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.

Free Spirits Bourbon Alternative: The Story

If you have ever watched any of our YouTube videos or spent any time on this site, it’s no secret: We love bourbon.

So when it became apparent to us that we could have bourbon but without the alcohol, that was a mighty alluring prospect. Drink bourbon without the negative effects the alcohol has? Drink bourbon and dare we say it – be healthy?

That’s the idea behind Free Spirits. You’re not just trying to cut out alcohol; you’re also doing something positive for your health. In addition to standard ingredients, Free Spirits also ads vitamins B3, B6 and B12 to each bottle. Their idea is that you can drink something delicious but also feel good in the process. What’s not to love there?

Look, if I can get a delicious cocktail or standard pour while also getting my vitamins, I’m all in. But how is it? Can I have my cake (er, bourbon) and eat drink it too? Let’s give it a go.

Nose

Citrus and brown sugar.

Palate

It’s bitter upfront (which seems to be a pattern we notice in NA whiskey alternatives) with a citric acid note, followed by some sweetness mid palate.

Finish

Finishes with a strong chocolate and chili powder note.

Verdict

This isn’t bad. It gives some of the notes you’d love to have in your bourbon dram, but the balance could certainly be better. Trying it in an Old Fashioned was a better experience than a neat pour. It didn’t knock our socks off but it also wasn’t off-putting.

We think a fair rating for Free Spirits Bourbon Alternative is 6.7/10. Cheers!