India Pale Ales (IPAs) are appreciated by beer enthusiasts for their bold, hoppy flavours and distinctive aromas. So it’s a distinctive drinking experience that non-alcoholic IPAs are trying to replicate. Fortunately, there are lots of brewers who are managing that process with aplomb, making NA brews that deliver on the IPA promise without the hangover.
So, here are five non-alcoholic IPAs that won’t disappoint.
1. Proper Job IPA
Proper Job IPA is made by the St Austell brewery down in the UK’s western-most county, Cornwall. It offers an impressive level of it on the palate. The beer opens with a burst of citrus fruits, making it taste very zesty. Fortunately, the malt sweetness isn’t far behind, balancing it out for a smoother taste. Overall, the taste is well-balanced, with just the right amount of bitterness to keep things interesting without overshadowing the fruity notes. The citrus and tropical fruit notes in the beer would work well with grilled seafood, such as shrimp, scallops or fish tacos, where those zesty citrus flavours would complement the dish.
2. Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA
The Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA has an ABV of 0.5%, is gluten-free and also vegan-friendly. On the palate, citrus-forward flavours such as grapefruit, lime and orange peel unfurl first, with a complimentary sweetness from the malt coming in after a few moments. This NA beer has a comparatively high IBU of 42, but it works, adding that back note of bitterness one expects in craft beers. All up, very tasty.
3. Garage Project Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA
Garage Project’s craftsmanship is clear in the flavour profile of this beer from the New Zealand craft beer specialists. The juicy hop character and tropical fruit notes dominate, offering a rich and satisfying taste on the tongue. Many non-alcoholic beers can feel watered down or too light, but Tiny No Regrets Hazy IPA is the opposite. It’s got substance, with a lovely bitterness that builds across the mouth, balancing the sweetness of the fruit with a pleasing dry edge. Try pairing it with spicy dishes like Thai curry or buffalo wings – the beer’s hop character helps temper the heat without overpowering the flavours.
4. Sobah Pepperberry IPA
Australia’s Sobah Brewing Company is on a mission to craft beers that celebrate Indigenous Australian ingredients, and their Pepperberry IPA is a fine example of that ethos. This unique IPA features native pepperberry, which adds a subtle spiciness and earthy depth to the brew’s hoppy backbone. Additional herbal notes, such as eucalyptus and bush mint, complement a refreshing hint of citrus zest. Together, they create a well-rounded and flavourful profile.
5. Bach Brewing All Day IPA
For those who are fans of citrus-forward brews, this non-alcoholic IPA will certainly hit the spot. It’s a light, easy-drinking IPA that you can enjoy all day, which is exactly what it promises. Lemon and grapefruit dominate the initial taste profile. Behind this, you get a nice blend of piney bitterness and tropical fruit. 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.
Get your non-alcoholic IPA game on
Non-alcoholic IPAs have evolved into a diverse category of NA brews. Many of the best products use the dry hopping technique to extract as much flavour as possible from the hops and deliver that characteristic IPA flavour. So from the easy-drinking Proper Job to the more distinctive Sobah Pepperberry, there’s are plenty of non-alcoholic IPAs out there to suit your drinking preference.
Image credit: Amie Johnson