Readers of these pages will know that I'm a big fan of Sky Wave Gin. Hot on the heels of their sensational new Old Tom Gin, Sky Wave has now launched Sky Wave Zero, a premium alcohol-free spirit. This distilled botanical expression offers the perfect non-alcoholic alternative to a gin and tonic.
The release of Sky Wave Zero coincides with the prediction that consumption of low & no drinks is set to increase by a third by 2026, according to drinks market analysts, IWSR. Low and no accounts for 10% of Google searches around alcoholic drinks, while the hashtag #alcoholfree has amassed over 1.5 billion views on TikTok, led mainly by Gen-Zs and millennials.
Since Sky Wave Gin stepped onto the stage in 2018, it has been winning the highest accolades, gaining 39 global awards so far. These include World's Best Contemporary Gin at the World Gin Awards 2020, a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and two Great Taste Awards. Additionally, Master Distiller Andrew Parsons was shortlisted for the Icons of Gin Master Distiller of the Year.
Unable to find their perfect gin, founders Rachel Hicks and Andrew Parsons created their own, reflecting their adventures travelling through skies and over waves to far flung corners of the globe. They now produce a range of seven lusciously smooth and beautifully balanced luxury spirits.
Every stage of distillation, bottling and packaging is carried out in Sky Wave's boutique distillery at Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire, the home of historic motoring. There's also a tasting room with shop and bar, offering weekly Distillery Experiences with Curated Gin Tastings, as well as corporate and private gin events.
Parsons has also created a number of bespoke gins for other brands, including Blenheim Palace Signature London Dry, which is picking up its own medals in international spirits competitions.
You can read more about Sky Wave's story and their original signature London Dry here on The Write Taste.
Later this year, Sky Wave Gin will be relaunching its spirits in new deluxe 700ml bottles. The art deco-inspired design takes inspiration from the golden age of travel in the 1920s and 1930s. It's the result of a successful crowdfunding round in 2022 which attracted great interest and was subsequently overfunded.
Sky Wave Gin is honoured to be partnered with The Rona Sailing Project, one of the oldest and largest volunteer-based sail training organisations in the UK. Sky Wave Gin specifically supports the training of volunteer Skippers, Mates, Watch Officers and Watch Leaders aboard their sail training boat, Lady Shona, through a donation of 1% from every bottle of Sky Wave Gin sold.
Andrew Parsons spent 18 months developing the recipe for Sky Wave Zero, creating many trial versions on his 2-litre developmental still, Tilly. "We know that there are times when you want to enjoy the experience of drinking a gin and tonic, but you don't want the alcohol", he says. "I worked hard to create a great tasting premium alcohol-free alternative to sit alongside our existing range. I selected high quality ingredients, including three types of citrus fruit and fresh ginger, to create a journey through zesty bursts with hints of savoury and sweetness, culminating in a twist of warmth."
Sky Wave Zero delivers the familiar juniper and citrus burst Sky Wave Gin drinkers love to savour, but without any of the alcohol. Instantly lemony on the nose, the palate has discernible juniper melded with other, carefully curated, botanicals before the citrus kicks in with a hint of spice.
Rachel Hicks says: "Sky Wave Zero is light yet complex. It transports drinkers to a Mediterranean citrus grove on a balmy afternoon. Imagine sitting in the dappled shade of an ancient fruit tree, with the gentle rhythmic soundscape of cicadas reflecting the summer heat as you sip a cool, refreshing drink!"
First the piney juniper, then citrus notes shout loudest, before a touch of ginger and green peppercorn-like spice tease the tongue on the finish. It's a delightful, refreshing, non-alcoholic alternative to a traditional G&T, perfect for the summer sunshine!
Sky Wave Zero (0% ABV) costs £20 per 50cl bottle. Refrigerate after opening and consume within six months. While stocks last, the distillery will include two complimentary Artisan Amalfi Lime Tonics with every bottle of Sky Wave Zero sold.
