Spiritless is a Louisville-based company, founded by three Kentucky women. They make an NA tequila, but their original release was the Spiritless Kentucky 74, their attempt at creating a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative that cleaves as close as possible to the taste and experience of traditional bourbon whiskey.
They use, apparently, as unique reverse distillation process and high-quality ingredients to retain as much flavour as possible. Let’s see if they succeed.
(Oh, and if you’re wondering, the name Kentucky 74, the state’s 74th licensed distillery, a nod to its roots in bourbon country.)
Appearance
On the pour, Spiritless Kentucky 74 presents a lovely amber colour. I think whiskey, more than most spirits, benefits from a recognisable hue: you want a whiskey to look like whiskey, alcoholic or not. This one does an admirable job. It also has a pleasing viscosity, which can be difficult to achieve for an NA spirit. Its slightly lighter body is noticeable when compared to a true bourbon, but a) that’s to be expected and b) it’s not that much different.
Aroma
The aroma of Kentucky 74’s non-alcoholic whiskey aroma captures a lot of the classic bourbon characteristics: oak, vanilla and smoky caramel are all present and correct. The oak dominates initially, but the subtle sweetness makes itself known as you let the smell develop. I think I even detected a hint of a peppery undertone. On its own, the aroma may feel slightly muted compared to alcoholic bourbons, which rely on alcohol to amplify their scents. However, Spiritless has succeeded in delivering a pretty authentic nose for an NA spirit.
Taste
The flavour of Kentucky 74 starts with that oakiness. It takes a bit of time for the vanilla and caramel notes to find their way to your palate. But when they do, it makes for a nice balance. Its taste is bold and satisfying for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. When consumed neat, the sweetness may feel more pronounced, but in traditional bourbon cocktails it certainly holds its own.
Mouthfeel
Now, Spiritless Kentucky 74 does offers a lighter mouthfeel than alcoholic bourbon. Its texture is smooth but it does lack some of the warmth associated with traditional whiskey. But it does make it suited for cocktails, where its lighter body integrates well with other ingredients.
Finish
The finish is crisp and clean, with lingering notes of, yes, oak, but also vanilla. It’s quite a short finish, and doesn’t have a myriad of layers to it, but it does avoid an overly sweet finish, which can dog NA options sometimes.
Pairing Suggestions
As mentioned, Kentucky 74 pairs best in classic whiskey cocktails. Indeed, the company makes a point of saying that that is probably what it is most effective for. Try it in a whiskey sour or mint julep. I think it would also work well with a splash of ginger beer over ice.
Its peppery undertone complements savoury snacks like smoked nuts or sharp cheeses, and you could also serve alongside dishes with caramelised elements, such as roasted pork (especially if serving with barbecue sauces, as the spirit’s oakiness will cut across the sauce’s sweetness).
Overall Impressions of entucky 74
Spiritless Kentucky 74 is a thoughtfully crafted whiskey alternative. You can tell that the makers have put a lot of thought, time and effort into getting as close as they can to the experience of a traditional bourbon. There is an authenticity to it, with that distinctive oakiness on the nose and palate, and even if it doesn’t fully replicate the depth of a traditional bourbon, it excels as a high-quality substitute, especially in cocktails.