The non-abv spirits category is burgeoning. These were the big winners in the BBAs 2024.
Paul Mathew’s Everleaf has long hit the high notes in the BBAs’ Non-abv category. This year it was the brand’s Forest expression that took top spot, with a gold in taste and two high-scoring silvers in design and value for money – 82/100 overall. Judges remarked on the “superb nose and bittersweet vanilla, saffron, orange and tannins”.
Everleaf Mountain wasn’t far off , scoring 77/100, with three high-scoring silver medals. Judges picked up on notes of rose and hibiscus with a bittersweet fruity profile that “would work very well with a variety of mixers”. The packaging got a thumbs up tool, with the panel noting “strong branding, purveying the flavour profile”, while on value for money they concluded Everleaf was “appropriately” priced.
Giffard’s new alcohol-free range of liqueurs – made by macerating fruit in vinegar, not alcohol – took spots 3-5, scoring silver medals across the board. The best of them was judged to be Grapefruit. “Clean, great mouthfeel, with authentic grapefruit aromas and flavours” said one judge.
Elderflower was described as “well balanced, with nice natural herbaceous flavours”. Fifth place went to Ginger, with “brilliant ginger root aromas and flavours – perfectly balanced”. The packaging across the range was seen as having clear and effective classical branding.