6 days ago
Lewis Hamilton Just Launched a New Non-Alcoholic 'Mezcal'
The rapidly expanding world of NA spirits just got a little bigger: Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton launched his second collaboration with Casa Lumbre Spirits, an mezcal alternative called Almave Humo. This release joins the greater Almave family, which also includes two booze-free tequila alternatives that are made from real agave.
Casa Lumbre Spirits was founded by master distiller Iván Saldaña, and includes brands like Abasolo Whiskey, Contraluz (cristalino mezcal), Alma Finca liqueur, and The Lost Irish blended Irish whiskey. Saldaña worked with Hamilton to create Almave, which—according to the brand—is made using the same production steps that are used to create tequila and mezcal. Another NA 'tequila' brand that launched recently is NeQuila, which says it does not use any additives for flavor or mouthfeel. Almave, on the other hand, does contain some additives, like glycerol, agave syrup, apple cider vinegar, and French oak hydrolate, but the spirit is produced from real Blue Weber agave.
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In the case of Almave Humo, the spirit is made from Espadin agave that is harvested from the foothills of the Popocatépetl volcano in Puebla, Mexico. The agave is roasted in a pit with volcanic stones to give it a smoky flavor, but it's not femented (the step in the production process that creates alcohol). The full list of ingredients is as follows–Espadín agave, organic agave nectar, glycerol, malic acid, citric acid, salt, natural flavors, natural mushroom, and glycolipids (to preserve freshness). 'Ivan and I have been talking about exploring further into the discovery of mezcal since launching Almave, so I'm super excited that we're now bringing Almave Humo to the table,' said Hamilton in a statement. 'We've found that many agave spirit drinkers begin with tequila, then learn about mezcales as they gain a curiosity and appreciation that inspires them to venture further into the world of agave spirits,' added Saldaña. 'Almave Humo offers distinct, smoky notes for those seeking complex cocktails while embracing a lifestyle beyond proof.'
We were able to sample Humo, and there is indeed a smokiness to the nose and palate, but it's more like a savory barbecue smoke than what you'd expect from a mezcal. It's a clear NA spirit that sips a bit thin if you try it neat, but it's not overpowered by sweetness as is often the case with this category. Overall, it might actually work well as a decent NA spirit substitute in a cocktail. You can purchase a bottle now (SRP $36) from the website to try for yourself.
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