Low-alcohol brewer Big Drop is set to release a limited edition “world collab” series of 0.5% abv beers created with other top UK craft brewers.
The range includes: Jam Session Raspberry Gose; ‘Lil IPL’ India Pale Lager; Going Swimmingly Hibiscus Saison and Big River Black IPA (all 0.5% abv), developed in collaboration with UK-based craft brewers Fyne Ales, Salt, Harbour Brewing Co and Fourpure respectively, as well as beer writer Melissa Cole.
They will launch into Beer Hawk, Bottle Apostle and The Dry Drinker from early November (rsp: £12/4x440ml).
Raspberry Gose is billed as “spritely and refreshing” with a “lightly tart flavour”, while Hibiscus Saison is said to have a “sweet and sour” taste profile with a “light fruity yet spicy backing”.
The Black IPA, meanwhile, had a “hint of chocolate and roast coffee”, said Big Drop, while the India Pale Lager had a “malty backbone of a helles with the unique zesty, citrus character of New Zealand Motueka hops”.
It was “important for us to change perceptions that some may hold of alcohol-free beer being without character, or that it’s made without the depth of care and skill that goes into making a full-strength craft beer”, said Big Drop co-founder Rob Fink.
“If anything, you need more skill to make a great alcohol-free craft beer. We’re excited to not only be collaborating with a range of craft brewers here in the UK but we are planning a series of these projects to work with brewers from around the world.”
Big Drop made its national supermarket debut in Tesco last year and recently launched in Canada, Sweden and Norway.
“On our visits we’ve been in talks with some incredible brewers in those countries. Watch this space,” Fink added.
Melissa Cole added it was “tough to create firsts in such a busy and innovative market as beer but, as far as I’m aware, this is the first-ever collaborative alcohol-free four-pack. I’m also just so pleased with how all the beers turned out.
“I hope it helps people rethink alcohol-free beer as less a necessary evil when they are driving or deciding not to drink for whatever reason, and instead look on them as a genuinely tasty choice.”
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