Tanqueray - Alcohol Free
Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald
A big gamer - thoughts on this
Choosing between the non-alcoholic options from the big brands like Tanqueray and the smaller producers who specialise in non-alcoholic drinks is a real challenge for me. It's not about the quality. The flavour of Tanqueray 0.0. gin is definitely convincing!
On the one hand, the big brands have advantages due to their high profile and easy availability. They can offer non-alcoholic alternatives that come close to the original quickly and in large quantities thanks to their many years of experience. On the other hand, there are the small, focussed manufacturers. They may not have a large selection, but often excel through innovation and experimentation. Their dedication to non-alcoholic drinks leads to unique creations. Of course, many small brands are now backed by investors from the big alcohol business, so I have no illusions about that.
Nevertheless, there is still a certain discomfort with the big alcohol producers, and that has something to do with their advertising. It seems to work brilliantly when you look at the advertising budgets. In any case, I let myself be influenced by the lifestyle promises - perhaps it was this staging or the social pressure that made me reach for a glass more and more often. Or is it simply the fact that alcohol has an extremely high addictive potential. Probably the perfect toxic mix of both.
And that's the problem, the complete trivialisation combined with the lack of education about the dangers of alcohol. Which should actually be the task of responsible manufacturers. The label drink responsibly is not enough! It's a waste of time and pure greenwashing.
But apart from all these points that really bother me, there are unfortunately also arguments in favour of the big players. The products are available almost everywhere, which makes it easier for people who want to live alcohol-free to find alternatives. The widespread availability and standardisation of alcohol-free options by the major manufacturers helps to establish a comprehensive range in the long term. And to open up niches for no and speciality suppliers.
Ultimately, the choice between large and small producers is a personal decision that depends on individual preferences and considerations. As I said, I find it difficult. But the advantages of the large producers in terms of accessibility and standardisation are undeniable, and objectively speaking, Tanqueray's 0.0% gin alternative is a solid and good product. According to the manufacturer, the same botanicals are used as in the London Dry Gin: Juniper, coriander, angelica and liquorice. And the former is unmistakable. The flavour is strongly juniper-heavy, unmistakably a gin bonatical. There are also lovely citrusy notes and a hint of coriander on the tongue. Tart in the finish and a pleasant mouthfeel. The sweetness is immediately noticeable when drunk neat. (You shouldn't do this, but it helps to categorise, but the final assessment should always be made with filler).
Non-alcoholic spirits that work with sweetness are often more noticeable in mixed drinks. Sweetness raises the overall flavour level and has a balancing effect. In Sober Spirits products, for example, this is achieved through the use of glycerine. In cocktails, this has a positive effect on the mouthfeel, as glycerine increases the viscosity. Tanqueray uses sucralose for this, which is often found in industrial products but is not entirely unproblematic. Unlike products containing alcohol, the list of ingredients for non-alcoholic drinks must be declared in full. It is worth taking a look at the back label. This makes it clear why such a product is perhaps cheaper on the shelf than a craft brand's.
My conclusion: In terms of value for money, definitely a recommendation to buy, especially if you need it quickly and there's nothing else in the supermarket. Good flavour and always noticeable in tonic. A decent alternative. Otherwise, I would also recommend taking a look at brands such as Sober Spirits or Laori. The latter uses stevia, for example...
Cheers sober buddies!