- See what the best-selling low and no products in pubs were this year in The Morning Advertiser’s Drinks List here.
Theakston launches alcohol-free version of Old Peculier
Earlier this month, T&R Theakston launched an alcohol-free version of its flagship beer, Old Peculier, in response to an increased demand for low and no beers.
The new dark ruby ale, called Nowt Peculier, was described by the brewery as a “deeply satisfying non-alcoholic option for traditional ale enthusiasts”.
Boasting subtle notes of cherry and banana with a bitter hop finish, the 0.0% beer has been brewed with the traditional Fuggle hop alongside Challenger and Progress bitter hops.
Using advanced filtration technology alongside the traditional recipe and brewing methods, Theakston said it preserved everything that made Old Peculier the “iconic” pint it is today - minus the alcohol.
Theakston chairman Simon Theakston said: “As a brewery with almost 200 years of experience, we have never rested on our laurels and felt that, in line with changing market demands and increasing appetite for low and no alcohol options, now was the right time to create a 0.0% version of our most famous beer.” Read more here.
Sandford Orchards introduces Red Zero
Devon-based cidermaker Sandford Orchards has introduced a low alcohol (0.5% ABV) version of its award-winning Devon Red.
The brand explained it created Red Zero by extracting the alcohol from its original cider, describing it an “utterly delicious, crisp and fruity non-alcoholic cider”.
Using traditional cider methods, the serve is made with Farmers Glory, Dabinett and Sweet Alford apples.
Sandford Orchards chief cidermaker Barny Butterfield said: “We have wanted to create an alcohol-free cider for some time because we are keen to offer all the great taste of our fabulous cider to all drinkers, whatever the occasion.
“But we like to do things properly at Sandford Orchards and we weren’t ready to compromise.
“We learned from the best, we thought Guinness Zero was the most impressive of all the beer products, so adopted the same technology and used it on our cider.
“As with Guinness – customers are drinking the real fermented drink with the alcohol filter extracted at 2 degrees. It may be the most expensive way to make it, but for quality, it’s on another level.
“I’m really proud of the team and how hard they’ve worked to produce a cider with the same attention to detail as our flagship Devon Red.”
St Austell enters low & no market with Proper Job 0.5%
In September, St Austell Brewery entered the low & now market with its first low alcohol beer – Proper Job 0.5% ABV.
The brew, which was in development for more than two years, was made available to on-trade outlets in early October.
The independent and family-owned 173-year-old Cornish brewery said it had “high ambitions” that its 0.5% ABV equivalent of the famed 4.5% ABV version would become “one of the best low & no IPAs on the market”.
Brewing director for St Austell Brewery Georgina Young said: “Low and no alcohol drinks have been around for decades but there’s been a significant increase in demand over the past five years.
“Knowing how loved Proper Job is among beer drinkers, we opted to respond to this demand by bringing the big, vivid flavours of our flagship brand to the low-alcohol market.
“While it’s been a long time coming for St Austell Brewery to release a low-alcohol beer, we took time to evolve a brewing method that would create a naturally authentic IPA, worthy of being branded Proper Job 0.5%.” Read more here.
VK enters the alcohol-free market
Earlier this year, Global Brands owned RTD brand VK introduced its first alcohol-free product, VK Blue 0.0%.
To support the new serve’s development, VK commissioned research among students in key university towns across the UK in a bid to better understand evolving drinking habits within the 18-24 age demographic.
The findings revealed nearly half (49%) of students now consume less alcohol compared to the previous years, with 32% intending to further reduce their intake in the coming months.
Moreover, the primary motivation for 79% of those surveyed was a focus on mindful socialising and connecting, with only 6% driven by the ‘buzz’ of alcohol.
VK spokesperson Craig Chapman said: “Our loyal VK fans are at the heart of everything we do, so recognising the changing drinking culture among 18-24s and supporting these choices through product innovation is incredibly important to us.
“With Blue being our best-performing flavour, the decision to launch it in 0.0% format was an easy one and we’ve already received strong interest from a number of customers.” Read more here.
Nirvana launches first amber ale
Last month, No & low brewery Nirvana introduced its first amber ale, Nirvana Best (0.5%).
A take on British bitter, the new serve also featured Nirvana’s new look – soon to be featured across its now eight-strong range.
Described as full-bodied and a “homegrown classic”, Best is said to feature a “rich, malty, backbone” of Maris Otter and Amber malts, complemented by a touch of oats and English Goldings hops, which bring earthy, floral and spicy notes for balance. Read more here.
