Finding a great zero-proof bourbon has been one of the bigger investments, and honestly, they’re pretty good overall. While the non-alcoholic bourbons of the past smelled like liquid smoke, they’ve come a long way. I tried Free Spirits Spirit of Bourbon in a 3-pack, and am not disappointed.

The most important test for me is the sniff test. If it smells wrong, it just won’t work. This smells like bourbon. It tastes oaky, not smoky. You can pick up vanillas and a heat at the end that sort of gives it a cinnamon quality. In the middle, you get a little acidity/tartness- to me it tastes a little like green apple, maybe lemon. It’s not off-putting and would blend in fine to any cocktail, like the Cider Mill Fizz or Funky Fungi Old Fashioned, but it’s not a flavor I typically pick up in an actual bourbon. The color is caramel, just like a bourbon.

Overall, I like this a lot and would buy it again. I haven’t lined up all N/A bourbons yet for an official taste test (but doesn’t that sound awesome), but in isolation, this one is pretty darn good.