SAN DIEGO – October 01, 2026 -- Drybridge No. 86, a whiskey-inspired non-alcoholic spirit made in San Diego, enters Sober October with three 2026 industry awards in hand, aiming to keep sober-curious drinkers at the bar rather than home on the sidelines.

The veteran-owned brand took home American Whiskey of the Year at the 2026 International Non-Alcoholic Competition, a Silver Award with a score of 80 at the 2026 Summer PR%F Awards tasting competition, and a Double Gold at the same event's design competition.

172 test batches led to the formula now on shelves

Developers went through 172 formulations and tasting sessions with whiskey drinkers, bartenders and hospitality professionals before settling on what became Batch 173, which launched this year as the retail product.

The brand targets ritual, not just substitution

Co-founded by Navy veteran Sean Sailes and Jason Nichols, Drybridge No. 86 was built around the idea that people cutting back on alcohol still want to sit at a bar with a heavy rocks glass and sip something slowly, rather than simply find an alcohol-free swap.

"Drinking less doesn't mean you suddenly stop liking bars, whiskey glasses, live music, good dinners or staying out late," Nichols said. "For me, this started with wanting to drink less without giving up the parts of the experience I actually enjoyed."

Sober October messaging skips the deprivation angle

The brand's campaign for the month-long alcohol-free challenge frames its product around keeping existing social plans intact: the dinner reservation, the concert, the late night out, just without the alcohol.

Drybridge No. 86 is sold through DrinkNo86.com, on Amazon, and at select bars across San Diego.