Arkay, the world’s first alcohol-free whisky, will be sold worldwide from December 1.
A Florida-based company named Scottish Spirits Ltd. and apparently produced in Panama, has a water base to which a variety of chemicals, flavors and colorings are added.
It has zero per cent alcohol and it is designed to allow individuals with medical conditions or with religious beliefs that prohibit alcohol consumption, to drink.
Significantly, it has been declared as Halal certified, which opens up the possibility of huge sales around the globe in Muslim countries and the Middle East.
ArKay is being promoted to deliver an ‘exceptional taste of a whiskey without the alcohol content’ and ideal for teetotalers or those worried about drinking and driving.
Makers say the new drink tastes and looks exactly like traditional whiskey. It is suitable for drinking straight-up, on the rocks, or with your favorite mixers.
It is due to go on sale around the world on December 1. In Britain it will cost £10 (US$ 16) a bottle and £4 (US$ 6.4) for a can.
The exceptional taste of whisky without the alcohol content makes it a perfect beverage day or night, according to an Arkay spokesman.
However, a spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association said: ‘It is not possible to make alcohol-free whisky.
This company is trying to exploit whiskey reputation with highly irresponsible marketing.’
Real Scotch whisky is a simple creation of water and barley, which grows well in the cool climate and summer rains that are common north of the border.
Each distillery’s unique taste is delivered by the way the barley is dried, often in peat kilns, together with the way the whisky is carefully aged over many years, often in oak casks.
