Blog #3 Meet: Amy Armstrong
4 questions for Amy Armstrong
Blogger and Former boozy tragic, on the hunt for the best Alcohol Free drinks!
and more!.....
Who: Amy
I’m Amy and I am a liquid pig. When I decided to get a divorce from alcohol in June 2020 and go alcohol-free, I thought I’d be losing a part of me. Turns out all I have done is gain. Gain clarity. Gain confidence. Gain a passion for discovering new and exciting alcohol-free drinks.
What: dry_but_wet
All non-alcoholic drink reviews are my own opinions - each to their own as they say. I’m no fancy wine expert, but I know what I like and what I don’t like. All reviews will always be unbiased, regardless of whether the brand has enlisted me to write a review on their product.
I’m putting my taste buds to the test and on the line. Sorting the wheat from the chaff, so you can buy with confidence. I was buying all the alcohol-free wine, trying all the alcohol-free wine. I took a deep dive. I was obsessed (in a good way). A very wise friend said “you should be sharing this”. So here we are!
1. What is the best thing that happened to you as a result from not drinking alcohol?
Gaining so much confidence and clarity and really discovering myself for the first time as an adult. My improved relationships and ability to cope with stress.
2. Do people think you are crazy because you don't drink alcohol?
Haha, no, not really. Everyone has been really respectful of the decision and my close friends and family knew that I had to stop drinking. Everyone is very supportive. I was crazy TO keep drinking.
3. Did you miss out on something, when you don't drink alcohol?
No, not at all. I am more social now than ever and miss nothing. I remember everything and can still enjoy a nice wine with dinner.
4. What would you advise other people?
I’d suggest reading some good quit lit like ‘This Naked Mind’ or ‘Quit like a Woman’. These helped me shift my perspective on drinking. I also always plan ahead and make sure venues have good alcohol free options and if not ask to bring my own. A nice bottle of VINADA and you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything!
amy’s Review:
VINADA Tinteling Tempranillo Rosé
9/10
‘‘VINADA is the new kid on the block here in Australia. Touted as “the World’s favourite bubbles”. The short of it is, this is a very very nice non-alcoholic sparkling wine. A 9/10!
The long of it is the Vinada Sparkling Rose has a beautiful bead (not like the fizz that some other AF sparkling’s have). A full mouth feel, no skimping on flavour here! First thing I noticed is the slightly sweet fruity finish. I say slightly because it’s not overwhelming, there’s just a hint of strawberry. You might know by now I can’t stand when wine is too sweet, this is not that. There is a beautiful balance and a dry finish. It’s the same profile you would expect from a “real” sparkling rosé.
Because I am committed to accurate reviews (and always very thirsty) I have sampled alongside the Vinada Sparkling Chardonnay. The Chardonnay I prefer, just because it’s slightly more acidic and dry. The Rosé would be perfect for a high tea or with a cheese board sitting in the sun (now I’m just dreaming).
It’s super exciting to have these new top notch drops arriving in Australia!
It’s vegan, low cal & sugar. It also comes in a piccolo size which could be a very good option for hospitality or days when you don’t want a whole bottle! (do those days exist?)’’
VINADA Crispy Chardonnay
10/10
‘‘VINADA is the new kid on the block here in Australia. Touted as “the World’s favourite bubbles”. The short of it is, this is a very very nice non-alcoholic sparkling wine. A 10/10!
The long of it is the Vinada Sparkling Chardonnay has a beautiful bead (not like the fizz that some other AF sparkling’s have). A full mouth feel, no skimping on flavour here! It’s balanced, citrusy, fruity but still nice and dry. I have skulled what I had to write this review and still want more!
It’s vegan, low cal & sugar. It also comes in a piccolo size which could be a very good option for hospitality or days when you don’t want a whole bottle! (do those days exist?)’’
Cheers,
Roos