Whether you’re embracing Try January, taking a turn as the designated driver, focusing on health and fitness goals, looking to enjoy a flavourful beer without the buzz, or simply taking a mindful break from alcohol, today’s craft brewing scene means you don’t have to compromise on flavour or experience.
This blog was originally published January 8, 2025, and has been updated to reflect current brewery offerings as of January 2026.
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Gone are the days when “non-alcoholic beer” meant relegating yourself to a dusty bottle of O’Douls hiding at the back of a grocery store shelf. The craft brewing landscape is undergoing another transformation, driven by a growing wave of consumers embracing alcohol-free alternatives not out of necessity, but by choice. Whether motivated by health consciousness, lifestyle changes, or simply curiosity, more and more craft beer enthusiasts are discovering that cutting back on alcohol doesn’t mean compromising on beverage quality or craft brewing excellence.
BC’s craft breweries have risen to meet this growing demand, creating complex, flavourful beers that contain 0.5% ABV or less. Beyond traditional beer styles, you’ll also find a growing number of creative alternatives like hop waters, offering craft beverage experiences that maintain the artisanal spirit of craft brewing while eliminating alcohol content. Choosing not to drink no longer means missing out on the craft experience.
So why doesn’t everyone brew non-alcoholic beers?
Unlike making a mocktail, where one ingredient is easily left out, the traditional processes of brewing beer are what lead to alcohol being created during fermentation. What’s a brewer to do?
Without going into too much technical detail – because let’s face it: brewing is both an art form and a highly developed skill set that depends on chemistry, math, and biology, takes years to learn, and would take even longer to type into a single blog – there are two basic ways to create a non-alcoholic brew.
One is to brew a beer as normal, and then remove the alcohol. The second is to use specific ingredients and/or techniques that limit the production of alcohol during fermentation.
Sounds easy enough, right? So… what’s the catch? Well, the actual production of an NA beer might not be too complicated for a talented brewer given enough time to create a recipe, but both methods require specialized equipment that isn’t exactly available at your local homebrew supply shop and certainly does not come cheap. Add in the requirement for additional physical space in the brewery for said equipment, and more often than not, you run into a wall (literally, and figuratively). As the prevalence of NA beers increases, equipment suppliers are working to design equipment suitable for smaller breweries, while brewers are working to create more efficient recipes and find workable solutions to preservation methods such as small-scale water bath pasteurisation.
If you want to learn more about the process of brewing NA beers, I would highly recommend checking out this video produced by KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations. They definitely know their stuff: in 2024, a group of first-year KPU students took home a silver medal for their non-alcoholic Stout at the US Open College Beer Championships.
What it all boils down to is this: brewing a tasty non-alcoholic beer is just as complex, if not more so, than crafting the next seasonal (alcoholic) beer release. It takes time, care, dedication, and significant investment. And, as we know, all BC craft beer is nothing if not exceptionally crafted. Keep reading to discover some of the incredible non-alcoholic beers, hop waters, and other non-alc beverages produced at breweries around the province.
(note: beers and beer alternatives are listed alphabetically by brewery)
Non-Alcoholic Beers
4 Mile Brewing Co. in Victoria, BC
4 Mile currently has three different offerings in their Point Four (0.4% ABV) lineup of low/non-alc beers. These tasty brews are only available on tap at the 4 Mile Brew Pub.
- Point Four: A blonde/golden ale
- Mandarin Point Four: Made with real fruit puree
- Dark Point Four: A new, small batch Nitro Stout
Hero .5 from Buffalo Rouge Brewing Co. in Kelowna, BC
Lively and dynamic, with peach and tropical fruit flavours up front. This hazy non-alc brew is only available on tap in the tasting room.
Dry Goods from Good Life Brand Collective
Originally crafted by the folks at Powell Brewery, the Dry Goods brand of NA beers is now under the umbrella of the team at Good Life Brand Collective. Their current lineup includes:
- West Coast IPA: Bright, hoppy, and unapologetically West Coast. With notes of citrus peel, pine and resin on the nose, it has a bold hop flavour with grapefruit and orange over a dry, golden malt base.
