When it comes to non-alcoholic beer, Big Drop Brewing Co. is something of a specialist. In fact, they don’t make anything over 0.5% ABV – including this, the Big Drop Pine Trail Pale Ale. That’s right, they’re fully committed to the non-alcoholic brewing game. No dabbling in boozy brews – just pure, alcohol-free craft. Now that’s dedication.
Big Drop promises bold flavours and quality craftsmanship, but what really sets them apart is their focus on sustainability. Since their start in the UK in 2016, they’ve expanded to brewing in the USA and Australia. Why? To reduce their carbon footprint. Instead of shipping beer around the world, they’ve teamed up with local brewers, cutting down on transport emissions. It’s a smart move for the environment, and it shows they’re thinking beyond just making good beer – they’re making responsible beer. And it’s paying off: some of their beers have snagged awards.
But enough about their green credentials. What really matters here is how their beer stacks up. Let’s dive into Big Drop Pine Trail Pale Ale.
Appearance
First impressions? This beer looks fantastic. It pours a rich, amber colour with a slightly hazy appearance that gives it a rustic, unfiltered charm. The frothy, off-white head lingers nicely on the surface, sticking around just long enough to suggest that this beer means business. It’s the kind of pour that makes you want to dive right in. And for a non-alcoholic pale ale, it’s a promising start.
Aroma
On the nose, Pine Trail Pale Ale hits you with bold, hop-forward aromas that are unmistakably citrusy. Grapefruit and pineapple dominate, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll catch hints of pine and floral notes that round out the fruitiness. It’s a well-layered aroma, and honestly, it’s pretty impressive for a non-alcoholic beer. They’ve managed to pack a lot into the scent, which sets high expectations for what’s to come in the flavour department.
Taste
If you’re expecting something watered down, think again. This pale ale is full of flavour, with a hop profile that punches above its weight. Right from the first sip, juicy citrus notes take centre stage – grapefruit, tangerine, and even a touch of mango all make an appearance. These fruit flavours are balanced by floral and resinous qualities from the hops, giving the beer complexity and depth. The hop bitterness is assertive but well-integrated, and while it might be a bit intense for those who prefer a milder profile, it’s impressive how much flavour Big Drop has managed to cram into a non-alcoholic beer.
The malt backbone is there to keep things in check, providing a gentle sweetness that helps balance the bitterness. It’s not as complex or rich as what you’d find in a full-strength pale ale, but for an NA beer, it holds its own. They’ve done a solid job creating a beer that doesn’t feel like it’s missing something, which is no small feat in this category.
Mouthfeel
One of the big challenges for non-alcoholic beers is getting the mouthfeel right. Big Drop Pine Trail Pale Ale nails it. The medium body gives it a satisfying weight – enough to make it feel substantial without being too heavy. The carbonation is spot on, creating a nice lift without overpowering the flavour. And the finish? Clean, with just a hint of lingering bitterness that keeps you coming back for more. It’s smooth, easy to drink, and refreshing, making it a beer you could enjoy more than once in a sitting.
Pairing Suggestions
The hop-heavy profile of Pine Trail Pale Ale opens up a world of pairing possibilities. Its bright citrus flavours would make it a natural companion for spicy, aromatic dishes like Thai curry. The beer’s slight bitterness would also complement grilled or fried chicken, cutting through the richness and enhancing the charred flavours of a barbecue. And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, seafood – particularly prawns – would sing alongside this brew, especially with a light citrus dressing to match the beer’s fruity notes. Big Drop’s pale ale is versatile enough to hold its own against strong flavours, yet subtle enough to let the food take centre stage.
Overall Impressions of Big Drop Pine Trail Pale Ale
You’ve got to hand it to Big Drop Brewing Co. By focusing exclusively on non-alcoholic beers, they’ve clearly put in the time and effort to create something special. This isn’t a half-hearted attempt at an alcohol-free brew like you might get from a larger brewery that treats NA beer as an afterthought. No, this is a fully realised, carefully crafted product, and it shows. Sure, it’s not perfect – there’s a certain depth of malt complexity that’s missing compared to its alcoholic cousins – but it’s a small price to pay for a beer this flavourful and well-balanced. In the world of non-alcoholic beers, Pine Trail Pale Ale is a standout. It’s a damn good drop.