Seedlip vs Lyre's: Which Non-Alcoholic Spirit Brand Wins?
Di Arnaud Slama-Royer ·
When it comes to non-alcoholic spirits, two brands dominate the conversation: Seedlip and Lyre's. Both have been instrumental in legitimizing the category, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Seedlip focuses on creating unique botanical blends, while Lyre's aims to replicate traditional spirits as closely as possible. We've done extensive tasting and testing to determine which brand deserves space on your shelf.
Brand Philosophy
Seedlip, founded by Ben Branson in 2015, pioneered the distilled non-alcoholic spirit category. Their approach is to create something entirely new — spirits that don't try to mimic gin or vodka but instead offer their own unique botanical profiles. Lyre's, founded in Australia, takes the opposite approach. They've created non-alcoholic versions of virtually every classic spirit — from American Malt (bourbon) to Dry London Spirit (gin) to Italian Spritz (Aperol). Their goal is seamless substitution.
Taste Comparison
Seedlip Garden 108 vs Lyre's Dry London Spirit
Seedlip Garden 108 is herbal, fresh, and unique — it doesn't taste like gin, but it's a beautiful drink in its own right. Lyre's Dry London Spirit, on the other hand, is remarkably close to a traditional London Dry gin, with prominent juniper and citrus notes. If you want something that tastes like gin, Lyre's wins. If you want something botanical and original, choose Seedlip.
Value for Money
Seedlip typically retails for $25-35 per 700ml bottle, with three core expressions. Lyre's offers a wider range at similar price points but with more variety. The value proposition depends on what you're looking for — Seedlip's smaller range means each bottle is refined and versatile, while Lyre's variety means you can replicate almost any classic cocktail.
Versatility in Cocktails
Lyre's has the clear advantage here. With dedicated replacements for bourbon, gin, rum, tequila, vermouth, and more, you can make virtually any classic cocktail with a 1:1 substitution. Seedlip's three expressions are more limited but can be combined creatively with the right mixers and syrups.
Our Verdict
There's no single winner — the best choice depends on your priorities. Choose Seedlip if you value originality, elegant simplicity, and premium positioning. Choose Lyre's if you want versatility, faithful reproductions, and the ability to make any classic cocktail without alcohol. Ideally, stock both.
Conclusion
Both Seedlip and Lyre's have earned their place at the top of the non-alcoholic spirits world. They represent two valid philosophies — innovation vs. replication — and both deliver excellent quality. Your ideal no-low bar probably has room for both.