As the popularity of mindful drinking and sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages continues to grow, Seedlip stands poised to meet this demand with their botanical spirits. But are their products worth the price tag? This 2500-word review will analyze if Seedlip‘s alcohol-free elixirs live up to the hype.
Origins of an Alcohol-Free Visionary
Back in 2015, entrepreneur Ben Branson sought to solve a common dilemma – finding an appealing non-alcoholic drink option when out with friends. Uninspired by overly sweet juices or plain soda water, Branson leveraged his background in copper pot stills and botanical mixing to create Seedlip.
Launching with a run of 1000 bottles, Seedlip sold out in just 3 weeks, indicating strong consumer interest in upscale, adult-oriented non-alcoholic spirits. Propelled by this initial success, Branson continued improving the brand‘s recipes and production capacity.
Seedlip is now sold in over 6000 venues globally and was even acquired by premium alcohol conglomerate Diageo in 2019. However, Branson remains closely involved in maintaining Seedlip‘s focus on all-natural ingredients and ever-evolving sustainability efforts.
The Magic Behind the Method – How Seedlip is Made
Rather than simply infusing water with plant flavors, Seedlip utilizes a specialized 6-week maceration and copper pot distillation process to extract the most nuanced characteristics from its botanical ingredients.
The brand is protective of its production secrets, but we know the basic steps involve:
- Macerating carefully selected herbs, citrus peels, barks and spices
- Distilling the macerated elements in copper pot stills
- Filtering and blending the distillates together
- Finally, bottling the finished spirits
This meticulous technique allows Seedlip to forgo artificial flavorings, sugars or additives of any kind. The end products manage to be intensely aromatic and complex, while remaining zero proof.
Raising the Bar – Seedlip‘s Range of Expressive Botanical Spirits
Let‘s explore the memorable flavors and suggested cocktail applications of Seedlip‘s core product lineup:
Seedlip Garden 108
- Flavor Profile: Herbaceous and grassy with notes of pea, hay, spearmint, rosemary, hops and thyme
- Cocktail Applications: Pair with fruit liqueurs, vermouth or ginger beer for Negronis, Manhattans and Moscow Mule riffs
Seedlip Grove 42
- Flavor Profile: Bright, tropical and citrusy with bitter orange, blood orange, ginger, lemongrass and pomelo
- Cocktail Applications: Makes refreshing Spritzes, Martinis and Citrus Smashes
Seedlip Spice 94
- Flavor Profile: Warming and earthy with allspice, cardamom, oak and bitter orange
- Cocktail Applications: Lovely in Apple Toddies, Fall Sangria or Nogs
Beyond their flagship spirits, Seedlip also offers gift sets, bar tools, recipe books and branded glassware to complete the upscale entertaining experience.
Exploring the Possibilities – Creative Cocktail Recipes with Seedlip
While Seedlip‘s spirits are impressive solo over ice with lemon or tonic water, their nuanced flavors truly shine when crafted into balanced cocktails. Here are some stellar combinations to try at home:
The Seedlip Orchard Sour
- 1 1/2 oz Seedlip Garden 108
- 3⁄4 oz Lemon Juice
- 1⁄2 oz Pear Liqueur
- 1 Egg White
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
The Seedlip French 75
- 1 1⁄2 oz Seedlip Grove 42
- 1⁄2 oz Lemon Juice
- 1⁄2 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 oz Sparkling Wine or Soda Water
The Seedlip Pomelo Spritz
- 1 1⁄2 oz Seedlip Spice 94
- 1⁄2 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 1⁄2 oz Lime Juice
- 1⁄2 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 oz Sparkling Water
The complexity of Seedlip allows amateur and professional mixologists alike to build nuanced mocks and cocktails previously unimaginable in the non-alcoholic space. Feel free to riff on classic recipes by subbing Seedlip 1:1 for gin or other clear spirits.
How Does Seedlip Compare to Other Leading Non-Alcoholic Spirits Brands?
