Wine Guy: Non-alcoholic beers to chase away the dog days of summer

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The dog days of summer are bittersweet. Summer is certainly still here, but the seriousness of September routines feel right around the corner. Actually, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac technically the dog days have already passed. Yet given the ongoing heat, the latter part of summer comes with a languid retreat. It’s been fun — and should continue to be so — but in the interest of avoiding any occasion for hair-of-the-dog bevvies, this week we look at a trio of refreshing non-alcoholic potables.

Strange Fellows Brewing Nevertheless Non-Alcoholic Pilsner, Vancouver

($14 for four-355mL cans, available through the brewery and select stores)

The selection of local non-alcoholic beers continues to proliferate, and many craft brewers have added at least one option to their repertoire. At Strange Fellows, they now have three options in their Nevertheless non-alcoholic lineup. Their most recent addition, a Pilsner, brings the expected citrus and biscuit aromas with a bold bitter kick. Very crisp and refreshing, an engaging bitterness remains throughout — and frankly distracts from a lighter overall body. This a great summer option, for after the softball session or sipped at the beach with a bucket of fried chicken.

Bottom line: B+, Bitter and refreshing.

Whistle Buoy Brewing Co. Little Vis Hazy IPA, Victoria

(about $4 for 355mL can, available through the brewery and select stores)

Prefer something a little hazy? One can that recently refreshed was the Little Vis from Victoria’s Whistle Buoy. A nod to their regular rotation Low Vis Hazy IPA, the brewery has also committed to providing serious non-alcoholic options — producing a Pilsner, pale ale, and dark beer as well. Made with locally malted barley along with citra and mosaic hops, this vibrant non-alcoholic brings big time tropical fruit aromas. Again, there’s not much texture and body — typical of non-alcoholic beers in general — but the aromatics and engaging bitterness make this a fun option when looking to refresh while avoiding any buzz.  

Bottom line: B, Great with fish tacos.

Moody Ales & Co. Non-Alcoholic Lavender Sour, Port Moody

($9.99 for four-355mL cans, available through the brewery and select stores)

There’s even non-alcoholic versions of sour beers. Port Moody’s Moody Ales & Co. has crafted a 0.25 per cent ABV version of their best-selling Lavender Sour, creating a tart, refreshing drink without any residual bite. Pouring a light golden in the glass, as advertised there is ample lavender aromas complemented by floral and lemon notes. Less beer like, it comes across more as a refreshing flavoured lemonade — albeit one that leads to a lavender and slightly bitter finish. In a sense it reminds of a non-alcoholic version of shandy, which is no bad thing when seeking fun, easygoing summer refreshment. 

Bottom line: B+, Perfect breezy patio partner.

The Swirl: Get Corked 2025

It may still feel like some time away, but September and the annual Get Corked wine and run is fast approaching — and likely to sell out. Hosted by Monte Creek Winery in the Thompson Valley, Get Corked is all about the finished wine, as the organizers say. Offering a 5- or 10-kilometre walk or run, participants stop mid-run to taste wines and take in the beautiful scenery. No, it’s not about breaking any personal bests, so there will be more wine tasting, cheese, and chocolate at the finish line. Limited to 300 participants, entry is $88.58 with details at montecreekwinery.com/events/get-corked-2025/