Reepham brewery launches ‘world-first’ alcohol-free real ale

Panther Brewery of Reepham has launched a revolutionary alcohol-free real ale. Called Hopsta, this distinctively hoppy craft ale has a low alcohol by volume (ABV), yet is uniquely full in flavour, explained head brewer Martin James.
 

 
“Hopsta has a sharp bite of upfront hops, lasting bitterness and a smooth finish. Packed with hops like Citra, Cascade and Chinook, together with local barley from Norfolk, we have used our years of brewing experience to produce a low-ABV (0.5%), alcohol-free real pale ale without compromise.”
 
Mr James added that while there are many alcohol-free lagers available, no brewery has yet brewed alcohol-free real ale. “We really wanted to brew something that is unique and, to our knowledge, the first in the world,” he said.
 
The brew has been developed over the past 12 months using new technology purchased for the brewery on Reepham’s Collers Way Industrial Estate.
 
Bottles of Hopsta have been available since November and the new brand, the trademark for which has been registered with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office, is being introduced at a number of outdoor markets across Norfolk.
 
And Panther Brewery is keen to continue experimenting. “We’re all about breaking boundaries and trying new things, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw us brew other alcohol-free ale styles in the future,” Mr James explained.
 
Ultimately, the best way to make progress is to offer customers alcohol-free beer that delivers on flavour. “It’s much better to show pubs that if they served decent alcohol-free beer then people would drink it,” Mr James emphasised.
 
Panther Brewery has been reviewing various market opportunities to seek new routes to market and target new consumers. One such opportunity appears to be alcohol-free, which is one of the few sectors in the ale/beer market that continues to grow – up by 8.4% year-on-year.
 
Trends across Europe suggest this segment will continue to grow in the UK and it is attracting the attention of major beer producers, “which can only be good for future investment in the category,” said Mr James.
 
“Our own market research so far has been very positive. We have had a range of people from non-ale drinkers to real ale drinkers all giving good comments when asked to review Hopsta, which is all very encouraging.”
 
Comments include “best alcohol-free beer tasted so far” and “thought I was going to have to lie about how good it is”.
 
Panther Brewery has also introduced two limited-batch seasonal beers for the cooler months.
 
Dark Ginger Ale (4.5%) is described as a silky smooth and wholesome dark ale, flavoured with refreshing notes of ginger and a subtle aftertaste of chilli that leaves a lingering warmth. Perfect for the cold winter months, this beer can be enjoyed on its own or as the perfect accompaniment to a luxury chocolate cake.
 
Festive (4.5%): Panther’s Christmas beer is a dark and rich stout with a mulled spice infusion, giving notes of dark berries and Black Forest gâteau to the beer after fermentation – a great match with desserts involving raspberries.
 

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