James Grundy, co-founder of Small Beer, joins me to share the fascinating story behind reviving a brewing tradition that vanished over a century ago.

After several years building a gin brand, James & partner, former Fuller's brewer Felix James, set out to revive "small beer", historically consumed for nutrition and hydration, with an upper limit of 2.8% ABV.

Their mission: to create the perfect middle ground between teetotalism and the spectacular hangovers from increasingly strong craft beers, has now grown into a B Corp-certified brewery that has revolutionised water usage and is now launching across 450 M&S stores.

0:00 A brief history of Small Beers
5:40 Bringing back a lost art
9:02 Finding a market
11:14 70% lager
17:53 The Small Beer range
22:50 Brewing up to mid-strength
25:32 Dry Floor policy
28:05 Long lagering & other challenges
29:38 Collaborative brewing & B Corp status
31:40 Launching into 450 M&S stores
34:20 Retail support
35:33 The mid-strength movement
42:06 Finding Small Beer
43:20 The BBQ-Q

TRY SMALL BEER* // @ORIGINALSMALLBEER

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT: Maison Sassy Cider*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#74 - 50% of drinkers prefer going for two: How ‘coasting’ is changing the way we moderate

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🥂 Submit your non-alc or funtional drink to the innagural Bottle Raiders Zero Proof Choice Awards by July 31st - https://bottleraiders.com/zero-proof-choice-awards/

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📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

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💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

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*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week, I'm joined by Anita Osborne, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Lyre's Spirit Co. in the EU and UK. Anita takes us behind the scenes of one of the most successful global alcohol-free brands, sharing the highs and lows of building a business that spans over 60 territories.

From launching with an ambitious 12 spirits (including an alcohol-free absinthe!) to navigating supply chain nightmares, pirate attacks on the Suez Canal, and strategic downsizing, Anita doesn't hold back about what it really takes to survive in this space.

We explore Lyre's "your drink, your way" philosophy, why they're moving away from sober-specific marketing, and why it's OK that non-alcoholic spirits will never taste exactly like their alcoholic counterparts.

0:00 The Lyre's Story
6:45 Our changing attitudes in hospitality
9:57 The Lyre's range: Why is it so big?!
17:22 Lyre's RTDs
21:30 A global concern
32:34 Bridging the moderation gap
41:06 Not a like-for-like
46:07 Still fiercely independent
51:36 The BBQ-Q

LYRES.COM // @LYRESSPIRITCO

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
L.A Brewery*
Botivo*
Guinness 0.0*
Sheppy’s*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#80 - 12 Years in the Making: From Seedlip to Seasn to Sylva to Shandy with Ben Branson

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🥂 Submit your non-alc or funtional drink to the innagural Bottle Raiders Zero Proof Choice Awards by July 31st - https://bottleraiders.com/zero-proof-choice-awards/

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📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

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*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Today I’m diving into a question that comes up a lot — is it safe, and is it a good idea, to give alcohol-free drinks to kids?

I’m talking specifically about drinks under 0.5% ABV (so not low, light or mid-strength alcohol).

I cover the safety aspect first, but more importantly, I explore the bigger question: should we be giving them to kids at all?

I share why these drinks aren’t made for children, what message we might be sending if we do give them to our kids, and what to consider when the conversation gets a bit trickier, especially with teenagers.

As always, no judgment, just my honest thoughts. I’d love to hear yours.


0:00 Are alcohol free drinks safe for kids?
3:47 Industry intent
6:26 Adult flavour profiles
8:14 What messages are we sending to kids & teens?
11:23 Not made for the young

Also mentioned:
Mocktails*
Lucky Saint*

Best episode to listen to next:
#76 Beyond Bananas! 12 surprising foods that contain alcohol

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📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

===
*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Mark Wong joins me to share the journey behind Impossibrew, the functional beer brand that went from Dragon's Den rejection to securing six and then seven-figure crowdfunding.

I nosy my way into their proprietary "social blend" of plant-based ingredients designed to replicate that one-or-two-pint feeling without the alcohol, how they've iterated their recipes based on customer feedback, and why Mark believes that despite his immense success, there’s still a lot of work to be done.

0:00 Mark's Impossibrew Journey
7:18 Failure is not a reason to stop
11:49 The beers
19:08 What's in the Impossibrew 'Social Blend'
26:40 Crowdfunding success
29:19 The future of functional AF beer
37:31 Low & no in Japan
41:49 What's next for Impossibrew?
45:35 The BBQ-Q

IMPOSSIBREW.CO.UK // @IMPOSSIBREWBEER // LABS LOYALTY

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Sierra Nevada Hop Water

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#59 Plant-powered AF Brewing: On Beer

===
🥂 Submit your non-alc or funtional drink to the innagural Bottle Raiders Zero Proof Choice Awards by July 31st - https://bottleraiders.com/zero-proof-choice-awards/

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

===
*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week, I'm diving into the thorny topic of alcohol-free wine and why we need to stop whining about it.

