NKD Whiskey

NKD Whiskey is a non-alcoholic bourbon-inspired spirit made in Louisville, Kentucky, with a surprisingly layered whiskey profile. Deep oak leads into vanilla, caramel and toffee, with softer notes of honey, apple, maple and leather underneath. A peppery warmth builds through the finish, giving it some of the bite and structure that can be difficult to find in non-alcoholic whiskey and helping it hold its own particularly well in classic whiskey cocktails.

Why We Love It

NKD gets remarkably close to the flavors we want from a bourbon alternative. There's real depth here: oak, caramel, vanilla and that important bit of warmth on the finish. It has enough character to remain present once you start mixing, which makes this one of our favorite bottles for building classic whiskey cocktails.

How to Drink NKD Whiskey

For an easy serve, pour 2 oz NKD Whiskey over a large cube of ice and add a splash of ginger ale, then finish with an orange peel. It's also an excellent choice anywhere you would normally reach for bourbon, particularly in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Cheeky & Dry Signature Serve — Maple Apple Sour: 2 oz NKD Whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz unfiltered apple cider, ¼ oz maple syrup, and ½ oz egg white. Dry shake vigorously, add ice and shake again, then double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.

Pair it with: roast pork with apples and herbs, sharp aged cheddar, maple-glazed roasted squash, smoked almonds, or a dark chocolate tart.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Deep oak and vanilla lead, with warm caramel, toffee, and a subtle hint of honey and dried apple.

Palate: Rich and layered — caramel and vanilla up front, with maple, leather and a gentle spice building through the mid-palate. More complexity than most non-alcoholic whiskeys.

Finish: Peppery and warm, with lingering oak and a clean, dry fade. The warmth on the finish is one of NKD’s standout qualities in the non-alcoholic whiskey category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NKD Whiskey truly non-alcoholic?
Yes. NKD Whiskey contains 0.0% ABV — it's a fully non-alcoholic spirit with no alcohol whatsoever.

Where is NKD Whiskey made?
NKD Whiskey is made in Louisville, Kentucky — the heart of bourbon country — which informs its bourbon-inspired flavor profile.

What does NKD Whiskey taste like?
It has a genuinely layered bourbon-style profile: oak, vanilla, caramel and toffee up front, with honey, apple, maple and leather underneath, and a peppery warmth on the finish that sets it apart from most non-alcoholic whiskeys.

Can I use NKD Whiskey as a bourbon substitute in cocktails?
Yes. Its depth and warmth make it one of the best non-alcoholic options for classic whiskey cocktails — Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Whiskey Sours, and highballs all work particularly well.

How does NKD Whiskey compare to other non-alcoholic whiskeys?
NKD stands out for its peppery finish and layered complexity. Many non-alcoholic whiskeys taste flat or one-dimensional; NKD has the oak depth and warmth that makes it feel closer to the real thing.

Does Cheeky & Dry ship NKD Whiskey nationwide?
Yes — we ship across the US. Non-alcoholic spirits ship without the restrictions that apply to alcoholic beverages.

How should I store NKD Whiskey?
Store in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 4–6 weeks for best flavor.