- Grapefruit IPA: Vibrant and punchy; a fruit-driven IPA that still drinks like a craft beer. Fresh grapefruit zest and tropical hops on the nose are backed with juicy citrus upfront, light sweetness, and a dry, pithy finish.
LOGO from Fernie Brewing Co. in Fernie, BC
Launched in June 2023, LOGO™ by Fernie Brewing Co. sets the standard for mountain-brewed, adventure-inspired, non-alcoholic craft beer. There are currently three brews available:
- LOGO Pilsner: Light and clean, with slight malt flavour. This non-alc Pils is a classic, go-to for the adventure lifestyle enthusiast.
- LOGO IPA: All the hop, none of the alcohol, this non-alc IPA is fruity and delicious. An accessible, hop-forward option that ensures no one gets left behind.
- LOGO Citrus: A bright, crisp brew bursting with lemon and lime. Big on refreshment, without the alcohol, this non-alc beer is made for adventure.
Field House Brewing Co. in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, BC
Field House is introducing non-alcoholic versions of two of its core beers:
- Salted Lime Mexican Lager: This non-alc beer is light, crisp and endlessly crushable, crafted for when you want the taste without the compromise. The style is elevated with real lime and a touch of sea salt, adding a bright, citrusy kick and just the right savoury edge.
- Salted Black Porter: Brewed with traditional ‘dutch droppies’ (salted black licorice candies), the Salted Black Porter offers flavours of coffee, licorice, chocolate, and caramel, for a balanced malt profile and residual sweetness.
iOTA from Phillips Brewing & Malting in Victoria, BC
Launched in late 2021 by Phillips Brewing, iOTA beers are brewed for craft beer fans who are “experimental, flavour-focused, confident, and self-aware.”
The name iOTA comes from the Greek letter iota, meaning an extremely small amount. For the folks at Phillips, this was a reflection of their belief that craft beer is not defined by its alcohol content, but rather the community it builds. Even though there’s only a minute amount of alcohol (less than 0.5% ABV), iOTA is still authentically craft-brewed. The line-up includes:
- Peach Wheat Ale – Brewed with equal parts wheat and malted barley, this delightful non-alcoholic summer seasonal is infused with the alluring sweetness of peaches, resulting in an easy-drinking and refreshing non-alcoholic beer drinking experience that is ripe for patio sessions and good times.
- Cerveza – iOTA Cerveza is the epitome of a thirst-quenching beer. A vacation in every sip, this light-bodied lager delivers big on refreshment with a crisp, clean finish.
- Pale Ale – iOTA Pale Ale is light gold in colour, crafted for smooth and highly balanced malt and hop profiles. This delicious brew brings rounded honey and cereal notes, a straightforward mouthfeel, and deliciously floral hops. This ale strikes a harmony between drinkability and flavour.
- Pilsner – iOTA Pilsner pours pale straw in colour, with an easy and effervescent mouthfeel. The body is light and malt-driven. On the finish, smooth German hop notes complement this even-keeled and delicious lager.
- Hazy IPA – iOTA Hazy IPA is low on bitterness & full of citrus and juicy fruit notes. Our house malted barley lends a hand in creating a smooth sip and helps carry that tropical hazy hop profile.
Steamworks Brewing Co in Burnaby, Mount Pleasant, North Shore and Vancouver, BC
The folks at Steamworks have developed a biological approach to crafting their non-alcoholic brews that respects the brewing process from start to finish. Using specially selected yeast strains and a carefully controlled brewing method, they create beer that naturally contains only trace amounts of alcohol: no harsh removal processes, no compromised flavour. They work with biology, not against it, allowing the natural fermentation process to deliver the full-bodied taste and aroma you expect from craft beer.
