In Bristol, alcohol-free beers are transforming the drinking experience with quality, flavour, and variety. From IPAs to lagers, local breweries are creating standout options for those avoiding alcohol. Here's a quick breakdown:
- IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager: Award-winning, low-calorie lager with relaxing botanicals. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly, priced from £1.97 per can.
- IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Hazy Pale: A tropical pale ale with peach and pineapple flavours. Vegan but not gluten-free, starting at £2.49 per can.
- Bristol Beer Factory Clear Head: A 0.5% ABV IPA supporting mental health charity Talk Club. Gluten-free but contains lactose, priced around £2.25 per can.
- Wiper and True Kaleidoscope & Tomorrow: A pale ale and lager brewed with bold hops. Vegan but not gluten-free, starting at £11.00 for 4 cans.
- Left Handed Giant Run Free: A piney, citrus IPA crafted for active lifestyles. Vegan but not gluten-free, priced at £3.73 per can.
Quick Comparison
| Beer | Price per Can | Key Features | Dietary Info | Local Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager | £1.97+ | Relaxing botanicals, low-calorie | Gluten-free, vegan | Online |
| IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Hazy Pale | £2.49+ | Tropical flavours, Social Blend™ | Vegan, not gluten-free | Online |
| Bristol Beer Factory Clear Head | £2.25 | Supports mental health charity | Gluten-free, contains lactose | Taproom, local retailers |
| Wiper and True Kaleidoscope | £11.00 (4 cans) | Pale ale with bold citrus notes | Vegan, not gluten-free | Taproom, local retailers, online |
| Left Handed Giant Run Free | £3.73 | Pine and citrus IPA | Vegan, not gluten-free | Taproom, online |
Bristol's alcohol-free beer scene offers something for everyone - whether you’re after bold flavours, health-conscious options, or community-driven initiatives.
Bristol Alcohol-Free Beer Comparison: Price, Features and Dietary Information
Left Hand Giant Run Free AF IPA , Left Hand Giant Brewing Company , Alcohol Free Craft Beer Review
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1. IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager
IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager earned the title of the UK's best non-alcoholic lager at the World Beer Awards 2023. Brewed with a 0.5% ABV using cryogenic fermentation, it boasts a crisp, dry taste with refreshing citrus undertones[5][6]. What sets it apart is its unique Social Blend™, which combines L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and botanicals to mimic the relaxing effect of a traditional pint. A 2025 study found that 84% of customers felt more relaxed after enjoying it[5]. As one happy customer, Connor W., shared:
Tastes incredible, gave me a noticeable buzz and then I had the best night's sleep ever[5].
This lager reflects Bristol's growing demand for healthier, flavour-packed alternatives. Here's what makes it stand out:
ABV and Calories
With a low 0.5% ABV, this lager contains just 16 calories per 100ml - roughly half the calorie count of regular beers[5].
Vegan and Gluten-Free
The Enhanced Lager is both vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Although brewed with wheat and barley, third-party testing confirms it has less than 10 PPM of gluten, meeting the legal threshold for gluten-free products[5].
Where to Buy
You can order directly from impossibrew.co.uk, with free express shipping on orders over £35 across the UK mainland. First-time buyers can enjoy two complimentary beers with the Welcome Bundle, while subscriptions offer savings of up to 30%. Standard delivery takes 1–3 business days, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind[5].
Pricing
Individual 440ml cans start at £1.97, and six-packs are available for £21.27 at retailers like Dry Drinker[6]. For those looking to sample more, the Bestseller Bundle, priced at £49.99, includes 18 beers (a mix of lagers and hazy pales), a complimentary glass, and a tasting guide[5].
2. IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Hazy Pale
The IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Hazy Pale earned the title of "UK's Best Alcohol-Free Pale Ale" at the World Beer Awards 2023 [5][7]. This tropical, juicy pale ale delivers bold flavours of peach, pineapple, and mango, finishing with a crisp citrus twist. Brewed at just 0.5% ABV, it naturally develops a hazy, fluffy texture. Its standout feature? The Social Blend™ - a mix of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 - designed to mimic the relaxing sensation of enjoying your first pint. In a survey of 1,147 customers, 78% claimed it was the best alcohol-free beer they’d ever tried [7]. As customer Samuel F. shared:
"The social blend gives you a similar relaxing feeling to your first pint of normal strength beer. It's exactly what I was looking for." [7]
Here’s a closer look at its standout qualities.
