What’s your favourite Bach? The symphonies? The sonatas? The cello suites? Couldn’t let that ‘joke’ go unsaid, now could I? The Bach we’re interested in here is Bach Brewing – a New Zealand-based brewery that has been crafting innovative beers for over 10 years. More recently, they’ve introduced Bach Brewing All Day IPA into their lineup.
Their focus is on creating craft beers that reflect New Zealand’s adventurous outdoor spirit. So, let’s see how this one stacks up!
Appearance
The All Day non-alcoholic IPA from Bach Brewing pours a vibrant golden hue that catches the light, giving it an inviting, fresh appearance. It’s not too pale, but rather has that bright, cheerful look you might expect from an IPA. The foam head is thick and creamy, sticking around a bit longer than expected for a non-alcoholic beer, which is a nice touch. It forms a stable and attractive layer, hinting at the beer’s well-crafted nature. The effervescence is strong and continuous, with bubbles rising persistently to the surface. This lively carbonation gives the beer a fresh, fizzy look and suggests a drink that’s likely to be as crisp as it is enjoyable.
Aroma
Taking a sniff, the first thing that hits you is citrus – specifically lemon. The lemony notes are immediately bright and zesty, with a fresh-cut grass undertone that’s reminiscent of an outdoor adventure. This aligns well with Bach Brewing’s self-described ethos, focusing on the “adventure and outdoor New Zealand” vibe. Alongside these, you can detect subtle floral notes that add a bit of complexity to the aroma. It’s quite nuanced, though not overpowering – just enough to keep you interested without overwhelming the senses. This complexity is a promising sign, suggesting that this non-alcoholic IPA has more to offer than meets the nose.
Taste
When it comes to flavour, the Bach Brewing All Day IPA certainly doesn’t hold back. The front notes are all citrus. Lemon and grapefruit dominate the initial taste profile. Behind this, you get a nice blend of piney bitterness and tropical fruit, although these flavours are a little more subtle compared to the citrus. There’s a well-structured balance between the hops and malt, making it feel refreshing without being overly heavy. The hops bring some bite, but the malt sweetness is quite restrained, which gives the beer an approachable dryness. While it’s a pleasant flavour profile, the bitterness might not be quite bold enough for true IPA fans who prefer a more assertive hop character. If you’re after a strong, hop-forward experience, this might leave you wanting just a touch more punch.
Mouthfeel
True to its IPA roots, the All Day non-alcoholic IPA offers a light to medium body with a smooth mouthfeel. It’s not too heavy or too thin, striking a nice balance. The carbonation here is well-controlled. It’s present, but it doesn’t overpower the tongue or create that “fizzy” sensation that some non-alcoholic beers can have. Instead, it’s refreshing, clean, and easy to sip. The smoothness of the mouthfeel makes it incredibly drinkable, and it doesn’t leave any sort of lingering, sticky sensation on your tongue. Overall, the texture is light and pleasant, perfect for a beer that you could easily enjoy over a longer period without feeling weighed down.
Finish
The finish of this IPA is clean and crisp, which is exactly what you want in a refreshing brew like this. As you swallow, you’re left with a lingering bitterness that adds a satisfying dryness to the experience. It’s a nice contrast to the citrus-forward taste, balancing things out. The malt sweetness is there, but it’s more subdued than the hop bitterness, which is typical of many IPAs. The dry finish makes it feel refreshing and light, although it’s not the longest finish. If you’re someone who enjoys the lingering aftertaste of a stronger IPA, you might find this a little shorter than you’d prefer. That said, it does leave you with just enough bitterness to want another sip, making it a beer that’s easy to keep coming back to.
Pairing Suggestions
Given the citrus-forward profile and the mild bitterness of the All Day Non-Alcoholic IPA, this beer would pair well with a range of bold, flavourful foods. Spicy dishes, like a zesty Thai curry or tangy barbecue ribs, would be a great match, as the beer’s hop profile complements the spiciness of the food. Similarly, the bitterness would cut through the richness of grilled meats and savoury cheeses, enhancing the meal without overpowering it. For lighter fare, you could pair it with a lemon-dressed salad or simply grilled seafood, where the crispness of the beer would bring out the fresh, clean flavours of the dish. This beer is versatile enough to handle both bold and light flavours, making it a solid all-rounder when it comes to food pairings.
Overall Impression
Bach Brewing’s All Day IPA does a commendable job of mimicking the characteristics of a traditional, alcoholic IPA. The appearance, with its vibrant colour and creamy head, immediately suggests that this is a well-crafted beer, and the aroma gives you a glimpse into its citrus-forward, outdoor-inspired flavour profile. The taste is balanced, with strong citrus notes and just a hint of pine and tropical fruit, though it may not satisfy die-hard IPA fans who crave a more intense hop bitterness. The mouthfeel is smooth and refreshing, and the finish is clean and crisp, leaving behind a lingering bitterness that makes this beer easy to enjoy.
For those who are fans of citrus-forward brews, this will certainly hit the spot. It’s a light, easy-drinking IPA that you can enjoy all day, which is exactly what it promises. If you prefer a more balanced, less intense IPA, you might find yourself reaching for just a couple of these at a time. But for a non-alcoholic alternative, Bach Brewing’s All Day Non-Alcoholic IPA is definitely worth a try – especially if you’re in the mood for a crisp, refreshing beer that still holds onto some of those classic IPA characteristics.