Related: I tried non-alcoholic gin for science and it tastes like antifreeze (derogatory). Now I stick to plain tonic when I want a G&T without the buzz and it's . . . acceptable

Yeah, there's something missing. Overall, I've been hesitant about buying those NA spirits because I don't want to risk spending a bunch of money and get the flavor I associate with NA beers and wines of old. The new craft NA beers still had them and I felt bad enough wasting $10 on a 6-pack.