Luscombe expands flavoured portfolio
Last month, Luscombe Drinks introduced its latest creation, Luscombe Mulled Winter Warmer.
A blend of organic fruit and traditional mulling spices, the winter warmer balances tart cherry juice and the floral cranberry like flavour of hibiscus with an infusion of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
Luscombe founder Gabriel David said: “We wanted to create a drink that offered people a delicious non-alcoholic alternative to traditional mulled wine.
“Our Luscombe Mulled Winter Warmer is perfect for cosy winter evenings and festive celebrations, and is a great extension to our product range.”
The brand said the serve can be enjoyed hot or cold and pairs “perfectly” with roast dinners, cottage pie or winter stews as well as cold turkey sandwiches and sweet treats like sugar doughnuts. Read more here.
REAL announces new small-batch collection
In November, the REAL Co. launched a new small-batch collection, including a Brut and Noir variant.
A naturally fermented alcohol-free alternative to wine, REAL’s new range include Brut, a 0.5% ABV Brut, and REAL Noir, a 0.5% ABV Still Red.
Using unique methods, the serves have been made by blending loose leaf Oolong and Puerh teas with grape skins and grape seed and gently fermented over French oak.
The brand said the collection delivers an “outstanding and comparable alternative to Champagne and red wine”, offering “complexity and authenticity”.
REAL CO. CEO and founder David Begg said: “Our Small-Batch Collection builds on The REAL Co.’s mission to set a benchmark in non-alcoholic fermentation and quality.
“With REAL Brut and REAL Noir, we’re excited to offer industry partners a refined alternative that exceeds anything else on the market and delivers on the complexity and experience of a good quality wine.”
Shepherd Neame unveils limited-edition brew
Also in November, independent family brewer Shepherd Neame released a new limited-edition beer, Table Beer (2.7% ABV).
The Kent-based pub operator and brewer described the serve as “light gold in appearance offering delicate malts and fruit on the palate with a hint of citrus and slight spicy, herbal finish”.
Table Talk marked the fifth beer crafted in Shepherd Neame’s Small Batch Brewery, a 15-barrel kit at its historic Faversham site that was commissioned last year. Its main brewhouse has a minimum batch size of 110 barrels.
Shepherd Neame brewing manager, Rupert Hodgkins said: “Following on from our popular limited-edition Saison (5.5% ABV), we continued the theme of brewing traditional continental styles with our Table Beer.
“Big on taste and refreshment, the lower ABV of Table Beer offers discerning drinkers a lighter alternative to our core range. We think we have struck the balance between flavour and mouthfeel just right for all to enjoy a pint or two.” Read more here.
Mother Root launches new flavour
Alcohol-free aperitif brand Mother Root also added a limited-edition new product to its range this summer.
The Marmalade Switchel variant, the first of several limited-edition new products released this year, joined its Ginger Switchel serve.
A blend of blood orange, bitter Seville orange, fragrant cardamom and grassy green tea, the serve is best enjoyed as a Marmalade spritz, made by pouring 25ml into a wine glass with ice and topped with 125ml soda water. Read more here.
CCEP introduces Oasis brand to on-trade
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) recently expanded its popular Oasis brand to the on-trade market.
The brand made its on-trade debut in October with two variants, Oasis Summer Fruits and Oasis Exotic Fruits No Added Sugar, available now in 330ml can format.
Oasis Summer Fruits boasts flavours of apple, strawberry, redcurrant and cherry, while Oasis Exotic Fruits features a blend of mango and passion fruit flavours with no calories or added sugar.
Like the entire Oasis range, both variants use only natural flavours and contain no artificial colours. Read more here.
Pillars unveils new light lager
Award-winning East-London-based craft brewer Pillars released a new small batch lower ABV lager in August.
Coming in at 2.8% ABV, Lite Lager was described by the brand as “subtle, clean and crisp” and a “quintessential session lager”, crafted using flaked, corn and noble hops.
Pillar head brewer Marius Matulevicius said: “We wanted to take on the American Light lager but with a Pillars twist, but our aim was to give it more body and flavour than you’d expect from a low ABV beer. Pillars Lite is the perfect summer companion and pairs beautifully with a BBQ.” Read more here.
If you have any new products being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images for potential inclusion to Rebecca.weller@wrbm.com
- If you have any new products being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images for potential inclusion to Rebecca.weller@wrbm.com.