ABV and Key Flavours
With an ABV of 0.5%, only 16 calories per 100ml, and less than 0.6g of sugar [7], this beer is both light and flavour-packed. Its tropical fruit profile - peach, pineapple, and mango - creates a refreshing experience, rounded off with a crisp citrus finish.
Vegan and Gluten Information
The Enhanced Hazy Pale is completely vegan-friendly. However, as it contains barley, wheat, oats, and rye, it’s not suitable for those avoiding gluten. For a gluten-free alternative, consider the Enhanced Lager, certified at less than 10 PPM.
Availability and Delivery
You can order directly from impossibrew.co.uk, with free express shipping in Bristol on orders over £35. Standard delivery takes 1–3 business days. New customers can also enjoy the Welcome Bundle, which includes two complimentary beers. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it without worry.
Pricing Options
A single 440ml can is priced at around £2.49. For larger orders, a 12-pack costs £29.99 as a one-off or £25.49 with a subscription, saving 15%. The Bestseller Bundle, priced at £49.99, includes 18 mixed beers, a complimentary glass, and a tasting guide.
3. Bristol Beer Factory Clear Head
Clear Head by Bristol Beer Factory isn't just another craft beer; it's a drink with a purpose. This 0.5% ABV IPA combines great taste with a social mission, donating 5% of its sales to Talk Club, a mental health initiative. So far, these contributions have surpassed an impressive £142,312.91 [4].
ABV and Key Flavours
Clear Head is brewed with US-grown Citra and Mosaic hops, delivering bold IPA flavours of citrus, apple, and stone fruits, all rounded off with a crisp finish. The addition of lactose, a dairy-derived sugar, gives the beer a smooth, creamy texture and a fuller body. As one fan, Hayley, shares:
I love Clear Head as it tastes blimmin lush! Easily the nicest non-alcoholic beer I've tried. [4]
Vegan and Gluten Information
Although brewed with wheat and barley malt, Clear Head is certified gluten-free, making it accessible to those with gluten intolerances. However, it’s not suitable for vegans due to the inclusion of lactose, which plays a key role in its creamy mouthfeel. While this specific brew has dietary restrictions, there are many health benefits of non-alcoholic beer for those looking to switch.
Local Venues and Online Availability
You can grab Clear Head at the BBF Tap Room located at 291 North Street, Southville, BS3 1JP, or order it online with next-day delivery. It’s also available in many independent Bristol retailers and bars. Plus, orders over £60 on bristolbeerfactory.co.uk come with free shipping [1].
Price Range
A 12-pack of 440ml cans costs £30.00, while the Alcohol-Free Taster Set is priced at £14.00 [1]. Hosting an event? They also offer 52-pint kegs for larger gatherings.
4. Wiper and True Kaleidoscope and Tomorrow
Wiper and True, a brewery based in Bristol, offers two standout alcohol-free beers crafted using an intricate brewing process. Both Kaleidoscope Alcohol-Free and Tomorrow come in at 0.5% ABV and are produced through a meticulous 60-hour alcohol removal method that preserves their rich and layered flavours [8][9].
This process ensures each beer maintains a distinct and satisfying taste:
ABV and Key Flavours
Kaleidoscope Alcohol-Free, a pale ale, is brewed with a trio of hops - Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic - delivering vibrant citrus notes, fresh fruity flavours, and a crisp bitterness. It has earned wide recognition, including a Gold Medal at the 2024 World Alcohol-Free Awards and 2 stars at the Great Taste Awards 2025. Customers have rated it highly, with an impressive 4.86/5 based on 21 reviews [8].
Tomorrow, a German-style Helles lager, features traditional German hops that lend it subtle bread crust and herbal flavours, finishing clean and crisp. It won a Bronze Medal at the 2024 World Alcohol-Free Awards and holds a 4.75/5 rating from 12 reviews. Many reviewers have praised its lack of the overly sweet aftertaste often found in alcohol-free beers [8][9].
