Tasting Profile
Appearance. The liquid is amber.[1]
Nose. The nose is rich.[1]
Palate. The palate carries crisp apple acidity. NON describes the drink as bright, bold and unapologetically complex.[1],[2]
Structure. Structural points established by the available evidence:[1]
- Acidity: crisp, apple-driven
- Complexity: described by NON as unapologetically complex
Pairings
NON invited chef Joel Baylon to NON HQ to develop a range of recipes paired with NON8 Torched Apple & Oolong. The bottling is paired with four chef-developed recipes: Pickled Daikon with White Cabbage, Poached Lobster & Tarragon Butter, Conchiglie Cacio e Pepe, and Roasted Leek & Lao Gan Ma Crispy Chilli.[3]
Composition & Vinification
The declared ingredients are water, verjus, apples, sugar, caraway seed, cacao nib, ginger root, keemun tea, oolong tea, and salt.[1]
Cacao Nib — Richness on the Nose. Cacao nibs are steeped both cold and hot to extract maximum flavour, adding richness to the nose.[1]
Verjus — Acidity. Acidity comes from verjuice made from Semillon grapes sourced in the Barossa Valley, Australia.[1]
Ginger Root — Finishing Bite. Ginger comes through at the end to give the drink a small extra bite.[1]
Murray River Salt — Salinity. Murray River salt provides salinity and creates a moreish sensation.[1]
Sugar — Mouthfeel. Sugar is used alongside the salt to enhance flavour and round out the mouthfeel.[1]
Provenance & Sourcing
Specifications. Classification and format details:[1],[4],[5]
- Category: still, non-alcoholic wine alternative; marketed as a NON wine alternative
- Style reference: drinks like an orange wine or skin-contact wine alternative
- ABV: 0.0% (bottle label, October 2024)
- Availability: exclusively in Australia
Production. NON8 is produced by NON. Every bottle of NON is made by hand at NONHQ, the company's facility just outside Melbourne, and NON products are made in Australia.
Ingredients Policy. The drink is vegan and gluten-free.[1]
Production Philosophy
NON8 Torched Apple & Oolong is a still wine alternative that NON developed with apple flavours and skin-contact wines in mind, using a freeze-dried apple technique to reach a high-minerality, high-acidity, bright and fresh liquid. It was developed over two years in close collaboration with Head of Kitchen Nick Cozens, who has a background as a chef and cocktail bartender. Released in 2023, it was NON's first new expression since the brand launched, and the eighth release in the NON range.
Service
Temperature & Glassware. NON is normally served chilled in a wine glass.