration and craft at the heart of your innovative product? We are seeing a bit of a gulf there between exceptional and just okay."

The Gold medal winners - Italy's Amaro Liborio Analcolico (97 points), Japan's Île Four Yuzu (96 points), and USA's Namari (95 points) - demonstrated the sophistication possible when technical innovation meets craftsmanship.

Gin and Tequila Lo/No Lead the Charge

The most successful category developments emerged in gin and tequila alternatives, where producers have made significant breakthroughs in texture and complexity. "The mimics, or those products that are alternatives to gin or vodka or tequila, they're getting much, much better," noted Warner. "Complexity, texture, finish - all of those elements are getting closer to the final product. It's never going to replace a spirit, but definitely much closer to perhaps the consumer's expectation."

England dominated the medal count with 11 awards, led by innovative producers like Quarter and Everleaf Drinks. Japan followed with 7 medals, showcasing exceptional creativity in categories like yuzu and ginger liqueurs that represent entirely new flavour territories.

The Call for Dark Spirits

Perhaps the most exciting development identified by judges was the potential in dark spirits and amaro-style complexity. "We're seeing some really brilliant opportunities within dark spirits," Warner explained. "A couple of those came through today - much more of that whiskey, aged style of spirits."

The success of products like Sober Spirits' Whisky Bourbon 0.0% (95 points, Gold) and various amaro alternatives suggests significant untapped potential in this space. Warner specifically highlighted opportunities in "aperitivo and amaro - very, very rich, dark styles of amaro for that after-dinner occasion."

Innovation Through Ingredients

A key trend emerging was the sophisticated use of botanicals, particularly tea as a foundation ingredient. "Tea, I think, is still an ingredient we haven't seen enough of," Warner observed. "For grit, for tannins, for elegance, for sophistication." This approach moves beyond simple sweetness toward the textural complexity that defines premium spirits.

However, Warner emphasised the importance of maintaining sophistication: "We have to remember that we're not in the business of producing soft drinks. These are adult beverages. We're looking for elegance, sophistication and complexity."

The Sweetness Challenge

One consistent area for improvement identified was the overuse of sweeteners. "Sweetness still seems to be an issue across the board," Warner noted. "Sugar isn't the first thing that you should be leaning on when you're thinking about texture and body. Something super sweet is not sessionable and not elegant."

The best-performing products demonstrated that complexity and mouthfeel could be achieved through other means - botanical extraction, fermentation techniques and careful balance rather than relying on sugar for structure.

Raising the Bar

For medal winners, Warner's advice was unequivocal: "Put them on everything. Use those medals to talk to your retailers, your buyers. They are absolutely an endorsement from an objective, well-respected body."

What emerges from the IWSC 2025 results is that the best low and no-alcohol spirits are no longer trying to replicate their alcoholic counterparts - they're establishing their own identity based on sophistication, complexity and drinking pleasure.

With entries growing year on year and quality improvements that are real and measurable, the message from this year's judging is clear: lower ABV doesn't mean lower expectations.

The Gold and Silver Medal results for Low and No Spirits follow. Full results of the IWSC 2025 Alternative Drinks judging can be viewed here.