Suns out, AF Beers Out: Three New Canadian Non Alcoholic Craft Beers

Guest writer Antoine Tedesco pairs three new(ish) Canadian non alcoholic beers with food, as temperatures start to rise and we all start heading outside

As t-shirts replace sweaters, thoughts of dining al fresco make everyone smile. As the Victoria Day long weekend approaches, this alcohol-free beer roundup takes a sip of three different beer styles ready for sunnier days enjoying time with family and friends – preferably outdoors. All three are packed with their distinct flavour profiles – minus the buzz, of course. But what to serve with these non-alc brews on the first long weekend of “summer”? Hold on to your pint glasses, here we go …

Let’s kick it off casually with a crisp Czech Pilsner from British Columbia’s Nonny Beer. This extremely refreshing pale lager pours golden in colour with a thick foamy head that lasts longer than most non-alc beers. Look for light toasted notes and mild honey with piney-citrus hop aromas all ending with a clean bitterness. A perfect pairing with a warm, out-of-the-oven soft European pretzel with Dijon mustard and organic honey for dipping (mixing the two is also tasty). The mustard picks up on the herbal spice of the hops while the honey picks up the sweetness in the malt, creating a perfectly balanced experience. Pilsner is also a good choice with grilled sausage, chicken and salads.

Now that your tastebuds have woken up, it’s time for something a little different with What’s the Point Wheat Ale from Alberta’s One for the Road Brewery. What’s the Point pours bright yellow with a thick fluffy head, mellow fruity notes and hints of coriander, orange peel and clove. Wheat ales pair nicely with subtle flavours, so sushi is a great choice – in this case, spicy white fish, crab meat and a veggie dragon. Notes of citrus and soft grains in the beer complement the freshness of the fish and creamy, yet firm, consistency of the rice. Fish or chicken tacos are another great pairing, as is lemon shortbread for dessert.

As the afternoon sun starts to set, adding some spice sounds like a good idea. An Indian chicken curry, deliciously deep in flavours and heat, is the perfect marriage with Half-Day Hazy IPA from Toronto’s Harmon’s Craft Brewing. The New England style IPA pours a cloudy burnt yellow with up-front notes of tropical citrus on the palette and the nose. Dry-hopping really punches up the tropical vibe, making it a great pairing with the Indian spices. The hops cut through the richness of bold dishes like Indian curries and roti, rounding out the flavours and picking up on some of the more subtle spices. And, if you’ve been looking for a beer to go with a classic carrot cake, well, this IPA is the answer.

The ideas above are just the tip of the iceberg. All three beers work with a charcuterie board and crusty bread as pre-dinner nibbles. Pilsners are perfect with fresh berries while wheat ales can be enjoyed with roasted veggies and IPAs love a mild blue cheese and spiced ginger cake. Don’t let the warm weather pass you by without trying these three versatile beers, and the many food pairings you can enjoy with them.

Editor’s Note: Where to Buy All This Great Non Alcoholic Beer?

Harmon’s Hazy IPA is available across the GTA at specialty grocers like Summerhill and Bespoke Butcher.

Nonny IPA and One For The Road are available through Clearsips.ca, AFBev.ca and other marketplaces across Canada (list is here).

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.