Hop Nation Alc-Free

In 2021, we began to craft Alc-Free beers, as an alternative for non-drinkers and occasions when people want to avoid alcohol. We thought there was a gap in the market for quality-focused Alc-Free beer, and that formed the basis for our challenge - to craft top-quality Alc-Free brews for beer-lovers that we would also enjoy.

THE JOURNEY

2021: Mind Ya Head XPA first released, under the name 'Fresh as a Daisy'

2022: Opening Doors Hazy Pale, Pura Vida Guava & Pine Sour and No Fool Raspberry Sour hit the market

2022: Mind Ya Head is awarded the gold medal for Australia‚ #1 Non-Alcoholic Beer at the 2022 Australian International Beer Awards

2023: Stars Align Stout joins the range

2024: Passing Storm West Coast IPA launched

THE CRAFT

Our Alc-Free beers are made alongside all of our beers, by the same legendary brew team who make the whole range.

Our Alc-Free beers are made in basically the same way as our other beers, with these distinctions:

Less malt, as less is needed
Hopping rates are the same as our IPAs
The yeast used only ferments simple sugars, resulting in less alcohol production

THE STYLES

Our challenge in creating/perfecting/improving our Alc-Free range is getting these beers to taste as close as possible to the original styles. Some notes here from brewer Tim about the beers.

Opening Doors Alc-Free Hazy Pale
As of December 2023, we have improved the recipe and it’s better than ever. Think specialty release Hazy, but more session-able. The hazy texture is there and hop intensity is as you’d wish for the style.

Mind Ya Head Alc-Free XPA
With a focus on Aussie hops, you’d be hard-pressed to pick this as Alc-Free in a blind tasting.

Stars Align Alc-Free Stout
Classic stout aromas and flavours with a lighter body and a touch more brightness than it’s brooding cousins.

Passing Storm Alc-Free West Coast IPA
WCIPA is famous for clean, resinous bitterness, malt sweetness and citrus/pine aromas/flavours from the hops. Passing Storms aims to deliver these promises, wrapped up in a slightly lighter mouthfeel where the resinous punch is the star.