Independent spirits distributor Mangrove Global is delighted to launch Almave’s second alcohol-free ‘spirit’ to the UK market – racing onto shelves just as Lewis Hamilton wins the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday. Almave Blanco, a deliciously mixable alcohol-free alternative to tequila, is the creation of renowned Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton and the equally celebrated Mexican Spirits Group, Casa Lumbre. It follows the highly anticipated launch of the brand’s first SKU, Almave Ambar, in winter 2023 – a liquid that has shaken up the country’s fast-growing low and no alcohol market.
Almave Blanco complements its sippable predecessor as a liquid that’s designed to be mixed. Unusually for a non-alcoholic spirit, it captures a naturally balanced sweetness against herbaceous flavours from the agave and a refreshing acidity. Where Almave Ambar reflects the same qualities as a reposado or Anejo tequila or mezcal, Blanco is the ideal base to mix into an alcohol-free version of your favourite cocktail. An appetisingly clear liquid, the bottle is bursting with aromas of fresh agave, with a bright taste that’s filled with minerality and a hint of spice.
The true agave flavours are captured thanks to the uniqueness of Almave’s distillation. Much like tequila, the liquid is distilled from real agave in the Jalisco region of Mexico and is created using an entirely new process that’s based on age-old Mexican traditions. Thanks to the innovation of the team, Almave is sweetly balanced and captures the complexity and flavour of a spirit, without the alcohol content. And this was the whole idea behind the project:
Lewis Hamilton commented:
Almave Blanco tastes better than ever after winning my home race. I’m proud to launch Almave Blanco in the UK, it joins Almave Ambar in standing apart from anything else on the market as a quality, alcohol-free alternative with no compromise on flavour, authenticity or process.
According to research carried out by the IWSR, the UK’s low and no-alcohol market is expected to see a volume growth of 10% between now and 2026. With consumers turning to moderation and seeking the flexibility to enjoy complex drinks with lower alcohol content, the appetite for premium, great-tasting options is already substantial and quickly increasing.
Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global said:
To bring Almave’s second SKU to market is an absolute pleasure for Mangrove. Especially when it’s a liquid that carries the delicious flavours and sense of occasion of Tequila, with the low alcohol content that we know consumers are looking for.
The team behind this drink have gone above and beyond to bring something fresh and a bit exciting to UK drinkers – and it’s been a long time coming.
To enjoy Almave Blanco, simply swap the liquid into your favourite cocktail, in place of tequila or mezcal. Or, if you want an authentic taste of Mexico, create the Blanco Margarita by shaking 2oz. of Almave up with 0.25oz of Agave Nectar, three dashes of orange bitters and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Strain over fresh ice for a thirst-quenching, booze-free tipple.
Iván Saldaña, Master Distiller at Casa Lumbre adds:
We believe we have once again redefined what is possible with the distillation of blue agave, maintaining the true production and craft of age-old Mexican traditions for making Tequila, and we’re incredibly excited to bring our country and traditions to more places around the world.
We are pleased that we have maintained the true production and craft of making Tequila, but without the alcohol. While there are faster ways to make this, we could not imagine a worthwhile ‘spirit’ without it.
To celebrate the UK launch of Almave Blanco, London is joining the Almave Circuit following in the footsteps of Miami, with Austin, Mexico City and Las Vegas still to come. Venues within the Almave UK Circuit will offer a special London edition of an Almave cocktails.
Almave Blanco will RRP at £24 and is now available to the on and off-trade through Mangrove Global.