Ah, pale ales; the lighter side of beer drinking. With their hop-forward aromas, citrusy notes and a clean bitterness they are popular beverages, especially on summer days. So what about if you want that distinctive taste without the booze? Good news: non-alcoholic pale ales are getting pretty good at delivering on that particular pale ale flavour promise.
Here are five of the best non-alcoholic pale ales to have in your cooler ready to go when the sun comes out.
1. Holgate Love All Pale Ale
The 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. The first sip 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
2. Big Drop Pine Trail Pale Ale
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. 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.
3. Hawkesbury Prohibition Pale Ale
Let’s face it, Prohibition is a pretty good name for a non-alcoholic beer. When it comes to flavour, the bitterness here is undeniable – it’s a bold, upfront flavour that defines the beer – but the balance of sweetness and bitterness keeps it from being too overwhelming. Hawkesbury Prohibition Pale Ale also delivers a burst of bright, refreshing citrus, dominated by lemon and zest. As the flavours settle, a note of pine comes through, adding an earthy, resinous undertone that complements the acidity of the lemon. This earthy character gives the beer a bit more depth, preventing the citrus from feeling one-dimensional.
4. Lightning Minds Pale Ale
Located in the mountains of North Carolina, this brewery has rapidly grown in popularity, expanding its reach both nationally and internationally. Lightning Minds Pale Ale is one of their early attempts to replicate the craftsmanship of their traditional beers while eliminating the alcohol content. As you take your first sip, you’re greeted by a crisp, hop-driven bitterness that’s immediately complemented by a touch of malt sweetness. The combination creates a nice balance, with the maltiness giving it some depth to contrast the refreshing bitterness. I can imagine it going particularly well with a juicy cheeseburger, where the hoppy bitterness balances out the richness of the meat and cheese. It would also complement a dressed salad.
5. UpFlow Ultra Pale Ale
The Ultra Pale Ale from Upflow Brewing is a non-alcoholic beer from Australia, crafted with a focus on clean, hop-forward flavours and a balanced finish. It offers bright citrus and floral aromas, supported by a soft malt backbone and a crisp, dry finish. This beer leans on the lighter side, but that makes it more refreshing for those long summer afternoons. You can’t go far wrong pairing this beer with grilled fish, a fresh garden salad, or a simple margarita pizza.
Non-alcoholic pale ales are worth exploring
Non-alcoholic pale ales are proof that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy this distinctive beer style. Brewers – whether dedicated NA merchants or traditional makers branching out into this arena – are getting more and more adept at retaining a beverage’s style without the need for alcohol. From the tropical punch of Big Drop Pine Trail Pale Ale to the crisp zest of Lightning Minds Pale Ale, these brews deliver bold hops, balanced malt and a refreshing bitterness. So you’ll defo find one that hits that particular pale ale spot.
Image credit: Yasamine June