Take a booze breather with Hiatus Beers’ non-alcoholic pale ale.
Take a booze breather with Hiatus Beers’ non-alcoholic pale ale.
Once upon a time, the words ‘alcohol-free beer’ would never, ever have been paired together. Anyone who dared to suggest such senselessness would have had more shade thrown their way than a beach snooze under a Cool Cabana. But here in mid-2023, things are very different with people turning to the (non-boozy beer) bottle in their droves and yes, we’re also still stuck on the fact that 2023 is nearly half-baked already.
Much more than a fleeting trend, sinking low or no alcohol beverages is a phenomenon sweeping the globe, and us health-conscious Gold Coasters are here for it. Thankfully, so are three iconic beer industry veterans who went all-in embracing this shift, combining their brewski brilliance to create Hiatus Beers; the ultimate zero alcohol ale.
Crafting a beer experience sans the sloppiness, drunk dials, PPIs (Pissed Person Injuries), go-go gadget pot belly, heinous hangover, and that god-awful post drinking ‘hangxiety’, what’s not to love about Hiatus? It’s perfect for those who’ve given boozing the boot, and/or are simply taking a break coz our livers have feelings too you know. Or, maybe you just need a spacer every now and then to make sure you don’t reach David Hasselhoff-eating-a-cheeseburger drunk status, and this is surely the best drinking deterrent that ever was.
Launching in late 2022, we can confirm that Hiatus’ first release, the non-alcoholic pacific ale or ‘NAPA’, is dinky di. Choccas with classic pacific ale authenticity, aromas of passionfruit, guava and mango burst out of the can the moment it’s cracked. A wave of refreshing citrus and tropical fruit overtakes your senses, followed by a balancing bitterness which leaves you with only one option…kick back, relax, and stay on hiatus (#IfYouInsist).
Owners Jules Ryan, Nic Sandery and Nick Detmold have all been there done that in the beer/drinks industry, each boasting 15-20 years in the trade. Jules heads up sales and trade engagement, previously working with power players Balter, Stone & Wood, Vale Ale, and Little Creatures. Nick Detmold is the operations man, with a background at Beam Suntory, Coca-Cola, and Maxxium. And finally, Nic Sandery is the Hiatus brewer, and we need to befriend this man stat coz everyone needs a brewer in their fold. He’s also the owner and brewer at Molly Rose, has worked with Stone & Wood and Holgate, and creator of the brand’s most unique selling point; the classic pacific ale aromas and flavours.
Meeting during their stint at Stone & Wood, all three had become increasingly interested in the flourishing no and low drinks movement. After some serious planning, crafting, and taste-testing coz you know, someone has to do it, the Hiatus NAPA was born. Fast becoming a zero-alcohol beer fridge staple, it’s as full flavoured as its boozy counterparts, minus the morning after misery #HungdogMillionaireNoMore.
So when you feel like taking a break from booze and bad decisions (#amen), fill your cup both figuratively and literally with Hiatus. We’ll cheers to that!
Where: Various online and bricks’n’mortar retailers in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA & WA When: Whenever you like
Words by Bianca Trathen.