Demand for non-alcoholic beverages has never been more robust. Once relegated to a tiny corner of the beverage industry, the market for non-alcoholic options is booming as consumers re-examine their relationship with alcohol. From delicious artisanal sodas to sophisticated zero-proof cocktails, there’s something for anyone who wants to enjoy tasty drinks without the buzz.
“The most rewarding thing for us is allowing people to be social on their terms, and they don’t have to stick with water or pop,” says Mike Hogan, co-founder and brewmaster at Libra and Upstreet Craft Brewing in Charlottetown, P.E.I. “Libra is on a mission to help Canadians find their balance between being social and their health. Libra has a range of styles to choose from, so you can enjoy the party and avoid any ill effects.”
Libra non-alcoholic craft beer is made with the same techniques that brewers have used for centuries. The proprietary non-alcoholic brewing process doesn’t use additional high-tech equipment or any extraction. Brewers steep malted grains to extract sugar, boil the wort, add hops, and then cool the mixture before adding yeast.
Hogan explains, “We let it ferment and condition, which creates a tiny amount of alcohol while smoothing out the flavour. What happens with non-alcoholic beers is mostly on the fringe or out of bounds from conventional brewing. Some things they even tell you not to do. We spent two years researching and developing to capture craft beer’s flavour and taste without the alcohol.”
Benjamin Bridge Winery in Gaspereau, N.S., produces Piquette Zero, Nova Scotia’s first alcohol-free wine. It’s a lively and delicious beverage, offering a highly creative, craft option to industrially de-alcoholized wines, which are often said to lack character.
“The non-alcoholic market is seeing a cultural shift towards wellness and exponential growth due to this,” says Benjamin Bridge winemaker Jean- Benoit Deslauriers. “Consumers seek to drink moderately, buy locally, and make social gatherings inclusive for all. Piquette Zero provides an exciting conduit for all those frustrations and not feel their zero-proof beverage is ‘less than.’”
Bulwark Ciders in New Ross, N.S., is also striving to make zero-proof beverages that are comparable to their alcohol counterparts. “We use a special fermentation technique for Bulwark’s Non-Alcoholic cider,” says Germain Bergeron, owner and founder of Bulwark. “The appearance is like a sparkling white wine with fine effervescent bubbles, a subtle apple aroma, and a hint of fermentation that confirms a very slight alcohol content of 0.5 per cent.”
Whether you’re a teetotaler, a designated driver, or simply in the mood for a buzz-free treat, elevate your zero-proof drinking experience.
The Bulwark Mockerlicious cocktail.