Drop Bear Bonfire Smoked Stout Review: Rich, Smoky & Alcohol-Free

Manufacturer Description

“A decadent stout with a smoked malt twist. Our alcohol free stout provides notes of espresso, smoke, and dark chocolate. Smokey, roasted, smooth.”– Drop Bear Beer co.

About Drop Bear Beer Co.

Drop Bear Beer Co. is a pioneering Welsh brewery specialising exclusively in alcohol-free craft beers. Founded in 2019 by married couple Joelle and Sarah Drummond, the brand was born from a kitchen experiment with a bold mission: to brew non-alcoholic beers full of flavour and free from compromise.

In 2021, Drop Bear switched from bottles to cans to improve recyclability and reduce its carbon footprint an important step toward becoming Wales’ first certified B Corp™ brewery, a goal they successfully achieved.

By January 2024, Drop Bear launched the UK’s largest alcohol-free brewery in Swansea, capable of producing up to 25 million cans annually. Their commitment to ethical, sustainable brewing paired with standout alcohol-free beers has earned them industry acclaim and a loyal following.

Introducing Drop Bear Bonfire Stout

Launched in 2019, Drop Bear Bonfire Stout is brewed much like a traditional stout but without the alcohol. 

It starts with a rich blend of dark and smoked malts, which bring deep notes of coffee, chocolate, and a warming campfire-like smokiness. 

Then a small amount of hops adds balance, while a careful, slow fermentation process lets all these flavours develop without creating alcohol. 

The end result is a smooth, full-bodied alcohol-free stout that delivers all the character of a classic dark beer without the hangover.

🏅 Awards:

Drop Bear Bonfire Smoked Stout has earned multiple prestigious awards:

🥇 2021 European Beer Challenge – Gold in the Low Alcohol/Gluten-Free Beer category

🥇 2023 European Beer Challenge – Gold again, with judges praising its “robust flavours of smoke and espresso, smooth texture, and complex taste profile”

🥈 2023 World Beer Awards – Silver in the No & Low Alcohol Stout & Porter category

🥇 2023 London Beer Competition – Top-scoring non-alcoholic stout with 84 points

My Review: First Sip Impressions 

Aroma

Deep malty notes of chocolate with a hint of dates, underlined by a gentle smokiness.

Appearance

Pours a rich, dark reddish-black colour with a nice, though short-lived, creamy head that invites you to indulge.

Taste & Mouthfeel

Rich malt flavours come through with chocolate and subtle dates. The smoky undertone adds depth, coating the tongue with a smooth, pleasant layer. A slight bitter aftertaste rounds out the experience, typical for a well-balanced stout.

Verdict

After previously trying Drop Bear Tropical IPA I was excited to sample the Bonfire Smoked Stout, and I can’t say I was disappointed.

I enjoyed this beer from the eye-catching can design to the inviting aroma and deliciously complex taste, this alcohol-free stout stands out. 

While I’m usually a Guinness fan, this is a fantastic addition to the stout category for anyone seeking a non-alcoholic option. 

Highly recommended for those who want a rich, flavourful stout without the alcohol.

If you’re also into non-alcoholic IPAs with big fruit notes and excellent drinkability, Drop Bear’s Tropical IPA is a solid choice.

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic IPA with big fruit notes and great drinkability, this is a solid pick.

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