While the 0% ABV spirits segment expands exponentially, Seedlip maintains a competitive edge through its early market dominance, bartender-approved reputation and acquisition by premium alcohol leader Diageo.
However, compelling rivals have emerged with their own unique production methods and flavor profiles. Let‘s see how Seedlip stacks up:
Lyre‘s – Founded by a Diageo veteran, Lyre‘s uses natural essences and extracts for incredibly true-to-life spirit mimics.
Pentire – Another UK-based brand, Pentire focuses on drinkability and mixability with their Seaward and Adrift expressions made from seawater botanicals.
Ritual Zero Proof – A US upstart using dealcoholized spirits and proprietary masking technology allowing remarkably accurate replicas of whiskey, gin, tequila and rum.
While Lyre‘s and Ritual specialize in mimicking classic spirits like vodka and bourbon, Seedlip stays in their own inventive botanical lane. For the alcohol-avoidant looking specifically for complex, adult-flavored non-alcoholics rather than spirit stunt doubles, Seedlip remains a go-to option.
Who is Seedlip Really For?
With a premium price point hovering around $30 per bottle, Seedlip targets a selective wellness-conscious and quality-driven demographic seeking the following:
1. Sophisticated Flavor Without Alcohol
Connoisseurs tired of cloyingly sweet or synthetically flavored non-alcoholic beverages can appreciate Seedlip‘s layers of flavor complexity. Those abstaining fully or even just cutting back consume Seedlip for a more interesting, grown-up drinking experience.
2. Versatile Mixability
Home mixologists, mocktail aficionados, bar professionals in leading cocktail destinations – all gravitate towards Seedlip for its ability to standup alongside other ingredients without getting lost. The spirits lend well to both spirit-forward and citrus-based concoctions.
3. Holistic Health & Wellbeing
Ingredients like adaptogen-rich herbs and antioxidant-packed citrus in Seedlip appeal to the clean-living crowd. With a commitment to all-natural production without any additives or sugars, Seedlip fits seamlessly into healthy lifestyles.
4. Novelty & Exclusivity
Seeking trendsetting cred amongst their social circle, some creatives, influencers and innovators may enjoy Seedlip for its relative exclusivity next to office party staples like LaCroix. The uniquely packaged bottles also lend well to gift-giving.
Guilt-Free Sipping – Seedlip’s Sustainability Standards & Eco-Efforts
Beyond delivering botanical bliss in a glass, Seedlip aims to operate responsibly across its production pipeline. Starting from sustainable ingredient sourcing, the brand actively works to measure and reduce its environmental impact.
We‘re thrilled to see Seedlip taking actionable steps around responsible water use and recyclable packaging materials. Further, as part of parent company Diageo, Seedlip participates in ambitious sustainability programs like:
- Targeting net-zero carbon emissions across operations by 2030
- Ensuring 100% of product packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable
- Continuously improving the environmental efficiency of their supply chains
Efforts like these demonstrate that while $30 for water in a bottle may seem indulgent, customers can rest easier knowing sustainability is a priority for Seedlip.
By The Numbers – What Do Customers Really Think About Seedlip?
Combing through credible evaluations from ordinary consumers themselves reveals helpful insights into the pros and cons of trying Seedlip‘s much-raved-about offerings:
- Seedlip‘s Own Website – Showcasing almost 2000 reviews averaging 4.5/5 stars across their core product line
- Amazon – The popular Garden 108 expression earns 3.7/5 from 1300+ reviewers
- TrustPilot – A limited sample size of 2 Seedlip reviews average 3.6/5 stars
The most frequent positive feedback includes:
- Items taste clean, fresh and flavorful – never artificial or cloyingly sweet
- Drinks beautifully in cocktails, adds aroma and depth non-alcoholics typically lack
- Allows participation in social drinking situations without alcohol
- Attractive packaging particularly for gifts
Meanwhile, the most cited difficulties customers faced:
- Flavors significantly more subtle than traditional gin or vodka expected at this price
- Lacks the burn, viscosity and intensity drinkers may be used to from 80 proof liquors
- Struggled to create balanced drinks without precise recipes and mixology knowledge
- Hard to justify the cost for such light flavors more similar to tea than spirits
Taking aggregate feedback in account, we feel Seedlip provides a uniquely compelling alcohol-free sipping experience unlike anything else on the market. However, flavor profiles may prove too genteel for hardcore happy hour fanatics.
