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ARKAY Alcohol-Free Bourbon

CAPSULE REVIEW

Classification: Non-Alcoholic Flavored Drink

Company: Arkay Beverages

Distillery: None

Release Date: Ongoing

Proof: 0

Age: NAS

Mashbill: Comprised of undisclosed ratios of Water, Glycerol, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Lactic Acid, Caramel Color, Potassium Sorbate

Color: Dark Bronze

MSRP: $50 (2021)

Official Website

NOSE

Overwhelming day old wet campfire smoke

palate

Watery | Wet ash | Visceral reaction to spit it out

finish

Wet oak | Wet ash | Mouthcoating and sticks with you for minutes

uniqueness
value
overall

ARKAY is a company who produces non-alcoholic “spirits,” which are also known as flavored drinks. The company’s slogan is “Don’t drink and drive unless it’s ARKAY,” with a nod to promote responsible drinking. While non-alcoholic beer and spirits certainly have their place in the market, unfortunately in the case of ARKAY, the actual liquid in the bottle is nearly undrinkable.

The entire sip produces a rancid reaction starting with the nose that in no way, shape, or form represents what a bourbon - even a bottom shelf bourbon - smells like. This carries through the rest of the palate and finish, with both creating a visceral reaction to want to immediately spit it out. Wondering if this was meant for more of a mocktail application, I whipped up a quick ginger and ARKAY and a ginger and Four Roses bourbon to compare. Unfortunately the ginger ale couldn’t mask the base flavor of the ARKAY and the quick-mixed drink wasn’t appealing.

While the bottle states to refrigerate after opening, I have a hard time imagining that consumers would want to make space in their fridge for this bottle after trying it.

The sample used for this review was provided to us at no cost courtesy its respective company. We thank them for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
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Written By: Jordan Moskal

May 2, 2021
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