BrewDog Punk AF Review: Can This Alcohol-Free IPA Live Up to the Legend?

Manufacturer Description

“At 0.5% ABV, it’s the Punk IPA you know and love, but without the alcohol so when you want to opt for an alcohol free beer, we’ve got you covered with the best” – Brewdog. 

About BrewDog

Founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, BrewDog is a Scottish craft brewery based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Known for shaking up the beer world with its rebellious attitude and bold flavours, BrewDog has grown from a small independent brewer into one of Europe’s best-known craft beer brands.

Their flagship Punk IPA helped spark the UK craft beer movement, and now the company’s alcohol-free range including Punk AF, Hazy AF, and Wingman AF is helping lead the charge for flavour-packed low-ABV options. Love them or loathe them, BrewDog has played a major role in putting alcohol-free craft beer on supermarket shelves everywhere.

Tasting Review: Aroma, Appearance & Drinkability

Aroma

A fresh, lightly hoppy aroma greets you straight away inviting, crisp, and very much in keeping with BrewDog’s signature IPA style.

Appearance

A lively golden pour with a small but persistent head. It looks the part and promises refreshment before you’ve even taken a sip.

Taste & Mouthfeel

There’s a nice hit of hops with a clean bitterness that keeps things interesting. However, it does lean a bit on the watery side, especially when compared to the full-strength Punk IPA. The carbonation, though, adds a satisfying fizz and keeps it refreshing.

Verdict

As I’ve previously mentioned in my review of Hazy AF, I’ve been a bit of a fan of Brew Dog for a few years, starting during lockdown where many a beer bundle from them saw me through evening stuck at home.

On its own, it’s a solid alcohol-free option: crisp, hoppy, and refreshing. But when you compare it to the original Punk IPA, it does fall a little short on depth and body. The flavour’s good, but it doesn’t quite have the punch that made Punk IPA famous.

That said, if you’re looking for an easy-drinking, accessible alcohol-free IPA that actually tastes like beer, Punk AF is definitely worth a try.

Have you tried Punk AF?

Share your thoughts in the comments — and check out more alcohol-free beer reviews at ModestDrinker.com!