Drinkers, brace yourself for this one: A Florida-based company claims it has developed a beverage that tastes like whisky, but lacks the alcohol.

Called ArKay, the manufacturer bills its creation as a "whisky flavored drink."

But try telling that to anyone who appreciates whisky, a classic alcoholic beverage that dates back to 15th century Scotland, and they just might laugh, as the taste of the drink is inextricably intertwined with the smooth burn of of strong alcohol.

Lacking that, the drink is still yet another step removed from the famous amber beverage. All whiskey is made from fermented grain mash, whereas ArKay doesn't use grains to imitate the taste.

As for how close it gets to real whisky flavor, well ... This reporter hasn't taken a sample.

"After 5 years of beverage industry research, surveys and tasting, ArKay was created and developed as a non-alcoholic whisky flavored drink for mass consumption," the manufacturer claims. "Also known as ‘halal whisky’ this non-alcoholic drink can be considered as a soft drink and is suitable for any party occasions."

Just don't tell that to John Jameson.

(H/T: Geek-o-System)

Photo: Flickr user tienvijftien.