CleanCo Clean G Gin is designed to deliver the full experience of a classic pink gin – without the alcohol. Of course it is, otherwise it wouldn’t be on this website.
But all joking aside, CleanCo have set themselves up as a non-alcoholic spirit manufacturer, so given that that is their sole focus, one has high hopes for their products. Based in the UK, CleanCo (apparently the company was founded, it says here, by TV personality Spencer Matthews but – and this may say more about my cultural persuasions than anything – I’ve never heard of him, so I don’t know if that’s notable or not) focuses on natural ingredients and boasts a range of alcohol-free options like gin, rum, and tequila alternatives. Known for its commitment to sustainability, CleanCo avoids artificial sweeteners and emphasises low-calorie, sugar-free formulations.
And why not; one of the main reasons why non-alcoholic drinks are getting more popular is the benefit avoiding alcohol (at least some of the time) has for your health.
So, I thought I’d give their signature Clean G gin a try and see how it compares.
Appearance
Poured into a glass over ice, Clean G remains crystal clear. There’s no cloudiness, which I think is a good sign as it heralds a clean tasting gin. Apparently, this product is gluten-free and vegan, so I guess a certain purity in appearance makes sense for the brand.
Aroma
One of Clean G’s best features is its aromatic complexity. As you might expect, the first impression is of juniper, but that’s quickly followed by citrus notes, particularly lemon and grapefruit. Beneath these top notes you’ll get a whiff of botanicals, including coriander and there’s also a hint of pink peppercorn. Seasoned gin drinkers might notice that the intensity is slightly muted compared to full-strength spirits. The absence of alcohol, which acts as a carrier for volatile aromas, can result in a somewhat lighter nose. Still, CleanCo Clean G Gin offers a reasonably sophisticated aromatic profile for an NA spirit.
Taste
Clean G delivers a well-rounded and balanced flavour profile. The dominant note is juniper, which provides the characteristic piney flavour, which is complemented by a bit of zest from citrus notes. The mid-palate reveals subtle hints of raspberry and then that pink peppercorn that was on the nose adds a touch of spice. One wouldn’t necessarily call the taste uber-robust, but it is well-balanced and easy-drinking. You may just want to row bak on little on your normal amount of accompanying tonic to prevent the flavours washing out too much.
Mouthfeel
Mouthfeel is often where non-alcoholic spirits fall short, but Clean G performs reasonably well in that regard. Yes, it’s quite light and lacks some of the viscosity that alcohol brings, but it’s not a million miles away from the feel of traditional gin. When served over ice, it has a crisp, refreshing quality, an advantage for those who prefer a more refreshing, less heavy drink.
Finish
Clean G’s finish is clean, crisp and slightly peppery, with the dominant lingering notes being citrus. The botanicals leave a subtle aftertaste too and the pink peppercorn adds a gentle warmth that contrasts to the bright citrus notes.
While the finish is generally well-balanced, it can feel slightly abrupt compared to traditional gin, which often has a more lingering, complex aftertaste. This is largely due to the absence of alcohol, which typically extends the finish. Nonetheless, Clean G’s finish is refreshing and enjoyable.
Pairing Suggestions
Clean G’s botanical notes make the classic G&T a go. But I think you could also pair it with a few fresh strawberries to enhance the fruit notes. It could also pair well with elderflower tonic, if you’re that way inclined.
In terms of food pairings, Clean G works best with light, fresh dishes. Think summer salads, grilled vegetables,or seafood dishes like ceviche. The citrus notes also complement Mediterranean cuisine, such as a Greek mezze platter. For a vegan option, consider pairing it with a fresh tabbouleh or a citrus-infused quinoa salad.
Overall Impressions of CleanCo Clean G Gin
TV personality-led or otherwise, CleanCo Clean G Gin is a pretty solid non-alcoholic spirit option. Personally, I like the well-balanced flavour and the clean crispness that comes with it.