Our Low & No Trophy Winners for Dry January

Following what is for many of us, weeks of overindulgence throughout December, January’s month-long alcohol-free challenge has become increasingly popular.

Last year according to Alcohol Change UK, the charity behind Dry January, 6.5m people attempted the month-long challenge. For 2022 the number of participants is projected to be even higher.  

This growing trend is reflected by the growth in the production of quality low and no alcohol products. For 2021, the IWSC saw a surge in the number of entries into its low and no awards of almost 400%.

For the first time, we awarded four Trophies to the four highest scoring gold-medal winners in four Low & No award categories. Each week throughout January the IWSC will be highlighting one of our four trophy winners across our Social Media channels.

The 2021 Low & No Alcohol Trophy winners are:

Low/No Spirit Trophy 2021: Sober Spirits Sober Rum

An increasingly popular category with a huge surge of entries, particularly from the gin style drinks. However, in our first year of awarded trophies for Low & No, this trophy has been awarded to a rum alternative, Sober Spirits - Sober Rum:

“Nice, aged rum notes with woody caramel characteristics combining on the palate. Continuing through are hints of smoke, banana, vanilla and tobacco providing a complex, lengthy finish. The ginger notes lift the bold palate."

Low/No New Wave Trophy 2021: Crossip Dandy Smoke

While there are drinks entered into the Low & No Awards that are alternatives for recognised products, such as spirits and wine, the IWSC also saw several new developments happening beyond existing styles of drinks. The New Wave Trophy has been awarded to Crossip Dandy Smoke:

"A grown up example of what is possible. Cloudy pale orange in hue, which lightens to pale orange on dilution. Spices, citrus, rhubarb and smoke aromas, and flavours, intense yet balanced palate which allows a long and savoury spicy finish."

Low/No Aperitif Trophy 2021: Campari Crodino

Amongst the many new entrants for 2021, there was a surge in aperitif and vermouth style products and the Low/No Aperitif Trophy has been awarded to Campari Crodino:

“A really delicious aperitif with a juicy punch of bitter orange fruit and delightful dryness, very well balanced. Perfect for mixing to cater to a wide range of palates. Very drinkable and approachable."

Low/No Wine Trophy 2021: Vinada Wines Crispy Chardonnay

Completing the Low & No trophy line up is the wine alternative category and the winner has its origins in the French wine-growing region Languedoc and this wine is made from a unique mixture of Chardonnay grapes Vinada Wines Crispy Chardonnay NV:

“Sensationally elegant with lifted peach and floral notes, delicate citrus and hints of yellow and exotic fruits. A refreshing balance of acidity and aromatic complexity with classic buttery richness underpinned by fine bubbles and a delicately creamy finish.”