Sobertober Spotlight: CleanCo's Revolutionary Alcohol-Free Spirits Are Changing the Game 🍸

Let's talk about something that's been quietly revolutionising

how we think about drinking – and it couldn't have come at a better time with Sobertober just around the corner. I've been watching CleanCo for a while now, and honestly, what Spencer Matthews has built with this brand is nothing short of remarkable.

The Story Behind the Spirit-Free Revolution

You know how sometimes the best ideas come from personal necessity? That's exactly what happened here. Spencer Matthews – yes, the Made in Chelsea personality – found himself caught in what he describes as "a cycle of drinking excessively" throughout his twenties. But instead of just going cold turkey and calling it a day, he spotted something the rest of us were missing: a massive gap in the market for alcohol-free alternatives that actually taste like the real thing.

Founded in 2019, CleanCo started with a simple but revolutionary premise – create alcohol-free spirits that don't compromise on taste, experience, or that all-important social aspect of drinking. And let me tell you, they've absolutely nailed it.

What Makes CleanCo Different? The Complete Spirit Lineup

CleanCo became the first brand to offer a full suite of alcohol-free alternatives to all major full-strength spirits – and that comprehensive approach is what sets them apart. Here's what's in their arsenal:

Clean G (Gin) – This botanical masterpiece delivers all the complexity you'd expect from a premium gin, with juniper-forward notes that make the perfect G&T.

Clean G Rhubarb – A sophisticated twist on their classic gin, bringing tart, refreshing rhubarb notes that add a beautiful pink hue to your glass.

Clean R (Rum) – This golden beauty captures every spice and Caribbean caramel note of a good rum, making it perfect for mojitos or sipping neat.

Clean T (Tequila) – As punchy and complex as a classic tequila, this is Spencer's personal favourite for making his signature Clean Picante.

Clean W (Whiskey) – While whisky is particularly difficult to crack according to Matthews, they've managed to create something that stands up to the complexity whiskey lovers expect.

Clean V (Vodka) – Their neutral base spirit that's perfect for cocktails where you want the mixers to shine.

The Evolution: From 0.4% to True 0.0% ABV

Here's something that shows CleanCo's commitment to inclusion: they recently transitioned their entire range from 0.4% ABV to completely alcohol-free at 0.0% ABV. Why? Because they realized that even that tiny amount – essentially the same as you'd find naturally occurring in a banana – was causing confusion for consumers.

"The move to 0.0% ABV is a natural evolution for the brand," Matthews explains, noting it allows them to "meet the needs of those who want to abstain from alcohol completely for health, personal or religious reasons."

Perfect Timing for Sobertober and Beyond

With Sobertober gaining momentum every year, CleanCo couldn't be more relevant. The global non-alcoholic drinks market is now valued at above $13 billion and comprises one of the fastest-growing subsectors, with non-alcoholic sales nearing $1 billion in the US alone.

But here's what I love most about the Sobertober connection – deciding to give up alcohol is now a year-long phenomenon rather than a concept just for January. CleanCo perfectly captures this shift toward mindful drinking without the "missing out" feeling that traditionally came with choosing not to drink.

The Numbers Don't Lie: CleanCo's Meteoric Rise

Let's talk success stories for a moment. CleanCo is now the leading independent non-alcoholic spirit brand in both the UK and US. In fact, in 2023 alone, CleanCo sold a Clean cocktail every 8 seconds through its global network of retail, bar and restaurant partners. That's not just impressive – that's revolutionary.

The brand recently completed a $5 million funding round with England cricket captain Ben Stokes coming on board as both investor and brand partner – a testament to how mainstream this movement has become.

Why This Matters for Your Sobertober Journey

One of the biggest advantages of the new 0% ABV beverages is their ability to replicate the social experience of drinking without the alcohol content. Most importantly, these drinks look almost identical to their alcoholic counterparts, which means you can participate fully in social situations without feeling like you're missing out or drawing unwanted attention to your choices.

The timing couldn't be better, either. With nearly 45% of Gen Z reporting they didn't consume alcohol at all in 2023, and 55% of Gen Z saying they're "somewhat likely" to try Dry January, there's clearly a generational shift happening toward more mindful drinking habits.

The Sustainability Angle That Makes It Even Better

Here's a bonus that makes choosing CleanCo feel even better: their new lighter bottle design uses 50% less energy and allows more bottles per shipping container, reducing their carbon footprint by more than 12,000 miles annually. It's the kind of thoughtful innovation that shows this isn't just about creating alternatives – it's about creating better alternatives.

My Personal Experience: The Blind Taste Test That Changed Everything

I'll be honest – I was sceptical when I first heard about CleanCo. How could anything alcohol-free really capture the essence of my favourite spirits? But curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to put their claims to the test.

The moment of truth came during a dinner party where I secretly served Clean T margaritas alongside traditional ones. Not a single guest could tell the difference. In fact, two people specifically complimented the "smooth tequila" I'd used. The Clean T delivered that same agave punch, the perfect bite for a spicy margarita, and that satisfying warmth that makes the drink feel substantial.

But here's where CleanCo truly won me over: the next morning. While I usually wake up with that familiar tequila headache after indulging in my beloved spicy margaritas, this time I woke up feeling completely refreshed. No grogginess, no dehydration, no regret – just the memory of a fantastic evening with great drinks and even better company.

I've since worked my way through their range, and consistently, the experience is the same. The Clean G makes a gin and tonic that's so botanically complex, so crisp and refreshing, that even my gin-snob friends have been fooled. The Clean R brings all the caramel notes and spiced warmth you want in a rum cocktail, without any of the next-day consequences.

My Take: Why CleanCo Is Perfect for Sobertober and Beyond

What I find most compelling about CleanCo is how they've managed to remove the compromise from going alcohol-free. Spencer's philosophy that going Clean "unlocked so many more experiences for me, and took away none" really resonates, especially when you're embarking on something like Sobertober.

Whether you're using October as a reset month, exploring a more permanent lifestyle change, or simply looking for quality alternatives that don't make you feel like you're settling, CleanCo delivers on all fronts. The range looks, feels, and tastes like the real thing while maintaining that crucial social ceremony of drinking that makes gatherings feel complete.

The Bottom Line

CleanCo didn't just start a revolution – they've sustained it, becoming the world's leading independent alcohol-free spirit brand in just five years. For anyone considering Sobertober or simply exploring a more mindful relationship with alcohol, CleanCo offers a sophisticated, satisfying path forward without the sacrifice.

The best part? You're not just choosing an alternative – you're choosing what might genuinely be a better option. And in a world where wellness and social connection often feel at odds, that's something worth raising a glass to.

Ready for Sobertober? CleanCo's complete range is available at major retailers and online, making it easier than ever to start your alcohol-free journey without missing a beat.

Whether you're going completely clean for October or simply looking to moderate, CleanCo proves that the best alternatives aren't compromises – they're upgrades.