Walking through the Swiss Alps, breathing in the crisp mountain air, you can almost taste the wild botanicals that inspired 9 Meadows’ remarkable non-alcoholic spirits. Today, I’m exploring two of their standout creations: Summer Sunset and Alpine Sky, which have arrived at my tasting desk in beautifully crafted recycled glass bottles that catch the light like morning dew.
A Philosophy Rooted in Nature
What strikes me immediately about 9 Meadows is their deep connection to Swiss terroir. This isn’t just another non-alcoholic brand – it’s a love letter to the Alpine landscape. The founders’ vision crystallized during hikes around Lake Zurich, where they discovered a way to bottle the essence of Swiss meadows while maintaining their commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.
Their partnership with FREETHEBEES, a nonprofit organization promoting natural beekeeping, speaks volumes about their environmental ethos. Each bottle represents not just a drink, but a step toward preserving Switzerland’s rich botanical heritage.
The Botanical Sanctuary
The sourcing of ingredients reads like a naturalist’s dream journal. Each botanical is carefully selected from nine distinct meadows across Switzerland, where sustainable farming practices ensure the preservation of these delicate ecosystems. The use of traditional copper pot distillation speaks to Swiss craftsmanship, while their commitment to using recycled glass and sustainable paper for labels shows thoughtful consideration of environmental impact.
The Spirits
Summer Sunset
As I pour the Summer Sunset, the liquid catches the light with a subtle blush that hints at the experience to come.
Appearance: Clear with a delicate pink hue
Nose: Immediate bright citrus notes of bitter orange and grapefruit, with an unexpected and delightful basil undertone
Palate: The rhubarb sweetness dances with pink pepper, creating a sophisticated interplay between sweet and spice. The 3.6g of sugar per 100ml provides just enough sweetness without overwhelming the botanical complexity
Quality: Outstanding integration of flavors, with impressive length and complexity for a non-alcoholic spirit
Alpine Sky
Alpine Sky arrives like a breath of fresh mountain air in a glass.
Appearance: Crystal clear
Nose: Crisp mountain juniper leads, followed by the subtle sweetness of Swiss aronia berry
Palate: Cooling mint provides an invigorating backbone, while the zero-sugar formulation allows the pure botanical flavors to shine
Quality: Exceptional clarity of flavor with remarkable persistence
Innovation in Motion
9 Meadows has recently expanded their sustainable practices by implementing solar power in their distillery operations. Their commitment to innovation extends to their zero-waste initiatives and continued exploration of native Swiss botanicals.
A Toast to the Future
What makes 9 Meadows truly special is their ability to capture not just flavors, but moments. Summer Sunset embodies those perfect alpine evenings when the sky turns to watercolor, while Alpine Sky bottles the invigorating feeling of a morning mountain hike.
These aren’t just alcohol alternatives – they’re carefully crafted experiences that prove great drinks don’t need alcohol to tell a compelling story.
Thanks for sending me these bottles 9meadows!
More inforamtion: https://9meadows.de/
