Heap Brewing, an Australian company founded in 2018, has rapidly gained recognition as a leading name in the non-alcoholic craft beer scene. Unlike many breweries that offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, Heap focuses exclusively on NA beer. This dedication to creating quality brews, combined with a commitment to using good ingredients and crafting well-balanced beers, has earned them a reputation in the burgeoning NA beer market. Among their offerings, the Heaps Normal Half Day Hazy Pale Ale stands out as their flagship brew, often the first (and sometimes only) beer from Heap available at rural off-licenses.
But does this standout beer live up to its reputation?
Let’s take a deeper look.
Appearance
Poured into a glass, the Heaps Normal Half Day Hazy Pale Ale presents a beautiful, hazy straw-like colour that’s characteristic of the style. The haze is a product of the careful use of malt and yeast, which contributes to a smooth, rounded body. The visual presentation is reminiscent of traditional hazy pale ales, inviting you to dive in. A creamy, off-white head crowns the glass, slowly receding but leaving behind a light lacing. This head not only enhances the beer’s aesthetic appeal but also adds to the overall experience by contributing to the beer’s aroma. The hazy appearance and creamy head signal that this beer is well-crafted, both visually and in terms of flavour.
Aroma
As you raise the glass to your nose, you’re met with a refreshing wave of citrus – think zesty lemon and lime – along with a subtle mango sweetness. The floral notes are faint but add a touch of delicacy to the overall scent. Underneath the fruit, the hops start to come through, providing an earthy piney undertone that adds depth to the aroma. The interplay between the light, fruity fragrances and the more robust hop notes gives the beer a well-rounded, inviting smell. It’s a sensory experience that perfectly sets up the drinking experience, priming you for that first sip of complexity and refreshment.
Taste
The flavour profile of Heaps Normal Half Day Hazy Pale Ale is a complex, delightful fusion of citrus zest, tropical fruit notes and a subtle floral undertone. On the first sip, the beer offers a bright burst of citrus, accompanied by hints of mango and pineapple, creating a tropical vibe. The hops start to assert themselves, bringing in the familiar, yet gentle bitterness that classic pale ales are known for. This hop bitterness is balanced out by a smooth malty sweetness that helps tie the flavours together without overpowering the tropical fruit notes. The complexity of the profile is impressive for a non-alcoholic beer, making it stand out from many NA beers that tend to be more straightforward or sweet. There’s a depth to the flavour that makes it incredibly satisfying, even without the presence of alcohol.
Mouthfeel
The Heaps Normal Half Day Hazy Pale Ale has a medium-bodied mouthfeel, with a silky-smooth texture that glides across the palate. It strikes a perfect balance between body and carbonation, offering a soft effervescence that isn’t overpowering. The carbonation level is just right, adding a refreshing lift to the beer without distracting from the flavour. While the mouthfeel may not have the weight or complexity of a traditional alcoholic pale ale, it’s still impressively smooth and satisfying for a non-alcoholic brew. This balance makes it incredibly easy to enjoy, whether you’re sipping it slowly or having it with food.
Finish
The finish of this beer is a testament to Heap Brewing’s craftsmanship. As the flavours gradually subside, you’re left with a crisp, clean finish that’s refreshingly light, without any lingering bitterness. There’s no harsh aftertaste or cloying sweetness, which can be common in non-alcoholic beers. Instead, it’s the kind of finish that makes you want to take another sip, rather than reaching for water to cleanse your palate. For a non-alcoholic beer, that’s an impressive feat – it speaks to the beer’s overall balance and drinkability. The clean finish makes it a perfect beer for pairing with food, as it doesn’t overwhelm the palate but leaves room for the flavours of your meal to shine.
Pairing Suggestions
In terms of pairing, this beer is versatile enough to complement a wide range of dishes. The citrus and tropical fruit notes make it an excellent match for any dish that features similar flavours – think fresh seafood, particularly grilled fish with a squeeze of lemon, or shrimp with a citrus glaze. The beer also works well with spicy foods, providing a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the heat. I’d recommend pairing it with spicy tacos, Thai curry, or even something a bit more adventurous like a chipotle grilled chicken. For a lighter pairing, it’s also great with a cheese platter – especially one with fresh goat cheese or brie, where the beer’s tropical fruit notes can cut through the richness of the cheese. It’s so light and refreshing that you could even enjoy it on its own, but with food, it becomes even more dynamic.
Overall Impressions of Heaps Normal Half Day Hazy Pale Ale
I’ll be honest – I really like this beer. You’ve probably gathered that already, but it bears repeating. Heap Brewing has done an excellent job creating a non-alcoholic beer that delivers a drinking experience close to that of a traditional pale ale, without sacrificing flavour. The Half Day Hazy Pale Ale is a standout in the NA beer market, offering a complex, well-balanced profile with refreshing tropical fruit, hops, and malt undertones. It’s a beer that doesn’t feel like a compromise, which can often be the case with non-alcoholic options.
Heap Brewing’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality ingredients shines through in every sip, making this one of the premier choices for non-alcoholic craft beer lovers. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it – it’s light, flavourful, and incredibly drinkable, making it the perfect NA beer to enjoy any time of day.