Asda Extra Special non-alcoholic Rhubarb & Ginger has won the Non-Alcoholic Product of the Year award at the London Spirits Competition.
The product, part of the currently four-strong Asda Extra Special non-alcoholic spirits range, was developed by Asda in conjunction with Scottish producer Spirits of Virtue and their go-to blender, drinks industry expert Angela Mount.
The product is based on a mix of botanicals, including alpine juniper, angelica, orris root, Indian coriander and Sicilian lemon, enhanced by Yorkshire-inspired rhubarb and African ginger.
All of the London Spirits Competition’s entries are judged on aroma, taste, and value for money. At £10, Asda’s rhubarb & ginger botanical was praised both for its quality and price. One of only two gold medals awarded, it was a clear winner with 92 points. Judges praised its flavours of “cucumber, herb and kiwi notes, balanced sweetness and bittersweet finish, featuring hints of ginger and lemon zest”.
Spirits of Virtue was established in 2018 and is the brainchild of two brothers, Roddy and Kerr Nicoll. It produces the broadest range of zero-alcohol spirits in the UK, with 24 products covering the non-alcoholic equivalent of most major spirit categories.
Roddy commented: “I am so pleased for the team at Asda; this is true validation of Spirits of Virtue’s position, that a quality offering at an affordable price is the key to success in the NoLo category, proof that you do not have to compromise on quality to hit key price points. Bravo to all my team and our partners Asda on this project.”
Blender Angela Mount added: “I’ve always had faith that the blends we develop across ranges are of the highest quality, but this takes things to another level. It is pure confirmation that we have got this right, and all the hard work involved in development has paid off. I could not be more thrilled; this is the ultimate accolade.”
