There’s something magical happening in Belgium that’s transforming how we think about non-alcoholic spirits. As I sit in my tasting room, watching the late afternoon light catch the crystalline structure of NONA June in my glass, I’m struck by how far the non-alcoholic movement has come. Charlotte, NONA’s founder, and a bio-science engineer, has created something that challenges our preconceptions about what a spirit-free experience can be. Thanks for sending me these bottles, Nona! Here’s a spoiler alert: by using the code VONK10, you can receive a 10% discount when you purchase a big bottle. More details on that later.
A Philosophy of Pure Innovation
What strikes me immediately about NONA’s approach is its unwavering commitment to natural ingredients and innovative distillation techniques. The company’s name – NONA, meaning “nine” in Latin – cleverly references the nine botanicals that form the backbone of their flagship spirit, NONA June. This isn’t just another juniper-flavored water; it’s a carefully orchestrated symphony of botanicals that proves you don’t need alcohol to create complexity. I truly believed that this was alcoholic gin due to its aroma and flavor!
The story behind NONA is as refreshing as its spirits. Charlotte’s journey from bio-science engineer to spirit innovator began with a simple moment of frustration during an after-work gathering, where the only non-alcoholic options were overly sweet and uninspiring. This sparked a passion project that would transform her living room into an experimental laboratory filled with test samples and labels, all in pursuit of the perfect non-alcoholic spirit.
The Laboratory of Flavors
Charlotte’s background as a bioscience engineer shines through in NONA’s production methods. Each botanical is individually treated to extract its purest essence using an intensive steam distillation process. The result is remarkable—especially considering there’s no alcohol present to act as a flavor carrier. The technical precision required here is astounding and shows in the final product.
What makes NONA’s approach unique is its collaboration with top chefs and sommeliers to develop its recipes. This expertise has helped create spirits that are not just alcohol-free alternatives but sophisticated beverages in their own right.
The Spirits in Detail With Personal Tasting Notes
As you saw on my Instagram, I tasted these spirits with one ice cube and had the opportunity to try other spirits at the same time. The flavors and aromas of NONA’s spirits really stood out. Even when mixed with tonic, they were outstanding!
NONA June
Appearance: Crystal clear with excellent clarity and viscosity Nose: Immediate fresh juniper notes leap from the glass, followed by bright citrus and an intriguing herbal complexity Palate: A sophisticated layering of flavors begins with juniper, transitions through lemon and lemongrass, and finishes with a delicate dance between sweet basil and black pepper Quality Assessment: Outstanding balance and length for a non-alcoholic spirit, with remarkable complexity
Perfect Serve: 5cl NONA June with 10cl Indian tonic water, garnished with orange zest and a fresh basil leaf. The basil garnish isn’t just decorative – it amplifies the herbal notes in fascinating ways.
NONA Spritz
Appearance: Transparent with a subtle amber hue, brilliant clarity Nose: Vibrant blood orange aromatics lead, followed by sweet citrus zest and delicate herbal undertones from the 27 botanicals Palate: Opens with bright citrus notes, develops into complex orange marmalade mid-palate, finishing with the sophisticated bitterness of gentian root. The balance between sweet and bitter elements is particularly noteworthy. Quality Assessment: Excellent complexity and length, with a sophisticated bitter finish that genuinely captures the essence of a traditional spritz
Perfect Serve: 5cl NONA Spritz with 10cl tonic water, served over ice and garnished with a fresh orange slice. The garnish amplifies the natural orange notes while providing an aromatic element to each sip.
NONA Ginger
Appearance: Clear with a slight golden tinge, natural separation visible (requiring a gentle shake before serving) Nose: Intense fresh ginger leads, followed by bright yuzu citrus notes and aromatic verbena, with subtle warming spices in the background Palate: Bold ginger entrance that builds in intensity, brightened by yuzu’s exotic citrus notes, with verbena adding aromatic complexity. The turmeric provides a subtle earthy undertone that anchors the spicier elements. It finishes with a pleasant warmth that lingers Quality Assessment: Exceptional balance between spice and citrus, with impressive length and complexity that evolves throughout the tasting experience
Perfect Serve: 5cl NONA Ginger with 10cl Indian tonic water over ice, garnished with a fresh lime wedge. For a more intense experience, serve ginger beer instead of tonic for a non-alcoholic take on a Moscow Mule.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Each NONA spirit offers unique pairing opportunities:
NONA June:
- Asian-inspired seafood dishes
- Light citrus desserts
- Fresh herb salads
- Cucumber-based canapés
NONA Spritz:
- Mediterranean antipasti
- Citrus-cured fish
- Bitter green salads
- Orange-infused dark chocolate
NONA Ginger:
- Spicy Asian cuisine
- Grilled seafood
- Fresh sushi
- Ginger-based desserts
Recent Developments
NONA has been making waves in the premium hospitality sector, with prestigious establishments like The Jane and Le Gris adding their products to their non-alcoholic pairing menus. Their commitment to sustainability and natural ingredients has resonated strongly with the growing market of conscious consumers.
The brand has also been recognized for its innovative approach to non-alcoholic spirits, garnering attention from both traditional spirits enthusiasts and the growing mindful drinking movement. Their success in high-end restaurants and bars demonstrates that non-alcoholic alternatives can hold their own in sophisticated dining experiences.
Final Thoughts
What makes NONA truly special is how it captures the ritual and sophistication of traditional spirits while charting its course. This isn’t an attempt to merely mimic gin or other spirits – it’s a reimagining of what sophisticated drinking can be.
The attention to detail is remarkable, from the precise ratios in their serving suggestions to the thoughtful inclusion of garnishes that complement and enhance the botanical profiles. As someone who spends considerable time analyzing traditional spirits, NONA’s ability to create complexity without alcohol is genuinely impressive.
For anyone exploring the world of non-alcoholic spirits, NONA offers an experience that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Instead, it opens up new possibilities for sophisticated, mindful drinking that can be enjoyed in any setting, from casual gatherings to formal dining experiences.
Thanks for sending me these bottles, NONA!
Purchase these drinks on NONA’s official website, and use code VONK10 to receive a 10% discount when buying a large bottle.
The official website: https://www.nonadrinks.com/
