SENTIA Spirits Takes Home Three Medals at 2025 New York World Spirits Competition

Science-Backed Functional Spirits Recognized for Excellence in Prestigious U.S. Tasting Event

New York, NY — UK-based functional drinks producer SENTIA Spirits has earned top honours at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC), a premier event hosted by The Tasting Alliance and known for its rigorous blind judging process. The brand’s three flagship expressions were all awarded medals: GABA Gold claimed a Gold Medal, GABA Black a Silver, and GABA Red a Bronze—marking a major moment for the emerging category of functional, non-alcoholic spirits.

These awards reinforce SENTIA’s leadership in reimagining what adult drinking can be: social, sensory, and science-led—without alcohol.

A New Class of Spirit, Rooted in Neuroscience

Founded by Professor David Nutt, one of the world’s most respected neuroscientists and an expert in the effects of psychoactive substances on the brain, SENTIA Spirits is designed to give drinkers a new kind of choice—beyond the binary of alcohol or soft drinks. Each expression is formulated with a carefully researched blend of botanicals containing compounds shown to support and enhance the brain’s natural GABA activity, the same neurochemical pathway responsible for the calm and sociability associated with alcohol.

SENTIA’s formulation is informed by GABA Labs, the research arm behind the brand, which applies decades of neuroscience and psychopharmacology to develop drinks that promote connection and relaxation without alcohol or intoxication.

“Consumers today are demanding more from their drinks,” says SENTIA’s CEO David Orren. “They want to feel good, stay present, and support their wellbeing—without sacrificing the rituals of social drinking. SENTIA was created to meet that demand, using evidence-based insights to offer a functional and enjoyable alternative.”

A Lineup for Every Occasion

SENTIA’s range is crafted for different moods and moments:

• GABA Gold – Uplifting and celebratory, this bright, citrus-forward spirit is ideal for toasts, parties, and social buzz.
• GABA Black – Bold, smoky, and grounding—perfect for late nights, focus, or winding down with intention.
• GABA Red – Smooth and mellow, designed for relaxing and reconnecting after a long day.

All expressions are vegan, low-calorie, and made with over 65% organic ingredients. They are built for adult palates, pair well with premium mixers, and offer a functional edge that soft drinks can’t match.

Meeting a Shift in Drinking Culture

SENTIA’s success comes amid a generational shift in drinking habits. A recent Gallup poll shows that nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults believe alcohol is harmful, with a record 45% now viewing even moderate drinking as bad for health. At the same time, younger consumers are embracing new behaviours—like “zebra striping” (alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) and “bookending” (starting or finishing the night with functional, alcohol-free options)—reflecting a broader desire for balance, presence, and wellbeing.

Rather than taking an anti-alcohol stance, SENTIA champions greater freedom of choice—giving consumers the ability to select drinks based on how they want to feel, not just what they want to avoid. For the hospitality industry, this opens the door to longer dwell times, increased spend, and a more inclusive offering that meets modern expectations.

Functional Spirits on the Global Stage

Receiving three medals at NYWSC—a competition renowned for its integrity, impartiality, and influence across the North American trade—solidifies SENTIA’s reputation as a serious player in the adult drinks space. It also marks a turning point for the functional drinks category as it earns its place among more established spirits.

SENTIA Spirits is now available at sentiaspirits.com and for U.S. wholesalers at Faire.com and select distributors. 

About SENTIA Spirits

SENTIA Spirits is a functional, non-alcoholic drinks brand founded in 2020 by Professor David Nutt and David Orren. Using a research-driven blend of botanicals designed to enhance the brain’s natural GABA activity, SENTIA offers a new way to drink socially—without alcohol. The brand is powered by GABA Labs, a neuroscience and psychopharmacology research hub developing safe and effective alternatives to alcohol for modern drinkers.

About the NYWSC

The New York World Spirits Competition is hosted by The Tasting Alliance, the industry’s most respected authority in wine and spirits judging. It offers brands a powerful platform for recognition in one of the world’s most influential markets through rigorous blind evaluation by expert judges.