I’m sure it comes as no surprise that here at the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies we well, love drinking beer. But we also love moderation.
If you’ve come out to one of our bevies you might’ve noticed we always have non-alcoholic options at our events and we also sell non-drinking event tickets too. If you love our Mystery Boxes you might’ve noticed we also have a non-alcoholic option! Check out our Artisan Mystery Box here (but be quick, stock is almost gone!).
Whether you’re choosing to take a break from drinking or cannot drink for whatever reason, we’re all about supporting responsible and balanced drinking habits. So, in the spirit of cutting out the spirits and booze, we’re bringing you this round-up of some of our favourite non-alcoholic brands and beverages.
Non-Alcoholic Brands
Partake
Toronto
First on the list is one of the bigger names in booze-free beer, Toronto-based Partake. Founder and CEO, Ted Fleming, launched Partake Brewing to bring all the things that make craft beer great to non-alcoholic beer drinkers so that they can also Partake in the craft beer journey with everyone else because, after all, they’re beer lovers too! Partake has a wide range of products that include an IPA, Pale Ale, Blonde, Red Ale, and a Stout!
Where to buy: https://drinkpartake.ca/pages/store-locator
Sober Carpenter
Montreal
Sober Carpenter is a microbrewery founded by two brothers dedicated to non-alcoholic beers. The brothers got their start as many brewers do: home brewing in their parent’s basement. As their lifestyles changed and they wanted to lower their alcohol consumption, their love of good beer persisted and their search for quality non-alcoholic beers began. Recognizing there were very limited quality non-alc options, they founded Sober Carpenter with a range of beers so good you’ll forget they’re non-alcoholic. Sober Carpenter currently offers an IPA, a Belgian White and an Irish Red.
Where to buy: https://sobercarpenter.ca/online-store/
Free Spirit
Toronto
In March 2020, popular Toronto craft brewery Rorschach Brewing announced the launch of Free Spirit Brewing, a new sibling brand that will produce a line of alcohol-free craft beers.
Free Spirit’s debut release is their Adventure IPA, an alcohol free, low calorie, flavourful hop-forward IPA that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready for your next adventure!
Where to buy: https://www.rorschachbrewing.com/shop/p/m7urtghksmw7pfgb2wn94u9ga0ro8y
City Seltzer
Ottawa
City Seltzer is beloved Ottawa brewery Dominion City’s non-alcoholic offshoot, billed as “all bubbles, no troubles”. City Seltzer’s core range includes Berry Whip, City Citrus, Cool Melon and Orange Cream. They also do seasonal releases such as their current Yule Nog.
Where to buy: City Seltzer is available at a range of Ottawa coffee shops, including Bridgehead, and online at https://www.dominioncity.ca/collections/city-seltzer
Gruvi
Gruvi’s mission is simple: help others be healthy and stay social, one drink at a time. Gruvi has a line of craft, non-alcoholic beers and wine created to dispel the common notion that non-alcoholic beer tastes, well, not great. Gruvi has a wide range of products that include an IPA, Pale Ale, Stout, Sour Weisse and Lager as well as a Dry Secco and Bubbly Rose for the wine lovers!
Where to buy: https://www.getgruvi.com/find
Non-alcoholic Beverages
Omnipollo Konx Non-Alc Mini Pale Ale by Craft Brand Co
Brewed by Brunswick Bierworks in Toronto
Our very own Erica Campbell recently welcomed a baby girl and had the opportunity to sample a variety of non-alcoholic beers during her pregnancy. This Pale Ale by Omnipollo is her top pick! With a hopping rate equal to Omnipollo’s alcoholic IPAs and an expressive yeast blend this beer packs a lot of flavour!
Akwa by Spearhead Brewing Co
Kingston
Another popular non-alc option is Akwa! Akwa is a fresh, new hop-infused sparkling water bursting with floral notes of Citra and Cascade hops. Lightly effervescent with hints of grapefruit, tropical fruit and lemon. Akwa is a lively, crisp and refreshing non-alcoholic alternative. Zero calories, zero sugar, 100% Vegan, all-natural flavours!
Where to buy: https://spearheadbeer.com/product-category/non-alcoholic/
Babbling Brook’s Root Beer by Nickel Brook Brewing Co
Burlington
This tasty Root Beer from Nickel Brook Brewing Co is brewed in a traditional method that uses only all-natural, and pure ingredients. You know it must be good when special taste testers–President and Co-Founder John Romano’s kids, Nick and Brooke–were expert consultants on the product. Nick and Brooke’s rigorous attention to great taste aided in producing this wonderful beverage.
Where to buy: https://nickelbrook.com/products/babbling-brooks-root-beer
Hop Seltzer by The Exchange Brewery
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hop waters are all the rage these days and this effervescent number by The Exchange Brewery is no exception. Brewed with a special blend of hops, this Hop Seltzer is your answer to a crisp, clean beverage when a beer just isn’t in the cards. Refreshing bubbles lift the fruity flavours of hops out of the can while keeping you hydrated.
Where to buy: https://exchangebrewery.com/product/hop-seltzer/
Sparkly Water with Grapefruit and Dragon Fruit by Bellwoods Brewery
This week Bellwoods dropped a new batch of Sparkly Water, and this one calls upon the delicious aid of Grapefruit and Dragon Fruit. Refreshing and bubbly with a subtle kick of fruit and a light pink hue.
Where to buy: https://bellwoodsbrewery.myshopify.com/collections/available-online/products/sparkly-water-grapefruit-dragonfruit
Bonus
Lug Tread 2.5% by Beau’s All Natural
Ottawa
We’re throwing in a low alcohol pick as a bonus! Beau’s Lug Tread is the original Ontario lagered ale, first brewed in 2006. It’s top-fermented like an ale and then cold-aged like a lager, giving it light ale notes complemented by a lager-like crispness. Beau’s have recently launched Lug Tread 2.5 to give craft beer fans the same great Lug Tread taste just with less alcohol.
Where to buy: https://beaus.ca/beer/lug-tread-2-5/
