Ever since they burst on to the no alcohol beer scene, I've been a big fan of Big Drop beers. Their Pale Ale and Milk Stout, in particular, have won many plaudits and the brewery's other core beers and special editions confirm Big Drop's place as one of the UK's finest no-alcohol breweries.
The company was launched in October 2016 by City lawyer Rob Fink and his friend/band-mate, designer and entrepreneur, James Kindred. The idea for a brewing business that only made alcohol-free beer was driven by their own lifestyle changes (e.g. fatherhood) and the frustration that there were no good alcohol-free beer options at that time.
So, along with renowned experimental brewer, Johnny Clayton (formerly of Wild Beer Co), the team perfected an innovative (and secret!) method of making high quality alcohol-free craft beer without removing the alcohol. They brew to strength (albeit just 0.5% ABV), using normal brewing equipment and temperature control. They use over 20 speciality grains, comprising barley, rye, wheat and oats, as well as many different hops to deliver a variety of aromas, flavours and beer styles. As a result, Big Drop beers do not compromise on taste, which is why the brewery continues to win so many awards.
Big Drop Founders, James Kindred and Rob Fink
Big Drop's contract brewing model massively reduces their carbon footprint while ensuring the beer is fresh when it reaches the consumer. They brew in different continents, so that Big Drop beers do not have to travel huge distances before reaching the shelves. Likewise, they predominantly can now, rather than bottle, which reduces freight weight.
So, for Dry January 2023, I wanted to review the Big Drop beer that probably wowed me the most. The original Pale Ale has since been renamed Pine Trail Pale Ale, but it's essentially the same recipe and remains one of my favourite non-alcoholic beers! It's also unparalleled as being the only AF beer to have twice won 'World Best' at the World Beer Awards.
This beer contains barley, wheat and lactose (milk). The hops used are Magnum, Mosaic and Amarillo. ABV is 0.5%.
Appearance: Bright gold with a small, but noticeable, white frothy head.
Nose: Gentle, aromatic notes of rose petals, hay and tropical fruit.
Palate: Clean and refreshing with hoppy bitterness, a touch of juicy lime and earthy herbs plus a long finish of lime rind with hints of tropical fruit. Above all, it tastes like a pale ale and the lack of alcohol does not detract from enjoyment of this beer.
Food pairing: Really versatile with many types of food, but burger and chips would be a great match.
Big Drop beers are widely available nationwide in selected Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Ocado (bottles), as well as bottle shops and online retailers, including Club Soda's new shop in London, Bottle Apostle, Beer Ritz, Beer Hawk, The Alcohol Free Co., Wise Bartender, Dry Drinker, ZeroZilchZip, Virgin Wines and others.
You can also buy a case of 12 330ml cans or bottles from the brewery's web shop for £24, or £20.40 via a regular subscription (minimum three orders). A case of 24 cans similarly costs £45 or £38.25.
… and if Big Drop's excellent pale ale whets your appetite for more non-alcoholic beers, then this month, Beer Dad will be delivering their first specialist alcohol-free and low alcohol beer box - 'The Noughty One'.
Beer Dad, whose Craft Beer Dad Box was The Write Taste's Tipple of the Month for December, have put together a selection of 12 high quality and varied beers, delivered straight to your door for £34, with 1% of sales donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The selection contains another of Big Drop's superb beers, Paradiso Citra IPA … but be quick, there are only 48 of these boxes! However, if you prefer beer on draft, then you can also find Paradiso Citra IPA in several pubs, particularly in London.
See here for a list of Big Drop beer stockists.
For more reviews, reports and recommendations of low and no-alcohol drinks, including beers, take a look at the dedicated section, here on The Write Taste.
