In recent years, alcohol-free beer has been carving out its own niche in the brewing industry. Here at Nirvana, we pride ourselves on paving the way for alcohol-free Brewing. We’re the first completely alcohol-free brewery in the UK and have witnessed a change in people’s attitudes towards alcohol-free beers in recent years. However, despite the rise in alcohol-free beer, the techniques used in brewing alcohol free beer still face unjust stigma. A common review we’re faced with is that alcohol-free brews are “not real beer” due to the lack of alcohol. Even though the craftsmanship and techniques involved in our beers are just as complex—and sometimes even more challenging—than traditional beer brewing.
For International Women’s Day earlier this month, we put together a blog post discussing the struggles that Women in Brewing and Female-Founded Breweries, like Nirvana, face. With big moves around female brewing being made, we’d like to discuss stigmas around brewing alcohol-free beer and why they are simply not true, all wrapped up into a lovely blog post for you to enjoy.
The Stigma Around Alcohol-Free Beer
For years, alcohol-free beer has carried a reputation as a lesser product. Some beer enthusiasts dismiss it as a bland alternative, assuming it lacks the complexity and depth of flavour found in traditional beer. However, this perception is rooted in outdated thinking. Whilst older techniques used in brewing alcohol-free beer may well have been lacking in flavour and depth, these have long since been left in the past.
Many societies equate the consumption of beer with socialising and masculinity, with alcohol-free alternatives going against these norms. But as drinking habits evolve, particularly among health-conscious millennials and Gen Z, alcohol-free beer is becoming a symbol of mindful consumption rather than abstinence.
Modern alcohol-free beers are crafted with just as much care, innovation and artistry as their alcoholic counterparts. Nirvana Brewery was founded with a specific goal, which was to produce quality, flavourful, alcohol-free beer.
The Science and Art of Brewing Alcohol-Free Beer
One of the biggest misconceptions about alcohol-free beer is that it’s somehow easier to make. In reality, the brewing process for alcohol-free beer is just as intricate as traditional brewing—if not more so!
One of the hardest things to perfect with brewing alcohol-free beer is balancing the flavours. Alcohol contributes to the body and mouthfeel of beer, so we work hard to find new and innovative ways to maintain these qualities in our alcohol-free beers. This often involves experimenting with different malts, hops and yeasts to create a full-bodied, satisfying drink.
We recently did a blog which highlights how alcohol-free beer is made. Highlighting specifically the exact brewing techniques we use to ensure that our beer is brewed to the best quality. So, give the blog a read if you’re curious about how exactly we produce our beers and why brewing alcohol-free beer isn’t as easy as it looks.
The techniques and skills involved in brewing alcohol-free beer mean that it’s usually not for a light-hearted brewer to undertake. Far from being "fake" beer, it’s a testament to the brewer’s ability to innovate and adapt.
Changing Perceptions, One Pint at a Time
There are certainly parallels between the stigma against brewing alcohol-free beer and the challenges faced by female brewers. Both are often underestimated or held to unfair standards. Yet Nirvana Brewery stands to prove that quality and craftsmanship know no boundaries.
The brewing world is evolving, and alcohol-free beer is no longer just an afterthought. Thanks to innovative brewing techniques, which allow us to maximise the flavour and minimise the alcohol content, it’s becoming a respected category in its own right.
We invite you to spread the word! The lack of ABV in our brews doesn’t mean that they aren’t beers. The art of the brewing process is still there, hidden in the flavour profiles and mouth feel that you really can’t get any other way. And we’re not done! We’re continuing to find new, innovative ways to enhance our alcohol-free brewery and give you the best alcohol-free beer money can buy.
Cheers to that!
