Racing champion Lewis Hamilton unveils a fresh, booze-free spinoff product – a non-alcoholic "mezcal."
In a groundbreaking move, seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and master distiller Iván Saldaña have collaborated to introduce Almave Humo, a non-alcoholic mezcal alternative from Casa Lumbre Spirits.
Almave Humo follows the traditional mezcal production methods with one significant exception: it skips the fermentation step that produces alcohol. The spirit is made from Espadín agave, harvested from the foothills of the Popocatépetl volcano in Puebla, Mexico. The agave hearts are pit-roasted in a traditional earthen oven lined with fire and volcanic stones, imparting characteristic smoky flavors. The distillation process is carried out as in regular mezcal production. However, the fermentation step is omitted, resulting in a zero-proof spirit that preserves the flavor profile of mezcal without alcohol.
The key production steps include:
- Harvesting Espadín agave
- Pit-roasting the agave piñas (hearts)
- Using water from the distillery’s well, enriched by the volcanic soil of the region
- Distillation
- Omission of the fermentation step
Iván Saldaña, the master distiller, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and maintaining the traditional mezcal character. Lewis Hamilton and his team consider Almave Humo a pioneering innovation in the non-alcoholic spirits category.
Almave Humo is a clear non-alcoholic spirit and can be purchased from the Casa Lumbre Spirits website for an SRP of $36. The full list of ingredients includes Espadín agave, organic agave nectar, glycerol, malic acid, citric acid, salt, natural flavors, natural mushroom, and glycolipids.
The Almave family also includes two booze-free tequila alternatives. Another NA "tequila" brand called NeQuila has recently launched, claiming to not use any additives for flavor or mouthfeel.
Jonah Flicker, a freelance writer covering the spirits industry, has written weekly reviews of newsworthy releases. However, this article does not mention any specific newsworthy releases that Jonah Flicker is reviewing. Additionally, there is no information about extreme weather affecting Burgundy's vineyards or Irish whiskey distilleries shutting down due to Trump's trade tariffs.
In summary, Almave Humo is a non-alcoholic agave spirit that uses all the typical mezcal production techniques—roasting, distillation, terroir-driven water—except skipping fermentation to produce a spirit with authentic smoky notes. This innovative spirit is now available for purchase.
Sports enthusiasts who enjoy unique flavors might be interested in trying Almave Humo, a non-alcoholic spirit with a smoky mezcal profile. This innovative beverage, developed by football fan and seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and master distiller Iván Saldaña, is also suitable for basketball fans looking to diversify their beverage options, given its presence in the NBA league's sponsorship roster.