Steamworks crafts non-alc beers inspired by beloved styles, using quality ingredients to create brews that satisfy your expectations while standing proudly on their own merit. The result is a clean, authentic beer experience that maintains all the character and complexity of traditional brewing, because it never had that character taken away. Two current releases include:
- Lions Gate Lager (0.3% ABV) – Our Gold Medal winner at the 2025 BC Beer Awards in the non-alcoholic category. A crisp, refreshing lager that proves you don’t need the alcohol for authentic craft beer flavour.
- Hazy IPA (0.3% ABV) – All the juicy, hop-forward character you expect from a hazy IPA, just without the buzz.
Nevertheless from Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, BC
It took the brewers at Strange Fellows years to perfect the recipe for their first NA brew, Nevertheless Pale Ale. Soon after having perfected it, a hazy IPA version followed, and then a Pilsner. Full-bodied, aromatic and flavourful, these brews are nevertheless non-alcoholic.
In 2023, Nevertheless Pale Ale made history by taking home a 3rd place medal in the Specialty Beer category at the BC Beer Awards. It was the first non-alcoholic brew to go head-to-head with alcoholic beers – and win!
Non-Alcoholic IPA from Superflux Beer Co. in Vancouver, BC
Bright and aromatic hop expression. Flavours of orange creamsicle and lemon rind, rounded out with a soft, lingering sweetness that carries everything through cleanly.
Tin Whistle Brewing in Penticton, BC
Tin Whistle Brewing’s iconic Peach Cream Ale has gone 0.5%. The same beer you know and love, at only 0.5% alcohol. A luscious peach aroma with a light peach taste make this beer a true taste of the Okanagan. Brewed and packaged in Penticton in BC’s only carbon-neutral brewery. Available on draught and to go in the Tin Whistle’s tasting room, and in liquor stores throughout the Okanagan and Kootenays (for now!).
Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in Victoria, BC
Whistle Buoy’s non-alc line-up includes two ‘core’ NA brews: the NA Pale Ale and NA Hazy IPA. They’ve also released two seasonal NA options: the NA Fuzzy Peach Sour and NA Shaft Coffee Stout. No matter what style of beer you’re craving, Whistle Buoy has an NA option to match.
Co-owner Isaiah Archer says, “Our NA beers are made the same way as our full-strength beers: in small batches with high-quality local ingredients, but with a non-alcohol-producing yeast strain, and they are pasteurized for shelf stability.”
- NA Hazy IPA – This bestseller features Citra and Mosaic hops, providing a fruity aroma and flavour profile with a gentle bitterness that satisfies without overwhelming the senses.
- NA Pale Ale – Inspired by Whistle Buoy’s forever favourite child, Coastality, this beer strikes the perfect balance of all things beer – malty, fruity and hoppy. It’s the right fit for a balanced lifestyle.
- NA Shaft Stout – Created from a luxurious blend of dark malts layered together with chocolate, coffee, and coconutty hops. This classic combo kicks things up a notch to get the tastebuds buzzing.
- NA Fuzzy Peach Sour – This gose-style sour beer has big peach energy and a tangy citrus zip from a dry hop of HBC 1019. We get notes of fuzzy peaches, honeydew melon, and coconut. We’ve also added Vancouver Island sea salt for a slight saltiness that rounds out this light, fruity, and refreshing sour beer.
Other Non-Alc Options
Road Pop from Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC
Try January is about trying something new – not giving anything up. Road Pop Sparkling Hop Water offers a crisp, refreshing experience with zero alcohol and all the flavour you’d expect from a BC craft brewery. Now available in four flavours – Original, Cranberry Orange, Lemon Lime, and Ruby Red Grapefruit. Road Pop is 100% alcohol-free, with zero calories, zero sugar, zero carbs, and zero gluten. Easy to enjoy anytime, it’s a refreshing alternative for brewery visits, trail stops, and everything in between.
Road Pop reflects Barnside’s farm-based roots, using farm-grown Cascade and Triple Pearl hops to bring subtle citrus and grapefruit notes to every flavour and showcasing the local terroir.
