Seven-time Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton has launched his latest business venture, Almave, a nonalcoholic spirit similar to tequila that allows drinkers to experience the same original taste without alcohol.
The 38-year-old has always preferred tequila as his drink of choice and realized something was missing in the spirit industry for nonalcoholic drinkers. Hamilton then partnered with master distiller Iván Saldaña and Casa Lumbre to create Almave, the first nonalcoholic drink to use blue agave from Jalisco, Mexico.
While Almave uses the same raw materials from Mexico, it is not referred to as tequila since it doesn’t go through a fermentation process where the liquid turns to alcohol. However, those who are looking for the same authentic taste can sip the beverage or mix it with a cocktail of choice.
Hamilton talked about the process of creating Almave and how people were demanding alternatives to their favorite alcoholic beverages.
“I’m excited to introduce people to Almave — it’s a project I’ve been working on for a long time with Casa Lumbre,” Hamilton said in a press release. “There’s a huge appetite for quality alternatives for those times when people don’t want to drink alcohol but also don’t want to compromise on flavour, which is why it was important that our product includes agave to reflect the taste of conventional tequila. I think it tastes amazing and what we have created is unlike anything else on the market, so I can’t wait to see what you all think.”
Saldaña also shared similar sentiments, stating that they wanted to create a premium nonalcoholic spirit that still holds the same authentic flavors as tequila.
“While Almave Distilled Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit is not a tequila, we are immensely proud of how we are leading the non-alcoholic category in staying true to the production and craft of making tequila, specifically the use of real agave and distillation,” Saldaña said in the press release. “While there are faster ways, we could not imagine a worthwhile non-alcoholic spirit without it. So, using our deep knowledge and spirit of discovery, we created Almave Blue Agave Spirit.”
According to the website, customers can sign up for the waitlist, as Almave will officially be available for purchase on Thursday.