Vegan and Gluten Information
Both beers are vegan-friendly, but neither is gluten-free. Tomorrow contains barley, while Kaleidoscope includes barley, wheat, and oats [8][9]. Wiper and True also prioritises sustainability, operating with a 159kW solar array and a CO₂ recovery system that reuses carbon dioxide from fermentation [2][9].
Local Venues and Online Availability
You can enjoy these beers at Wiper and True's Taproom in Old Market or their Barrel Store in St Werburghs. They’re also available at local spots like Froth & Fries and various stockists across Bristol [3]. For online shoppers, delivery costs £4.99 for orders under £50, with free shipping on purchases over £50 to mainland UK addresses [9].
Price Range
Tomorrow is priced at £11.00 for 4 cans, £16.50 for 6 cans, £33.00 for 12 cans, or £66.00 for 24 cans. Kaleidoscope Alcohol-Free costs £11.50 for 4 cans, £17.25 for 6 cans, £34.50 for 12 cans, or £69.00 for 24 cans [8][9]. As both beers are unfiltered and unpasteurised, they should be stored upright and refrigerated to maintain their quality [9].
5. Left Handed Giant Run Free
Left Handed Giant, a Bristol-based brewery owned by more than 1,500 shareholders - primarily locals - crafted Run Free specifically for their local running club. This alcohol-free IPA, with an ABV of 0.5%, is a refreshing choice for active individuals looking to enjoy a high-quality beverage without alcohol [10].
ABV and Key Flavours
With an ABV of just 0.5%, Run Free embodies the classic traits of an IPA. It features bold pine and citrus aromas, a smooth, creamy texture, and a subtle biscuit finish derived from its malt base [17, 18]. Alcohol Change UK has rated it 4/5, describing it as:
"With pine notes that will make you feel that you're running cross-country through the woods rather than pounding the city pavements, it leaves a nice malty, creamy feel in the mouth." [11]
This flavour profile highlights its appeal to beer lovers seeking a non-alcoholic option with depth. For many, these alcohol-free alternatives can help when looking to reduce overall consumption.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Status
Left Handed Giant’s beers often cater to vegan drinkers, and Run Free is no exception. However, it is not gluten-free due to the malt base that provides its signature biscuit-like finish. For those needing gluten-free alternatives, the brewery offers options like Sky Above and Twin Cities, which are clearly marked as such [17, 19].
Where to Find Run Free
You can enjoy Run Free on tap at Left Handed Giant’s three Bristol locations: Finzels Reach Brewpub (Hawkins Lane, BS1 6EU), the St Philips Tap Room, and Small Bar [17, 20]. Finzels Reach Brewpub also sells takeaway cans [12]. For those who prefer online shopping, the beer is available on the brewery’s webshop and through retailers like Beer Ritz, Wise Bartender, and Quality Drops Craft Beer [17, 19].
Pricing
A single 440ml can of Run Free is priced at £3.73, while mixed packs start at £22.00. Orders over £50 qualify for free delivery within mainland UK [17, 19].
Pros and Cons
Each beer brings something different to the table, whether it's unique ingredients, community-focused initiatives, or local availability. This makes it easier to choose based on your priorities - be it flavour, health benefits, or supporting a cause.
IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager shines with its proprietary Social Blend™, featuring nootropic ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha. These are intended to replicate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the downsides. At 0.5% ABV, it’s gluten-free, low in calories (16 kcal/100ml), and has an impressive 4.8/5 rating. However, its main limitation is that it’s mostly available online, though orders over £35 qualify for free shipping within the UK.
Bristol Beer Factory Clear Head stands out for its affordability - around £2.25 per can - and its partnership with Talk Club, a mental health charity to which it has donated over £142,000. This 0.5% ABV IPA, brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops, offers a vibrant mix of citrus and tropical flavours. The downside? It contains lactose, making it unsuitable for vegans.
Wiper and True Kaleidoscope and Tomorrow provide excellent local options. Kaleidoscope is a 0.5% ABV pale ale with balanced hoppy flavours, while Tomorrow offers a crisp, clean lager alternative at the same ABV. Both are competitively priced and available at local taprooms, though Kaleidoscope’s flavour profile may be too subtle for some, and Tomorrow lacks detailed ingredient information.
