English gin producer Salcombe Distilling Co has released its first non-alcoholic ‘spirit’, called New London Light.
The “bold and refreshing” New London Light (NLL) is said to set a new standard in taste for the low- and no-alcohol space. The product is the first in a new line of non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ from south Devon-based Salcombe Distilling Co.
“The tide is turning. The hunt for premium non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ is gathering speed, especially amongst those who demand quality and clarity,” said co-founder Howard Davies.
“We are proud of the reputation we have built making award-winning gins and the opportunity to encourage people to make more of the great outdoors, given our passion for the sea. It is a natural evolution for us to initiate a new wave of excellence in non-alcoholic ‘spirits’.”
Developed by master distiller Jason Nickels, the 0% ABV product is made by distilling Macedonian juniper berries, ginger and habenero capsicum. An additional 15 botanicals are blended into the base liquid.
The product is made with ingredients selected mainly for their flavour characteristics and health benefits. A 100ml serving of New London Light contains three calories.
The nose offers orange citrus, aromatic cardamom and herbaceous rosemary and sage, while the palate brings an “aromatic and warming balance of juniper, ginger and habanero capsicum with fragrant bitterness from sage and cascarilla bark”.
The name of the product comes from a lighthouse that marks the entrance to a harbour in Long Island Sound in the US. According to Salcombe Distilling Co, New London Light was previously a beacon for the crews of 19th century Salcombe fruit schooners trading cargoes of exotic fruits and spices.
The product is recommended served with light tonic water and garnished with a slice of orange and a sage leaf. Another key serve is the Shore Elevation apéritif, a combination of NLL, strong green tea, sage syrup, lemon juice and aquafaba.
New London Light is priced at RRP £27.50 (US$35) per 700ml bottle. It is available to buy from Salcombe Distilling Co’s website, The Victuallers, John Lewis and Amazon.
Last month, Salcombe Distilling Co teamed up with two Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating to launch the latest gin in its Voyager Series.