I have to admit, most of my memories with “real” tequila always involved some lime and salt. It was all fun back then but in retrospect, I’m not sure that I’d do that again. Peer Pressure? Taking shots of alcohol is an odd way of celebrating with friends. I’ve lost count of the number of tequila shots taken during my college years after exam week – much less recall the taste. Now, the only time I enjoy tequila is mixed into a Bloody Mary Cocktail. So let’s revisit what tequila, specifically what the Clean Co Tequila alternative, tastes like! TLDR? Skip to the rating.
About CleanCo
CleanCo Clean T Non Alcoholic Tequila Alternative is the second CleanCo “Sham Spirit” we’ve reviewed at Social Unbuzz. In our first review, we tried the Gin, which was well-rated, so we decided to try another alcoholic alternative from their line. I specifically wanted to try their Tequila so I could make a Bloody Mary cocktail. It’s one of my favorite cocktails but every time I have one at brunch, the alcohol always hits me a bit too fast.
Dealcoholization process
Although we’ve scoured the internet for the method they used for dealcoholization, we only found a few quotes from the founder. According to Spencer Matthews, the production process was difficult to dial in. It’s unclear which method they used to distill the tequila down to a non-alcoholic tequila. Also, since tequila is only produced in Mexico, was the tequila dealcoholized in Mexico? Or since it’s made in England, maybe it was dealcoholized there. There were so many questions we just couldn’t find the answer to.
Developing our non-alcoholic spirits so that they are world beating is a wild ride, completely driven by taste – fun and exciting but not without challenge… Never ones to accept mediocrity, we are constantly innovating across our existing range as well as investing behind new product development to bring you choice, flavor and experience without compromise.
DrinkClean.com
If you want to read more about the CleanCo brand and its founder, check out our first review!
Clean T – CleanCo Tequila Alternative First impressions
The packaging for CleanCo Tequila was just as impressive as the Gin we reviewed. It also came with their signature recipe book, along with a box custom fit to the bottle. I really liked the gray bottle, with its glass hexagonal design. I’d be happy to display the bottle on my bar.
The tequila was meant to be a blanco tequila, so the color is clear instead of amber. The smell from the bottle was definitely of agave. Since this was intended to be used as a mixer, I like that they stuck very closely to the expected aroma notes.
What Does CleanCo’s Clean T Taste Like?
Clean T is our take on Blanco tequila; opening with soft, fresh green agave and new oak aromas and hints of olive, complemented perfectly with a medley of sweet melon and subtle fruit flavors, all culminating to a classic peppery dry finish – and a cheeky tingle on the tongue.
Amazon.com/CleanCo
The taste of this tequila was very well-balanced. Although a portion of CleanCo Tequila is made of water, the taste of the tequila/agave was there. On the throat, there was a simulated “burn” sensation from the pepper. The kick at the end was definitely a welcomed surprise and very reminiscent of the real tequila.
CleanCo Clean T Rating and Review
After trying the CleanCo Tequila Alternative, we give it a 4-sip rating. If you’re into tequila, but not the hangovers or calories, we recommend everyone try it at least once. The flavors of the Agave are there and not too overpowering. However, it’s the burning sensation that really brought me back to my tequila-drinking days. Even if you’re choosing to drink alcohol, you can easily substitute ½ the alcohol with Clean T – it’s a win for us!
CleanCo Tequila Alternative Details
Nutritional Breakdown: 10 Calories / 1.5 fl oz, Total Fat 0g, Sodium 0mg, Total Carbohydrate 2g, Protein 0g.
Ingredients: Water, Vegetable Glycerine, Tequila (0.7%), Flavouring, Natural Flavourings, Acid: Citric Acid, Preservative: Potassium Sorbate, Sea Salt.
Serve: Pour 1.5 fl oz over ice with Margarita Mix and a wedge of lime.
Price: $29.99 / Bottle (serves 16)
Where to buy Clean Co Cleat T Tequila Alternative
We purchased CleanCo for the second time directly from their website. The link is provided below. Give this tequila alternative a try and let us know what you think!