Putting the AF into DrAFt

With bars & restaurants finally reopening (halleluiah!), there’re plenty of reasons to be cheerful. We’re celebrating a welcome return to draft beer and – in a growing number of cases – that means AF beer on tap too.

We’ve been working hard during in Lockdown to make sure that any UK venues wanting to include a decent AF option on tap can order kegs of Big Drop via their wholesalers. We currently have two options available – Paradiso Citra IPA and Pine Trail Pale Ale – our most popular 0.5% ABV beers. Pine Trail is unparalleled as being the only AF beer to have twice won ‘World Best’ at the World Beer Awards, while Paradiso was last year’s UK Winner in the Speciality IPA category, beating full-strength (6% ABV) rivals into second and third place.

When we say we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of alcohol-free beer, that includes the physical and geographical ones too.

So, for those who like to seek out Big Drop to go big on life, you’ll find us in any of the 22 Brewhouse & Kitchen sites as well as independent taprooms around the UK – such as Crafty’s in Letchworth. Londoners, in particular, are spoilt for choice as we’re pouring in the following: Mother Kellys, Goose Island, Brewdog’s AF Bar and throughout the Barworks group. And, if we’re not yet in your favourite watering hole, please do ask them to get in touch ([email protected]).

Rob Fink, founder and CEO of Big Drop, said: “When we say we’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of alcohol-free beer, that includes the physical and geographical ones too. We’re as excited as anyone for the on-trade to get going again and we’ll be there for any venue who believes that AF is now just as important as any other beer in their repertoire.”

Further information

Big Drop’s Awards & Accolades

Big Drop’s Pale Ale was named World’s Best Pale Beer (low strength) at the World Beer Awards 2017.

Its Stout won a Gold Medal at the International Beer Challenge and a UK Silver Medal at the World Beer Awards when judged against full-strength stouts and porters. It also won a Gold medal at the US Open Beer Championship.

Its Citra IPA was crowned ‘King of Craft’ at the 2019 Casual Dining show, which was dominated by full-strength beers. It also won the overall Champion’s trophy for ‘Non and Low Alcohol Beer’ at The International Brewing and Cider Awards and a Silver medal at the US Open Beer Championship.

Big Drop was also one of three ‘Best Drinks Producers’ in the 2018 BBC Food & Farming Awards.

“Big Drop specialises in alcohol-free beer and it’s all good. I tried the pale ale and the lager, too, and both are excellent, but the stout really is the business.” — Adrian Chiles, The Guardian

“The most impressive no/low alcohol beer I have ever tried; no argument, it just is.” — Melissa Cole, British Guild of Beer Writers

“In my view, by far the best of the low-alcohol brigade is Big Drop Brewing Co. All its beers come in at just 0.5%, and all of them are excellent – the stout in particular is a jaw-dropper. Superb flavour without compromise.” — Olly Smith, Mail on Sunday

About Big Drop

Big Drop was launched in 2016 as the world’s first brewer dedicated to alcohol-free beer by the-then City lawyer, Rob Fink and long-time friend James Kindred.

Both had recently become fathers and were looking to cut back on the booze but could not find any decent alternatives to their favourite craft beers.

Along with experimental brewer, Johnny Clayton, they perfected techniques to make a range of 0.5% abv beer styles – but crucially without the need for alcohol extraction – resulting in a fuller-flavour.

Big Drop has won over 40 major international beer titles including four times being judged ‘World’s Best’ at the World Beer Awards and beating full-strength beers in blind tastings.

Big Drop contract brews in batches through a network of brewing partners worldwide, meaning it can produce fresh beer – locally and ethically – with a minimal carbon footprint.

Recognised as the market leader in the rapidly growing AF craft beer sector, Big Drop can now be found in over 10,000 locations – including throughout Europe, Australia, Canada and – soon to be – the US. In the UK, Big Drop has listings with major pub groups (eg Mitchells & Butlers), restaurant chains (eg Nando’s) and retailers (eg Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado) as well as on the High Street with Holland & Barrett and on doorsteps with Milk & More.

Its range of beers, which are all <0.5% abv, currently consists of: Stout, Lager, Pale Ale, Citra IPA, Brown Ale, Golden Ale, Hazelnut Porter and a Sour as well as special editions and collaborations with other leading brewers.

Further information: [email protected]