08/30/2020
ArKay Beverages Creates Resource - What is the Difference Between Alcohol-Free Spirits Flavored Drink and Distilled Alcohol-Free Spirits?
ArKay Beverages, the inventor of the world’s first alcohol-free whisky flavored drinks, creates comprehensive resources to help consumers how to differentiate when buying alcohol-free beverages.
How To Buy Alcohol-Free Drinks.
Learn the difference between alcohol-free spirits flavored drinks and distilled alcohol-free spirits and determine why it’s important to choose an alcohol-free alternative with zero percent alcohol.
Laredo, TX – Reynald Grattagliano, founder of ArKay Beverages and the inventor of the world’s first alcohol-free whisky flavored drink, wanted to educate alcohol-free drink consumers all over the world about the difference between alcohol-free spirits flavored drinks and distilled alcohol-free spirits.
“Alcohol-free spirits flavored drinks, such as ArKay’s Vodka Alternative, have zero alcohol but with the same kick and burn as the regular alcoholic drinks. On the other hand, distilled alcohol-free spirits, such as the ones from Seedlip and Ritual, are not entirely alcohol-free as it has an alcohol content between 0.2 up to 0.5 percent,” says Reynald.
Some Alcohol is Not the Same as No Alcohol and the Body Knows
Over the past couple of years, increasing numbers of alcohol-free spirits hit the shelves. Not all of these are equally alcohol-free, no matter the legal claim that is being made.
Legally, in the United States, and other countries, any product with 0.5%ABV can claim it is alcohol-free. This designation is due to the idea that you cannot get “drunk” on a product with so little alcohol.
But alcohol-free spirits that have a 0.5%ABV only weaken the body, with no gains. The ability to get drunk on a product is not the point of the label “Alcohol-Free.”
And this is where ArKay Beverages has the edge over most of their competitors – they only sell beverages that are 100% alcohol-free, absolutely zero alcohol.
The Difference Lies In the Manufacturing Processes
As one of the leading alcohol-free spirits manufacturers, ArKay Beverages, wants every alcohol-alternative drinks consumer to understand how a growing number of producers are creating a range of innovative ethanol-free spirits that aim to achieve the flavor and textual complexity without the alcohol.
Alcohol-Free Flavored Drink – Truly Zero Proof
Reynald invented this reverse engineering concept in 2011, and it is the best way to produce a great alcohol-free spirit.
“Arkay Beverages is blending flavors and aromas of whisky, tequila, gin, vodka with water, yes water and adding at the same time a proprietary molecule that tastes and smells identically to alcohol,” Reynald explains.
Reynald further said that this process yielded phenomenal results.
“The result is phenomenal because the drink has truly the same taste and burn as the real thing. It is a true 0% alcohol zero proof drink, and besides being delicious, it also gives the sensation of the burn of the alcohol, it is the safest drink of the alcohol-free spirits category.”
Alcohol-Free Distilled Spirits – Not So Zero Proof
Hydro steam distillation is the process used to get the best out of every branch, leaf, and berry, all botanicals, spices, and fruit their essential oils. It ensures the premium taste and unique after-bite of any drink made with the products.
“Distillate of Gin produced by Seedlip or distillate of Whisky produced by Ritual is poured in a vacuum tank to remove the alcohol to obtain the drink so-called alcohol-free distilled spirits,” Reynald reveals. “Both Seedlip and Ritual use the same equipment and ingredients as their alcoholic counterpart, but they use them in different ways and for different reasons.”
“Seedlip starts as neutral grain spirit (NGS); each botanical is macerated in a specific NGS style, with abv strengths and base grains differing from one ingredient to another. After maceration, each botanical is distilled twice: once to remove the alcohol through evaporation. A second time to “bring everything else over and capture and concentrate the fantastic flavor of the plant,” Reynald explains.
The Downside of Distillation Process
Reynald said the downside to this process is it costs the taste, and the drink is not 100% alcohol-free.
“The bad news is that alcohol vacuum removal also removes the taste and the burn that you find in a spirit. The alcohol content may be up to 0.5 % level, which is not good for people who never drink, pregnant women, people under medication, or those who drive.”
Inadequate Alcohol-Free Spirits Labeling
“Alcohol-free spirits” have exploded onto the market, garnering a whole lot of attention and buzz with their health-conscious, booze-free wings. More and more brands are launching products on the market that imitate the taste of gin, rum, or whisky, just without the ingredient that makes spirits truly spirits – alcohol.
Because of this popularity, a problem arises – the inadequate labeling of alcohol-free spirits that can potentially pose health risks to consumers.
Reynald shared that the inadequate labeling of the alcohol-free spirits sold in the market these days is very misleading. It results in people purchasing the wrong product believing that it is zero proof when it is not.
“The problem we face with Alcohol-Free products that are not alcohol-free is that these products lack the beneficial aspects of fermented foods. Beverages with a 0.5%ABV only weaken the body, with no gains. The ability to get drunk on a product is not the point of the label “Alcohol-Free,” explains Reynald.
Reynald further explained that people should make sure that the product is 100% alcohol-free when choosing an alcohol-free beverage. He said that there is no reason to compromise one’s health for a loophole in labeling.
How to Know if an Alcohol-Free Drink Has Zero Alcohol?
Reynald invited anyone who drinks alcohol-free spirits, such as the ones listed below, to check the alcohol value or presence carefully before buying.
ABSTINENCE
ARKAY
BORRAGO
CALENOS (Caleños)
CEDER’S
CURIOUS ELIXIRS
KIN EUPHORICS
LYRES
MEMENTO
PROTEAU
RITUAL
SANBITTER
SEEDLIP
SEA ARCH
THREE SPIRITS
XACHOCH
He said that purchasing alcohol-free drinks containing as low as 0.2 % of alcohol could be disastrous for your health. An alcohol-free drink containing as low as 0.5 % could be harmful if a person consumes two drinks, the alcohol value could be 1% and up to 4% for a person who consumes more than eight drinks per day.
About ArKay Beverages Alcohol-Free Spirits
Since 2011, Arkay Beverages has been fine-tuning various zero-proof spirit recipes, including vodka, tequila, gin, whisky, bourbon, and brandy, amongst many others, for the appreciation of fine liquor without the alcohol.
ArKay, the world's first alcohol-free, liquor-flavored drink is designed for everyone to enjoy. The exceptional taste of liquor without the alcohol content makes it a perfect beverage day or night. ArKay has 0% alcohol, and it is designed to allow individuals with medical conditions or religious beliefs that prohibit alcohol consumption and drink. Imagine being able to enjoy your favorite liquor drink at parties without worrying about drinking and driving. You won't miss a thing, as ArKay tastes and looks exactly like traditional liquor. It is suitable for drinking straight-up, on the rocks, or with your favorite mixers.
