For our review: Any non-alcoholic bottle we review is compared to other non-alcoholic spirits. Therefore, our ratings system does not translate to alcoholic spirits. For example, an 8 out of 10 for a non-alcoholic bottle is not going to be a one-for-one replacement for an 8 out of 10 alcoholic spirit.

Clean Co. Clean W – Whiskey Alternative: The Story

Walking through the liquor aisle, you’d never know that non-alcoholic spirits have seen double-digit growth the past few years.

Or at least that’s how it felt when we decided to run our ‘Best non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives for an Old Fashioned’ test at the second half of last year. When going through the liquor aisles at the store, the selection was…meager, at best.

So it wasn’t too hard to be choosy. We tried to find bottles that we had heard of, and when we exhausted that (fairly quickly) it was time to look at ones that we were unfamiliar with.

How did we settle on Clean Co.s Clean W: Whiskey Alternative? It was one of maybe three whiskey alternative options on the shelf at the grocery store and…it just looked interesting. Yes, knowing nothing about the options available to us, we fell prey to the ‘that’s a pretty bottle’ trick. And we all know that’s a crapshoot, but we were willing to give it a try.

Here’s what the website says about it:

“Clean W is made to be mixed just as you would a classic Whiskey. Crafted by our award-winning team of flavor experts, using only the highest-quality ingredients sourced from around the world. Delivering delicious notes of Oak, Vanilla, Spice, Fresh Apple and Fig for a long mouth-coating, smooth finish. Perfect for an alcohol-free Old Fashioned that lets you delight in the night, and still welcome the next day!”

Did the bottle design reflect the quality of the liquid inside? Let’s talk about it.

Nose

Sweet but understated, with a lite bubble gum aroma.

Palate

Lots of bubble gum, but well balanced with other sweet flavors. Not much to pick out here; vanilla and white sugar.

Finish

Finish has a touch of white pepper spice that gave it a bit more of a whiskey sentiment.

Verdict

Not sure what exactly gives off bubble gum notes in some of these non-alcoholic whiskeys, but we seem to find them every time. The difference with this bottle is that it doesn’t try to hide from it. And by doing so, the other flavors fall in line nicely. That bubble gum note takes the lead and the other sweet notes file behind to support it, which gives it a nice balance.

We’re giving Clean Co.’s Clean W: Whiskey Alternative a 7/10. Cheers!