First Impressions
Ceder's Crisp is the second expression in Craig Hutchison and Maria Sehlstrom's non-alcoholic range, sitting between the floral Classic and the spicy Wild. Where Classic leads with rooibos and juniper, Crisp puts cucumber and chamomile centre stage — adding a fresh, cooling dimension that makes it the most immediately approachable of the three. The same South African botanicals are present: rooibos and buchu from the Cederberg mountains, individually distilled in Sweden and blended with pristine Swedish water. Like all Ceder's expressions, it is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and 0% ABV.
Tasting
The nose is refreshing juniper followed by citrus, cucumber and soothing chamomile — lavender adding floral depth, the juniper very present but supported rather than dominating. On the palate, refreshing and light with a crispness that the name delivers: fresh cucumber balanced by a pleasant bitterness that elevates it above the Classic expression. Chamomile provides smoothness, rooibos provides body, buchu adds the herbal depth that indigenous South Africans have valued for thousands of years. The finish is clean with cucumber fading alongside chamomile, juniper lingering gently.
The Bottom Line
Ceder's Crisp earns a 6 — the most drinkable expression in the Ceder's range and one of the best non-alcoholic G&T options available. The cucumber adds a Hendrick's-like freshness that makes the transition from alcoholic gin feel less like a sacrifice. Best with a premium Indian tonic, ice and a slice of cucumber. If you liked Ceder's Classic but wanted more complexity and freshness, Crisp is the answer the Cederberg mountains were holding back.