Take the Alternate Route and find Road Pop at Barnside’s tasting room, as well as at a wide range of liquor stores and specialty grocers throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Hopped Up! from Category 12 Brewing in Victoria, BC
All fizz. No fuzz. Just pure, aromatic refreshment. The folks at C12 have taken their love of hops beyond beer. Hopped Up! is their line of zero-alcohol, zero-sugar, zero-carb, sparkling waters infused with the same hops used in their craft beers.
They have captured the delicate aromatics of citrus, tropical fruit, and berries without any bitterness. The result: a scientifically precise, guilt-free refreshment for any time of day.
Choose from three flavours: Juicy, Citrusy and Berry.
Island Soda from Hornby Island Brewing Company on Hornby Island, BC
In addition to award-winning beers, Hornby Island Brewing also craft a line-up of bright, refreshing sodas perfect to take along on any Island adventure:
- Island Bliss Sparkling Tea: Contains Hornby Island Tea (organic black tea, citrus peel & lavender), delightfully combined with Westview Farm blackberry lavender simple syrup. Lightly carbonated.
- Delight Sparkling Tea: Contains Hornby Island Tea (Assam green tea, lemongrass, orange peel, horsetail, lavender, calendula and spearmint). With an added touch of local Hornby Island honey to provide a subtle sweetness with carbonation.
- Mango: Tropical beach vibes in a can.The perfect companion to sun-soaked days on Big Trib’s white sand, after an adventure through the trails of Mt. Geoffrey. Lightly sweetened with reduced sugar—never too sweet—so you can sip and savour your perfect Hornby Island moment.
- Ginger Lime Fizz: Contains fresh ginger and lime with zero sweetener, lightly carbonated with a delicious and refreshing kick.
- Sparkling Blackberry Soda: Simply delicious and never too sweet. A sip brings you back to late summer on Hornby Island—the scent of sun-warmed blackberries in the air.
Island Sodas in five refreshing flavours from Hornby Island Brewing Company on Hornby Island, BC (photo provided)
Hydra Hop Soda Water from Jackknife Brewing in Kelowna, BC
Hydra hop soda water blasts you with refreshing notes of citrus from fresh New Zealand Motueka, Cascade and Mosaic hops. This bright, sparkling infusion is fuelled by a sacrificial offering of crimson hibiscus or juniper and butterfly pea blossom. Quench your soul with a can of Hydra on your next adventure! Zero sugar, Zero Calories, Zero Alcohol and only available in the dungeon…(aka: Jackknife’s taproom for the uninitiated)
Hop Soda from Longwood Brewery on Boxwood Road in Nanaimo, BC
The crisp, clean taste of soda water is complemented by the subtle floral notes of hops, providing perfect hydration for those looking to expand their palate and try something new. Enjoy it on its own, or mix it with your favourite spirits for a truly refreshing cocktail experience. Crafted with West Coast Hops: Amarillo and Cascade. Alcohol free, sugar-free and gluten-free.
Two non-alc, house-made options from Persephone Brewing Company in Gibsons, BC
Farm Fresh Lemonade: Bright, bubbly and bold – this farm fresh, sparkling lemonade is a refreshing take on a timeless classic.
Craft Brewed Iced Tea: A lightly sweetened, fresh-steeped iced tea, kissed with lemon and a balanced level of tannins.
Take your Try January experience to the next level with our photo contest.
January isn’t about skipping the fun, it’s about discovering something new. From now until January 31, 2026 head to your local brewery, try something a little different, snap a photo, and upload it to the BC Ale Trail mobile app for your chance to 𝗪𝗜𝗡
Because BC breweries are about so much more than just beer:
- Non-alcoholic beers, hop water, and craft sodas
- Seasonal menus and seriously good food
- Cozy merch you’ll want to live in
- Trivia nights, games, and reasons to linger a little longer
Every eligible photo submission scores you 25 bonus points and enters you to win one of two BC Ale Trail shirts or a swag pack. Head to the app now, or, if you don’t have the app, you can submit your entry here.
January is for curiosity, connection, and trying something new.
Let’s TRY it. 🍻
Every Pint Tells a Story