Worth The Investment? Determining If Seedlip Deserves A Spot In Your Home Bar
Given complex production requirements limiting scale, $30ish seems a reasonable ask for Seedlip‘s sophisticated expressions. Compared to premium craft gins and vodkas easily running $40+, Seedlip bottles deliver equally impressive flavor notes without the risks of alcohol.
Especially for routines involving responsible social drinking, we deem Seedlip spirits worth the occasional splurge. For mocktail aficionados willing to implement precise recipes and quality mixers, Seedlip bottles unlock an entire universe of booze-free possibilities.
However if hoping to specifically replicate bold flavors of vodka, whiskey or other liquors as close as possible, we suggest trialing ritzy rival brands like Lyre’s and Ritual Zero Proof before taking the plunge on Seedlip.
Ongoing Promotions, Discounts & Where To Buy Seedlip
Unfortunately at time of writing, the official Seedlip website does not showcase any active sitewide promotions or coupon codes. As a coveted brand rarely marked down by third-party alcohol retailers either, bargain hunters must act swiftly to snag Seedlip deals when available.
We recommend checking sites like:
- Amazon – Occasional Lightning sales taking 10-15% off
- Wine.com – Special bundle offers added savings over individual bottles
- ReserveBar – Upscale online liquor store with retail partnership promos
For buying Seedlip locally, be sure to use their product locator tool listing shops stocking Seedlip across the world. In the United States, trendsetting liquor stores and upmarket grocers like Whole Foods carry Seedlip in major cities. Globally, find Seedlip at premium bars and restaurants dedicated to non-alcoholic craft cocktails.
Wherever you choose to buy, take solace in Seedlip‘s inclusive returns policy. Reach out to their helpful customer service squad for any issues with unopened bottles up to 30 days after delivery.
Still Have Questions? Seedlip’s Most FAQs Answered:
Q: Does Seedlip actually have alcohol in it?
A: Legally to be labeled non-alcoholic, Seedlip‘s drinks test under 0.5% ABV – similar to trace amounts found in some fruit juices or kombuchas. These residual levels don’t deliver any perceived intoxication, but we still suggest checking with doctors about consumption if avoiding alcohol completely.
Q: What‘s the difference between Seedlip and gin?
A: Unlike classic gins which must contain juniper berries, Seedlip relies solely on a proprietary blend of herbs, citruses, spices and barks to achieve flavor complexity. So while Seedlip fills a similar profile to gin, by definition it is not one.
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Based in the UK, Seedlip quotes 4-5 days processing time before dispatching all US orders with standard delivery taking another 1-5 days. Expect tracking links allowing order monitoring once items ship.
Q: Can I return Seedlip if I don‘t like specific flavors?
A: Yes, their hassle-free returns policy allows exchanging unopened bottles within 30 days if the flavors or scent profiles don‘t align with your taste preferences.
Final Verdict – A Winning Formula for Alcohol-Free Aficionados
In closing, we rate Seedlip as a standout player advancing the non-alcoholic spirits movement with their botanically-driven distillates. While not the most budget-friendly option, Seedlip impresses enough on taste and mixability to justify a try – especially for entertaining sans alcohol.
Hopefully this exhaustive Seedlip review outlined everything required to determine if their one-of-a-kind expressions deserve shelf space in your own low-proof oasis! Feel free to reach out with any other questions.
Cheers,
Your Seedlip Reviewer
