Whether it’s for “Dry January” or as part of making healthy choices, more and more craft beer lovers are asking for non-alcoholic beers when they visit their local brewery taproom, liquor store or restaurant.
BC’s local craft breweries are responding to this demand by creating their own alternative options that top out at 0.5% ABV or less.
One of the biggest craft beer trends right now is the growth of non-alcoholic beers. Over the past couple of years, we have seen the number of “near beers” produced by BC craft breweries rise dramatically as more and more local breweries figure out how to make beers with 0.5% ABV or less that taste good and reflect their high standards for quality.
In addition to low-ABV beers, some breweries have come up with alternative beer-adjacent booze-free beverages to add to their menus, including so-called “hop waters” and hop teas, that provide options for customers looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption.
Liquor stores and beer-focused restaurants are also getting involved in this trend, stocking their shelves and fridges with alcohol-free options and sometimes even offering special promotions to reflect and amplify the dry theme. There is even a booze-free beverage room that recently opened in Coquitlam: Bevees.
Here are some examples of alcohol-free beers produced by BC craft breweries, as well as some other venues you can visit to explore this burgeoning category.
For more info check out JC Sorensen’s blog about non-alcoholic beers from January 2023.
NEVERtheLESS Pale Ale by Strange Fellows Brewing (Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail)
Full-bodied, aromatic and flavourful, this pale ale is nevertheless non-alcoholic. Dry-hopped with Citra and Mosaic, expect aromas of tropical fruits and citrus in this crushable and satisfying craft-brewed NA beer.
Also, Strange Fellows is excited to announce that they have a new non-alcoholic beer launching later this month: the NEVERtheLESS IPA, a classic Hazy IPA with all the big flavour, hop character and aroma consumers expect to find in that style. Look for it to be released before the end of January.
Also, Tacofino has a promotion connected to NEVERtheLESS: from January 5 to 31, 2024, $2 from all NEVERtheLESS non-alcoholic pale ale and Tacofino mocktail sales (at all six Tacofino Vancouver locations and Tacofino Squamish) will be donated to the Coast Mental Health Foundation.
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LOGO by Fernie Brewing Co. (Fernie – Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail)
Launched in June 2023, LOGO™ is a category of mountain-brewed, adventure-inspired, non-alcoholic craft beers, including LOGO Pilsner and LOGO Hazy IPA.
Little Vis IPA by Whistle Buoy Brewing (Victoria – Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
This 0.5% ABV Hazy IPA delivers all the same hoppy goodness with a lighter touch. It features Citra and Mosaic hops, providing a similar fruity aroma and flavour profile with a gentle bitterness that satisfies without overwhelming the senses. It’s perfect for any occasion where you want to savour the flavours of a Hazy IPA without the buzz.
Fire Drill Non-Alcoholic IPA by Firehall Brewing (Oliver)
This popular beer started off as a one-off experiment but now the brewery intends to keep it on tap and in cans year-round!
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Tropical Pale Ale by Moody Ales & Co. (Port Moody – Port Moody Ale Trail)
This 0.25% ABV non-alcoholic pale ale features a mix of Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy hops, bursting with sunny flavours of peach and apricot. To add even more fruit-forward notes, the brewery used yeast native to fruit skins in the brewing process. Hazy gold in colour with aromas of papaya and mango, this refreshing beer brings the tropics to any season.
iOTA Beer from Phillips Brewing (Victoria – Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
The iOTA beer brand was founded by Phillips in 2021. “Responsibly brewed by irresponsible brewers. We believe that the magic of craft beer is not defined by its alcohol content but rather the community it builds.”
The full line-up includes non-alcoholic Pilsner, Pale Ale, Hazy IPA and Blackberry Lemon Ale.
Non-Alcoholic Peach Cream Ale by Tin Whistle Brewing (Penticton – Penticton Ale Trail)
Tin Whistle makes a non-alcoholic version of its iconic Peach Cream Ale that is available on draught in their tasting room. They hope to package it in the future, but for now, it is only available at the brewery.
Dry January at Kettle River Brewing in Kelowna (Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail)
Although Kettle River does not make its own non-alcoholic beer, it is running a Dry January & February passport promotion encouraging customers to try at least one NA option for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate. They have brought in over 17 different non-alcoholic options from around the province and beyond to sample, boasting Kelowna’s largest non-alcoholic beverage selection.
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In the works…
Four Winds Brewing in Delta (South of the Fraser Ale Trail) reports that it is working on a non-alcoholic beer to complement its Ultralite IPA (2.9% ABV).
Tapworks Brewing Co. in Gibsons (Sunshine Coast Ale Trail) is working on ways to brew a non-alcoholic beer, but in the meantime, they have come up with an agave-ginger craft soda that’s been selling well.
Beer-Adjacent Craft Beverages
Some BC craft breweries also produce non-alcoholic beverages that have a connection with beer. Here are some examples…
Road Pop Sparkling Hop Water by Barnside Brewing in Delta (South of the Fraser Ale Trail)
Road Pop is sparkling water refreshingly flavoured with Cascade and Chinook hops grown on the brewery’s own farms in Delta, showcasing the unique terroir that amplifies the citrus characteristics of the hops.
The brewery says they plan on releasing a Cranberry Orange version in the near future.
Hopped Up! from Category 12 Brewing in Victoria (Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
Category 12 makes two varieties of sparkling hop-infused waters.
“Crisp, unsweetened, all-natural flavour at your fingertips! All the fruity freshness of hops (without bitterness!) gives a zing of calorie-free refreshment.”
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HOP2O from Russell Brewing in Surrey (South of the Fraser Ale Trail)
HOP2O is a non-alcoholic, hop-infused, zero calorie sparkling water.
Experience a burst of Citra Hops, where citrus, lime and grapefruit unite for a lively, effervescent symphony of flavours.
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Trade Winds Ginger Beer by Wheelhouse Brewing in Prince Rupert (Northwest BC Ale Trail)
Whet your whistle in dry January with Wheelhouse’s non-alcoholic Trade Winds Ginger Beer at the new Wheelhouse Brewpub in Prince Rupert! This Kingston-style small-batch ginger beer is the perfect blend of nicey and spicy. Made from unpasteurized BC honey, fresh ginger and just a hint of tropical lemons, it delivers a healthy zip with every sip. Whether you’re gluten-free, alcohol-free, or health-conscious, it’s the soul-warming drink that will brighten up your palate with honey and heat.
Yuzu NPA from Île Sauvage Brewing in Victoria (Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
Yuzu NPA is a delightful blend of Genmaicha tea and yuzu juice, with a touch of Citra dry hopping.
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Liquor Stores, Restaurants and Bars
Most places that sell or serve BC craft beer likely stock some non-alcoholic options from local producers, too. Here are a few places we suggest you seek out:
Bevees – Port Coquitlam
Brewery Creek Craft Beer & Wine Store – Vancouver (Vancouver – Brewery Creek Ale Trail)
Cascadia Liquor Stores – throughout Vancouver Island
The Drive Canteen – Vancouver
Vessel Liquor – Victoria (Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
