Lewis Hamilton's Almave
Non-Alcoholic Agave Spirit Review
The most technically credible celebrity NA brand on the market. Real agave. Real Jalisco. Zero alcohol.
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Why Almave is Different
Most non-alcoholic spirits start by infusing botanicals into distilled water. Almave does not. It starts by harvesting real Blue agave from the Jalisco highlands of Mexico and runs it through the full traditional tequila production process — cooking, crushing, fermenting, distilling. Then, and only then, does the alcohol get removed.
This is the difference between a photograph of a landscape and actually being there. Other NA spirits try to recreate the flavor of tequila. Almave is tequila, minus the alcohol.
The man behind the science is Iván Saldaña — the master distiller who created Casa Dragones tequila and holds a doctorate in agave biology. Saldaña partnered with Lewis Hamilton specifically because Hamilton wanted an NA spirit that didn't feel like a compromise. Pernod Ricard has since invested, which is the spirits industry's biggest stamp of credibility.
Almave Expressions, Reviewed
Almave Blanco
Bright agave · Citrus · Pepper · Best for cocktails
The Blanco is where Almave shines brightest. Bright, peppery agave upfront with a citrus note and a clean, slightly herbal finish. Use it anywhere you would use a tequila blanco — it holds up in Margaritas, Palomas, and Tequila Sunrises better than any other NA spirit. The agave character doesn't disappear when mixed.
Almave Ámbar
Caramel · Vanilla · Añejo-like depth · Best for sipping
The Ámbar is aged (or aged-style), delivering caramel, vanilla, and a warmth that's remarkable for an NA spirit. Sip it neat over a large ice sphere. It has the kind of depth that invites you to hold the glass and think. Best enjoyed slowly — this is the Almave expression for people who want to sit with a drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Almave taste like?
Almave Blanco tastes like a well-made tequila blanco — bright agave, citrus, black pepper, and a herbal finish. The Ámbar is richer, with caramel, vanilla, and an añejo-like depth. Both have a finish that mimics the warming sensation of alcohol without the alcohol. Of any NA spirit, Almave comes closest to the real thing.
Is Almave actually made from real agave?
Yes — this is what makes Almave different from most NA spirits. Real Blue agave is harvested and distilled in Jalisco using the exact same process as traditional tequila production. The alcohol is then removed at the end using a proprietary process. Most NA spirits start with botanical infusions; Almave starts with the actual spirit.
How is Lewis Hamilton involved in Almave?
Hamilton is a co-founder and significant investor, not just a brand ambassador. He partnered with master distiller Iván Saldaña — who is one of the most respected figures in the tequila world — specifically to create a non-alcoholic agave spirit that met the same quality standards as premium tequila. Pernod Ricard has also invested in the brand.
Can you use Almave in cocktails like tequila?
Yes — Almave Blanco substitutes 1:1 in any tequila-based cocktail. NA Margarita, NA Paloma, NA Tequila Sunrise — all work. The Ámbar works in NA Old Fashioneds and NA sipping situations. The agave character holds up well in mixed drinks.