Review: Tenneyson Black Ginger Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Review: Tenneyson Black Ginger Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Tenneyson is a new brand of non-alcoholic spirits with exactly one product to its name so far: Black Ginger. (The company has more Tenneyson clothing merch for sale than it does faux booze.) Here’s hoping that will change, because Black Ginger is one of just a handful of non-alcoholic “spirits” that actually tastes like it could be something boozy — and also tastes reasonably good.
What is it, exactly? Per the company:
Think along the lines of an aperitif or digestif; concentrated, botanical, spicy and robust ginger, without any bubbles or added sugars.
Our recipe is designed to reward your body with smart, real and unique ingredients like ginger, dandelion, lemon balm, bergamot, yerba mate, grape seed, and gentian root. A combination that you can feel good about and enjoy sipping or mixing.
Tenneyson has no added sugar, artificial flavors, or carbonation — and is vegan except for the addition of “responsible honey.” It is good for up to a year without being refrigerated — but I’d suggest keeping it in the fridge just for the taste impact. Read on for more details.
The name of the spirit is certainly apt. It’s ruddy brown and a bit muddy in color (the color in the provided photo is certainly propped up a bit), reminiscent of Ghia‘s slightly soupy appearance. There’s no missing the ginger on the nose: It’s immediately evident just from opening the bottle, and in the glass it dominates over additional notes of lemon peel, cherries, and some rhubarb, making for a spicy and bittersweet (but mostly sweet) aromatic experience that is amaro-adjacent.
The palate remains a showcase for ginger, evoking a very strong ginger beer to start but with a vague, vegetal edge. Additional notes of grains of paradise and strong black tea add some earthy depth, while a lemon peel element brings a citrus twist into focus. This all works fairly well together when served neat, though it doesn’t ever quite come across like a spirit but more like an exotic mixer.
On ice the product is more inviting and invigorating, but here it clearly drinks more like an amaro, with those rhubarb and some gentian notes becoming a lot more visible. Elements of anise and black lime are light but detectable, and both add some nuance to the otherwise ginger-heavy experience. Served on the rocks, I actually enjoyed a second glass.
B+ / $39 / tenneyson.com
Tenneyson Black Ginger Non-Alcoholic Spirit
$39