Left Handed Giant Run Free combines bold craft beer credentials with a robust pine-and-citrus IPA flavour. Priced at £3.73 per can, it’s also available on tap at select venues in Bristol. However, it’s not gluten-free, and the higher price might deter those on a tighter budget.
Here’s a quick summary of the key points:
| Beer | Price per Can | Key Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager | £2.49 | Nootropic benefits; gluten-free | Mostly available online |
| Bristol Beer Factory Clear Head | £2.25 | Supports mental health charity | Contains lactose (not vegan-friendly) |
| Wiper and True Kaleidoscope | Varies | Local taproom availability | Subtle flavour profile |
| Wiper and True Tomorrow | Varies | Crisp lager alternative | Limited ingredient details |
| Left Handed Giant Run Free | £3.73 | Bold IPA flavour; local craft credentials | Not gluten-free; higher price |
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a low-calorie, relaxing option, with many users reporting it helps reduce alcohol intake. Bristol Beer Factory Clear Head delivers a classic IPA experience with only 18–21 calories per 100ml and is certified gluten-free (less than 10ppm). For those seeking a more adventurous flavour, Left Handed Giant Run Free might appeal, but its malt base means it’s not ideal for strict gluten-free diets.
This comparison highlights Bristol’s dedication to crafting high-quality alcohol-free beers that cater to diverse tastes and lifestyles.
Conclusion
The reviews above showcase the variety and appeal of alcohol-free beers in Bristol's lively craft beer scene.
IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager stands out with its award-winning nootropic blend, designed to promote relaxation. Named the UK's best non-alcoholic beer at the World Beer Awards 2023, it offers a functional drinking experience that 84% of customers described as genuinely relaxing [5].
Bristol Beer Factory's Clear Head IPA combines bold citrus and tropical flavours with a strong sense of purpose, having donated over £142,312 to Talk Club to support mental health initiatives [4]. Their Tap Room on North Street in Southville is a great spot to enjoy this local favourite [1].
At Wiper and True's taproom near Old Market, you can sample a range of styles, including their Kaleidoscope pale ale and Tomorrow lager. Both are brewed to deliver a refreshing alcohol-free option at just 0.5% ABV.
Left Handed Giant's Run Free IPA offers a premium craft beer experience with its pine-and-citrus flavour profile. It's available at their three Bristol locations, making it easy to enjoy this distinctive brew [3].
Whether you're drawn to the relaxing qualities of IMPOSSIBREW®, the community-driven ethos of Bristol Beer Factory, or the fresh, on-tap options from local breweries, Bristol provides an impressive selection of alcohol-free beers. The city's craft beer culture continues to redefine how we experience alcohol-free drinking, offering something for every taste. Many drinkers are also discovering that non-alcoholic beers are actually healthy compared to traditional options.
FAQs
Is 0.5% ABV considered alcohol-free in the UK?
In the UK, beverages with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 0.5% are generally labelled as low-alcohol rather than alcohol-free. Although the alcohol content is minimal, these drinks don’t qualify as alcohol-free under legal definitions.
Which options are best for gluten-free or vegan diets?
Bristol is a fantastic spot for those seeking alcohol-free beers that suit gluten-free and vegan diets. The Bristol Beer Factory’s Clear Head is a standout - a 0.5% ABV IPA packed with bold citrus and stone fruit notes, and it ticks both the vegan and gluten-free boxes. Wiper and True also produce alcohol-free beers with rich flavours, thanks to their advanced de-alcoholisation techniques, making them a great choice for these dietary needs. Other local breweries, such as New Bristol Brewing Co, also showcase a range of options designed to cater to gluten-free and vegan preferences.
Where can I buy these in Bristol today?
In Bristol, there are plenty of places to get your hands on alcohol-free beers. The Bristol Beer Factory, for instance, offers its Clear Head IPA, available for both delivery and collection. Another great spot is the Alpha Bottle Shop, where you’ll find a variety of low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers, including some local favourites. If you’d rather enjoy a drink on-site, head to the Wiper & True Taproom, which also serves non-alcoholic options. Whether you're stocking up or sipping out, Bristol has you covered when it comes to alcohol-free beer.
