REVIEW: Switchback Brewing Non-Alcoholic Ale

Switchback Non-Alcoholic Flagship Ale

Where’d We Find It: Samples provided by the brand.

ABV: Less than 0.5%

Hometown: Burlington, Vermont

Our N/ATION Review:

Vermont’s Switchback Brewing Co. is a name synonymous with balance, quality, and community, a reputation built largely on its flagship, unfiltered Switchback Ale. Now, the Burlington-based, employee-owned brewery is bringing that same philosophy to the non-alcoholic (NA) space with their own NA offering.

Choosing not to mess with success, the New England brewer chose to partner with BrewVo to make an NA version of their flagship Ale. Utilizing BrewVo’s innovative "nested fermentation" process, the beer is made using repeated fermentation to create a product that maintains its flavor profile while removing the alcohol.

First impressions include a beautiful, light amber clarity typical of a classic ale. The nose offers a pleasant greeting, balancing a gentle yeast fruitiness with subtle floral notes from the hops. The flavor delivers the balance promised by the brewery, avoiding the thin, watery profile that can sometimes plague other non-alcoholic beers made by traditional breweries. The malt backbone is smooth and rich, complementing the bright hop character and that hallmark hint of fruit provided by their house yeast. The finish is clean and smooth, making you want to take the next sip.

As for where you can find Switchback N.A. on a store shelf or menu near you, use the Beer Finder from their website.