Borough Wines debuts zero-alcohol spirit

London merchant Borough Wines & Beers has launched a non-alcoholic spirit that “mimics the aromatic profile and complexity” of gin.

London Borough & Wines has unveiled a no-alcohol spirit

Surendran & Bownes Edition Zero: Labdanum, the organic and vegan-friendly alternative to alcoholic drinks, has been created in collaboration with Surendran & Bownes distillery as part of the company’s Distillers Development Programme.

Edition Zero: Labdanum is the second release from the Surendran & Bownes collaboration and follows the release of Surendran & Bownes Santal Gin in December 2017.

It is described as following the ‘London Dry’ style, but with “added complexity” from the use of exotic aromatics that are commonly found in perfume making.

The addition of Tonka beans brings a “richness to the characteristically juniper-forward nose”, while traditional vermouth botanicals gentian (a bitter Alpine herb) and wormwood “lend a subtle herbaceous character”.

Rose water, cranberry and orris root give the spirit “fruity, floral notes, balanced by the woody scents of spices coriander seed, cinnamon, cardamom and clove”.

Labdanum – a rich brown resin sourced from the rockrose shrub – contributes a “deep, powerful, amber note”.

Edition Zero: Labdanum will be available to buy exclusively in the nine Borough Wines & Beers shops from mid-January at an RRP of £20 for 500ml.