Talonmore comes from an Edinburgh family business with a specific brief: make something that genuinely fills the role of a dark spirit, whether that's whisky, rum, or cognac, without attempting an exact replica of any one of them. They brew rather than distil, working with rooted botanical ingredients and Scottish water to build complexity without alcohol. The flavour is led by fresh ginger heat, which carries through from nose to finish. Hawthorn berry and cassia bark bring a tart, tangy quality softened by spiced sweetness, while Assam tea adds malty depth and prickly pear contributes both body and a subtle fruitiness. It's got more in common with a complex ginger-forward bitter than with a neutral spirit substitute. Voted the number one non-alcoholic spirit in blind taste tests by both Good Housekeeping and Men's Health, which suggests it's found its audience. It's vegan, gluten-free, and caffeine-free. Good neat, over ice, or lengthened with ginger beer for something longer.