BrewDog: The Punk Brewers Who Shook Up Beer (and Why Their AF Range Matters Now)
If there’s one modern brewery that’s mastered the art of grabbing attention, it’s BrewDog. Love them or roll your eyes at them, the Scottish troublemakers have been impossible to ignore since they burst onto the scene in 2007. Back then, the beer world was still dominated by the same old big-brand lagers and safe, predictable ales. BrewDog’s answer? Brew louder. Brew stronger. Brew weirder. And, most importantly, brew beers that tasted like something.
From a Tiny Unit in Fraserburgh to Craft Beer Icons
Founders James Watt and Martin Dickie started out in a tiny industrial unit in Fraserburgh, armed with a pair of dogs, a lot of attitude, and a mission to drag beer drinkers away from blandness. Their early hits Punk IPA, 5AM Red Ale, and Hardcore IPA became cult favourites and helped kick-start the UK craft beer boom. Suddenly everyone wanted hops, flavour, and a bit of swagger in their pint.
BrewDog’s Surprisingly Serious Approach to Alcohol-Free
For all their headline-grabbing stunts (End of History, anyone?) and “punk” branding, BrewDog has also been surprisingly forward-thinking in one area that really matters for us at ModestDrinker: alcohol-free brewing.
Over the last few years, BrewDog has become one of the biggest players in the AF beer scene. And unlike some breweries that treat alcohol-free as a token add-on, BrewDog has invested real energy and tech into making low- and no-ABV beers that don’t taste like an afterthought. Their AF line-up isn’t just a box-ticking exercise it’s an extension of the same bold, hop-forward identity that made them famous in the first place.
From the now-iconic Nanny State to their evolving AF versions of flagship beers, BrewDog’s alcohol-free options have opened the door for drinkers who want flavour without the fuzziness. Whether you’re taking a night off, cutting back, or just genuinely enjoy AF beers (no judgement here), their range gives you plenty to explore.
What This Post Covers
In this post, I’ll dive into the best BrewDog alcohol-free brews how they taste, how they compare to their full-strength siblings, and which ones are worth stocking in your fridge. But before that, it’s worth knowing how BrewDog got here, why they doubled down on AF brewing, and what sets their approach apart.
Why BrewDog Went Big on Alcohol-Free
So how did a brewery famous for 55% ABV ice-distilled monsters end up becoming a leader in the alcohol-free space? In classic BrewDog fashion, it started with a challenge. They wanted to prove that you could make a seriously flavourful beer without relying on alcohol to prop it up. No shortcuts, no watery substitutes—just proper brewing, dialled in differently.
Their first attempt, Nanny State, was brewed as a tongue-in-cheek response to critics who said their beers were too strong. But the joke ended up becoming a movement. People liked it. A lot. And suddenly BrewDog realised they’d tapped into a growing desire for great-tasting beer that didn’t have to end your night early.
Since then, they’ve treated alcohol-free brewing like a real craft—experimenting with malt profiles, playing with hop bursts, adjusting fermentation, and using tech that lets them keep big flavour while holding back the ABV. Today, their lineup isn’t just big “for an AF brand”it’s big full stop.
What’s in the BrewDog AF Line-Up?
BrewDog now offers a surprisingly varied selection of alcohol-free beers, covering everything from hop bombs to crisp lagers. And just like their full-strength range, the AF side is built around attitude, flavour, and accessibility. Whether you’re a hazy fan, a lager lover, or someone who just wants something cold and hoppy after work, there’s something in their fridge for you.
In the next section, I’ll break down BrewDog’s core AF beers—how they taste, what they do well, and which ones actually deserve a regular spot in your rotation. From the evergreen Nanny State to the crowd-pleasing Punk AF, the juicy Hazy AF, and the clean, sessionable Lost AF lager, we’ll explore what each brings to the table and who they’re best for.
Below are the core AF beers I’ve tried (still hunting down Nanny State—it always seems to be out of stock!).
Wingman AF
Style: Alcohol-free Session Ale
Wingman AF is the zero-alcohol version of BrewDog’s easy-drinking session ale. For me, it’s the weakest of their AF lineup. It’s perfectly drinkable but lacks the depth and punch you might expect from BrewDog. Still, if you like light, mellow beers, it might work for you.
Punk AF
Style: Alcohol-free IPA
As the name suggests, this is the AF spin on their flagship Punk IPA. It’s a solid alcohol-free IPA—crisp, hoppy, and definitely recognisable as “Punk.” It does miss some of the complexity of the original, but as a supermarket-friendly AF option, it’s a reliable go-to.
Lost AF
Style: Alcohol-free Lager
Lost AF is the no-alcohol version of BrewDog’s clean, crisp Lost Lager. It’s refreshing, easy-going, and one of the better AF lagers out there. A great choice if you want something simple and sessionable.
Hazy AF
Style: Alcohol-free Hazy IPA
This one surprised me—in a good way. Hazy AF is one of my favourite alcohol-free IPAs full stop. Big aroma, soft mouthfeel, juicy hops—it genuinely hits the hazy brief. If you’re browsing supermarket shelves and want something with flavour and body, this is a strong pick.
Verdict
All in all, BrewDog’s AF range is pretty solid. Whether you’re grabbing something from the supermarket shelves or ordering at a BrewDog bar, they offer a great mix of styles and flavours. You might find favourites and least-favourites (I certainly do), but overall, you can’t go far wrong.
If BrewDog keeps pushing their alcohol-free lineup the way they have been, they’re only going to get better—and that’s great news for anyone exploring the world of low- and no-ABV beer.