Whilst I'm not claiming it's perfect yet, the constant negativity isn't helping anyone.

I explore why alcohol-free wine faces unique challenges compared to the meteoric rise of AF beer, from centuries of tradition to higher production costs, and why these passionate producers deserve our support rather than our scorn.

It's time to approach alcohol-free wine with curiosity instead of cruelty, give it the same trial-and-error approach we gave full-strength wines, and help shape its future through constructive feedback rather than writing off an entire category.

0:00 Stop Whining About Alcohol-Free Wine
1:52 The wine/beer comparison problem
4:22 Upcoming wine mini-series
6:35 Industry efforts
8:21 Technological costs
10:13 Our responsibility as drinkers
16:12 Communicate with the makers

Best episode to listen to next:
#94. Lifted: The UK's First High Protein Alcohol-Free Beer

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📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

===
*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week I'm chatting with Tony Robinson, co-founder of Lifted - the UK's first 0.0% high protein craft lager made for athletes.

Tony and his wife, Rebecca, launched their unique offering to solve a problem they were both experiencing - wanting additional protein in their diets whilst enjoying alcohol-free options after workouts.

With over 250,000 cans sold and a fiercely loyal customer base, Lifted sits at the intersection of fitness culture and mindful drinking.

Tony shares the challenges of creating a category of one, the lengthy R&D process of making protein beer actually taste good, and why they're determined to stay true to their "brewed for the stronger you" mission despite knowing that the requests for an alcoholic version would sell a lot easier.

0:00 Tony's Lifted story
6:04 Making an alcohol-free protein lager
11:13 Who's drinking non-alcoholic protein beer?
16:59 250,000 cans sold so far
18:27 Customers & costs
21:52 A category of one
24:16 Developing the range
26:44 Why protein?
35:46 What's the point?
38:59 Where to find Lifted
39:40 The BBQ-Q

TRY LIFTED* - @LIFTED_BREWING

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Big Drop*
Brew Dog Punk IPA*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#90. How Lucky Saint Is Brewing Beer You Can Believe In (Even at Lunchtime)

===
🥂 Submit your non-alc or funtional drink to the innagural Bottle Raiders Zero Proof Choice Awards by July 31st - https://bottleraiders.com/zero-proof-choice-awards/

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

===
*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

I get asked constantly whether I still drink alcohol, as my answer will somehow validate my right to speak on the subject. Well, I'm getting fed up of answering that question, and here's why - it's completely missing the point!

In this one-on-one episode, I’m jumping with two feet into why I've built this platform for the messy middle ground, why shame-based messaging from both sides drives me mad, and why you don't need to make lifelong commitments to change something today. This is my honest take on why the Low No Drinker Media platform isn't about demonising alcohol or crowning ourselves as superior - it's simply about helping you figure out what works for you.

0:00 No preaching from the middle ground
5:00 Alcohol isn't evil, but it is powerful
10:02 No shame, no fearmongering, no misinformation
15:00 My business would be easier if I did

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📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

===
*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Laura Silverman is the founder of Zero Proof Nation, a global platform connecting low and no-drinks & drinkers worldwide. Nearly 18 years sober, Laura’s LinkedIn profile describes her as "the nexus of NA" – a title she's earned through her tireless work building community and resources for the alcohol-free movement, including the most comprehensive global map of booze-free bars and bottle shops.

0:00 Meeting Laura Silverman
2:21 Different worlds, one nation!
3:20 Laura's story: Hospitalised twice by 24
13:10 First steps to building Zero Proof Nation
16:39 What is Zero Proof Nation
28:24 The changing range in non-alc
31:12 Wines Laura loves
35:02 Partnering with All The Bitter
40:38 Finding Laura & Booze Free in DC
44:25 The BBQ-Q

zeroproofnation.com
boozefreeindc.com
zeroproofnation.substack.com

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Bero*
Athletic Brewing*
Bolle*
Go Brewing
One For The Road
Wilderton’s
Hoplark

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#39 Bolle: The only double-fermented alcohol-free sparkling wine

===
🥂 Submit your non-alc or funtional drink to the innagural Bottle Raiders Zero Proof Choice Awards by July 31st - https://bottleraiders.com/zero-proof-choice-awards/

===
📰 SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker*
with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

===
*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.