Bump Start your beer: A Thirst-quenching New non-alcoholic IPA from Toronto-based Brewery
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New non-alcoholic seasonal IPA from Harmon’s Craft Brewing brings tropical flavours you’ll want for a cold Canadian winter
The latest release from the crew at Harmon’s Craft Brewing is a hop-forward non—alcoholic IPA that’s packed with tons of big tropical citrus flavours.
Bump Start Non-Alcoholic Seasonal IPA got its name - and branding - from co-founder Steve Abrams’ decades old love of gently used Vespas, and his punk rock sensibilities.
“It's true! I'm an old scooter boy from the mid-80's,” admits Abrams, who was kind enough to send along a few classic photos, including one of his scooter club the Checkered Demons.
Steve Abrams (far left), and his scooter club the Checkered Demons during a Cape Cod, Massachusetts run in 1994. photo Courtesy Steve Abrams.
According to Harmon’s Brewmaster Rob Doyle, the inspiration for this new brew started a while ago. Bump Start IPA is the first offering in a line of non-alcoholic IPA's Harmon’s hopes to continue to brew as seasonal beers moving forward.
“Steve and I have always talked about seasonal beers for Harmon’s, it's been part of the game plan from Day 1,” said Doyle. “We want non-alcoholic beer fans to be inspired to try new options for a beer category that has long been ignored. A great way to do that is to develop our seasonal beer offerings.”
Bump Start brings the tropics to warm the soul you can look forward to during our cold - sometimes frigid - Canadian winters. Cracking the can, you immediately get a hit of citrus and lots of hops. Packed with Cascade and Citra hops, Bump Start is thirst-quenching with bright notes of grapefruit and a silky backend.
“We thought the peach, melon, gooseberry, lychee notes from Citra would be supported by the grapefruity overtones from Cascade,” said Doyle. “We think it worked out great!”
Pairing an IPA like Bump Start is easy. Grab a pepperoni pizza, or a charcuterie board with cured meats, crusty bread, a few cheeses, and some chutneys. Spicy curries work nicely, as the citrus notes meld well with spices, and help cut the oily goodness of a comfort food like pepperoni pizza. A bit of citrus always works in baking and helps balance out the sweet with a little tart, so for desert we paired it with a pecan pie with much success.
How has 2023 been going for the Harmon’s gang?
“Loaded question! LOL. Onwards and upwards,” said Doyle. “2023 saw lots of hiccups from all directions! We are better for the experience and it’s the support from Harmon's fans that keeps us going.”
2024 will see the introduction of more seasonal offerings, new styles like a non-alcoholic Italian Pilsner, a new pale ale, and Harmon’s is even trying out a Stout for the back half of 2024.
Harmon’s Craft Brewing will be taking part in T.O. NO-LO Beerfest on January 20th 2024, 2-6 pm at The Only Café (962 Danforth Ave.) The gang is encouraging everyone to drop by and sample low & non-alc beers (ranging from 0.3% to 3%) from some of Ontario's finest craft breweries. RSVP at T.O. NO-LO Beerfest or call The Only Café (416-463-3249), and follow along on IG @to_nolo_beerfest.
Antoine Tedesco, Contributor, Alcohol-free Beer & Cider
Antoine brings his love of food and life to Some Good Clean Fun’s beer and cider reviews. From journalism to government to charities and non-profits, Antoine’s passion is telling compelling and impactful stories. He loves anything that makes his taste buds smile and his ears dance.
