Holgate Brewery, based in Woodend, Victoria, Australia, has been crafting quality beers since 1999. Known for their commitment to creating distinctive brews, they’ve recently added a non-alcoholic offering to their portfolio – the Holgate Love All.
The name Love All is a clever nod to the owner’s passion for tennis, with “love” meaning “nothing” in tennis terminology, just as “nothing” means alcohol-free in this context. It’s a fun and fitting play on words, reinforcing the brewery’s creative approach to non-alcoholic beer.
Love All is a pale ale, aiming to preserve the crisp, dry character typical of traditional pale ales, in contrast to the often overly sweet notes found in non-alcoholic versions.
But does it succeed in retaining the qualities that make pale ales so beloved? Let’s dive into the details.
Appearance
Holgate Love All pours into the glass with a classic pale ale appearance – there’s a two-part golden to one-part lemon hue that’s bright and inviting, like a fresh spring morning. This pale ale has a soft radiance that makes it visually appealing without being too bold. The head, while decently frothy, does dissipate a bit quicker than expected, though that’s hardly a dealbreaker – just drink it while it’s fresh, right? Despite the fleeting head, the beer’s appearance is clean and vibrant, setting a solid foundation for the drinking experience.
Aroma
On the nose, the Love All offers a decent blast of floral hops, which is the first impression that hits. After that, the biscuit-y malt notes come through, creating a nice balance between the two elements. There’s also a distinct lemony citrus fragrance weaving through the mix, adding brightness and liveliness to the aroma. The combination of floral hops, malt, and citrus creates a pleasant and inviting bouquet that makes you eager to take that first sip.
Taste
The first sip of Love All confirms that it’s a pale ale through and through. The crisp, citrus-forward taste hits your palate immediately, with a clean, zesty burst of lemon that defines the opening impression. Beneath that citrus sharpness, you’ll detect a touch of caramel sweetness rather than a sugary overload – just enough to add depth without detracting from the overall crispness. The malt and hops come through towards the back, creating a well-balanced taste profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This pale ale avoids the overly sweet tendencies of many non-alcoholic beers and instead presents a complex and enjoyable experience.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is smooth with a medium body, providing a satisfying heft without overburdening the palate. The carbonation is lively, contributing to the beer’s refreshing quality and ensuring that each sip feels bright and invigorating. Overall, it strikes a balance between being full enough to feel substantial yet light enough to maintain drinkability, which is a hallmark of a well-crafted pale ale.
Finish
The finish is clean, leaving behind a lingering touch of bitterness and citrus. It’s a smooth transition from the initial flavours to the aftertaste, which dissipates relatively quickly. While the finish isn’t as long-lasting as you might find in some traditional pale ales, the crispness of the beer makes for a refreshing end to the sip. The clean and refreshing nature of the finish makes it a great option for food pairings, as it doesn’t linger in a way that would overpower your meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Love All is versatile when it comes to food pairings. Its crisp, refreshing profile makes it an excellent companion for light salads, seafood, and grilled chicken dishes. The citrusy notes also work well with spicier foods, providing a cool contrast to dishes with a bit of heat. For a more unique pairing, try serving it alongside a lemon mousse or sorbet for a refreshing dessert experience with a twist. Its ability to cut through rich and spicy flavours means it could easily handle a variety of dishes, making it a flexible choice for any meal.
Overall Impressions of Holgate Love All
Holgate Brewery has done a fantastic job with Love All, successfully removing the alcohol without sacrificing the key qualities of a traditional pale ale. The balance between the malt and hops is spot-on, and while there’s a slight sweetness that tends to creep into non-alcoholic beers, Holgate has kept it in check, presenting a crisp, clean, and refreshing brew. If you enjoy pale ales but are looking for a non-alcoholic option, Love All is definitely worth trying. It captures the essence of the style while offering a refreshing alternative that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
In conclusion, Holgate Love All is a well-crafted non-alcoholic pale ale that delivers the crispness, balance, and flavour you’d expect from its alcoholic counterparts. Holgate Brewery has certainly succeeded in creating a beer that stands out in the growing world of non-alcoholic brews. I’d happily reach for another – whichever sport I’m watching.