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A Guide to Alcohol-Free Beer for Dry January

A Guide to Alcohol-Free Beer for Dry January

by GULP Bottleshop in News

What is Dry January (and where did it come from)?

Dry January started in the UK in 2013 as a public health campaign encouraging people to take a month-long break from alcohol after the festive season. The goal wasn’t abstinence forever, but awareness: helping people reset their relationship with drinking, sleep better, feel more energised, and be more mindful about when and why they drink.

Fast-forward to today, and Dry January has become global — with one big shift: people still want great-tasting beer, just without the alcohol.

Big-name alcohol-free beers vs craft alcohol-free beers: what’s the real difference?

Most people’s first experience of alcohol-free beer comes from large commercial brands like Guinness, Heineken or Corona. These beers have improved massively over the last decade — but they’re made very differently from craft alcohol-free beers.

Big brands

  • Typically brewed as full-strength beer first, then de-alcoholised using large-scaled industrial methods (vacuum distillation or membrane filtration).
  • Flavour profiles are intentionally conservative, designed to appeal to the widest possible audience.
  • Often prioritise consistency, shelf stability, and mass distribution over freshness.

Craft breweries

  • Tend to design recipes specifically for low or zero alcohol from the start.
  • Use techniques like restricted fermentation, specialised yeasts, or carefully controlled mashing to preserve body and flavour.
  • More willing to experiment with hops, malts, and styles - including IPA, XPA, and stout - rather than sticking to one "safe" lager.

The result means alcohol-free beers that actually taste like beer, not flavoured soda pretending to be one.

How to choose a good alcohol-free craft beer

If you’ve been burned by bland AF beers before, here’s what to look out for:

  1. Style: Hoppy styles like IPA and XPA naturally mask alcohol absence better than ultra-light lagers. Dark beers like stout also work surprisingly well.
  2. Brewery: Breweries with a strong track record in flavour-forward beers tend to make better alcohol-free versions.
  3. Freshness: Alcohol-free beers are more sensitive to oxidation and heat. Cold storage and quick delivery make a noticeable difference.

Where to buy alcohol-free beer in Singapore

Supermarkets

Most major supermarkets stock alcohol-free versions of mainstream brands - convenient, familiar, and easy to find.

What we stock at GULP

At GULP, we focus on alcohol-free craft beers that are distinctive and full of flavour (explore the range here). We've recently restocked the full Tiny range from Garage Project, one of New Zealand's most respected craft breweries, as well as Sonoma AF Pale Ale by Track, which stood out in our own tastings for its balance and hop character.

These beers are brewed with the same intent and care as their full-strength counterparts - flavour first, alcohol second.

Sonoma AF Pale Ale: Classic Citra & Mosaic hops are balanced together in perfect harmony, creating that instantly-recognisable flavour we all know and love.

Tiny Lager with Lime: Crisp, refreshing and properly dry, with real citrus lift rather than artificial sweetness. This beer clinched Gold at the @melbourne.royal International Beer Awards - need we say more?

Tiny IPA: Hop-forward and aromatic, using modern hop varieties to deliver bitterness and aroma without relying on alcohol for structure.

Tiny XPA: Balanced and sessionable, sitting between a pale ale and IPA, with a clean malt base and bright hop character.

Tiny Stout: One of the hardest styles to get right without alcohol - roasted malts provide body, bitterness, and depth, making this genuinely satisfying.

How your alcohol-free beer is stored matters

Alcohol-free beer is less forgiving than regular beer. Without alcohol acting as a preservative, it’s more sensitive to heat, light and oxygen exposure.

At GULP, our beers are stored cold from brewery to doorstep. This cold-chain handling preserves hop aroma, malt character, and overall freshness - ensuring that what you taste is what the brewer intended.

We also offer free same-day delivery in Singapore on orders over $100, meaning less time sitting on shelves and more time in your fridge.

Final word

Dry January doesn't have to mean dull drinking. With the right beers, going alcohol-free can still be flavourful, satisfying, and genuinely enjoyable.

If you're easing into the month or simply want great beer without the buzz, the Tiny range in our alcohol-free collection is a very good place to start. 🍻

Tags: AF beer alcohol-free beer singapore alcohol-free craft beer dry january low alcohol beer non-alcoholic beer

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Exploring Singapore Through Its Craft Beer Scene - A Tourist Guide

Exploring Singapore Through Its Craft Beer Scene - A Tourist Guide

Singapore might be famous for hawker food, rooftop infinity pools and shopping malls that could double as airports. However, quietly (and steadily) it has also built one of Asia's most exciting and international craft beer scenes. The best part? Many of the hottest craft beer spots are tucked right into neighbourhoods you'd already want to explore as a visitor. Think heritage shophouses, riverside walks, easy hikes and UNESCO gardens - all with a cold beer never too far away. Consider this your friendly, slightly opinionated tourists guide to visiting Singapore while checking out its craft beer scene, organised by neighbourhood so you can drink smart and sightsee efficiently. Chinatown & Duxton: Heritage, Hawkers and Rooftop Views   Start in Chinatown, where heritage temples sit next to bubble tea shops and bargain massages at Chinatown Point are practically a rite of passage. Wander towards Duxton Hill for some of the prettiest conserved shophouses in Singapore, now home to boutique stores, wine bars and cafes. These stops are all within walking distance of the sights, and each other: Smith Street Taps: One of Singapore's OG craft beer spots, and among the first to bring good beer into a hawker centre. No frills, just history and solid pours. Welcome Renmin: A long-standing hawker bar serving its self-developed brews, proof that craft beer in Singapore didn't start with fancy taprooms. Grab some Sichuan or Thai food to go along with a cold one.  The Otherside: Casual rooftop vibes for when you want fresh air, city views and something cold in hand. Great at sunset, looking over the Buddha Tooth Temple. SG Taps: On the top of Duxton Hill, specialising in locally brewed and asian beers. Japanese food and great people watching. Marina Bay: Iconic Sights, Iconic Beers   This is postcard Singapore. Walk through Gardens by the Bay, head up a Marina Bay Sands rooftop, or stop by the historic CHIJMES complex before settling into one of these beer-friendly spots: Almost Famous: Modern Korean bar and restaurant with 15 taps of cocktails and craft beers inside historical church and convent CHIJMES. LeVel33: Home to what's often called the world's highest urban microbrewery. Come for the skyline views, stay for the beers brewed literally above the city. It may not be the most adventurous beer programme in Singapore, but the setting makes it a memorable visit. Black Tap: Inside Marina Bay Sands, known for indulgent burgers, milkshakes and craft beers dished up in a trendy NYC restaurant offshoot. Singapore River: Otters, History and Exclusive Beers   Once at the heart of Singapore's trading port, the Singapore River is now a relaxed stretch for strolling, people-watching and - if you're lucky - spotting otters swimming past like they own the place. Beers and bites along the river: GULP Riverside Taproom: Yes, our place! Sit by the river with over 200 drinks to choose from, including exclusive beers you won't find anywhere else in Singapore. A relaxing hang out for craft beer nerds and casual drinkers, with natural wines, artisan spirits and rough-cut pastry pies to soak it all up.  Bad Habits: Arguably some of the best pizza slices in town, paired with a rotating array of quality craft beer cans. Grab a seat on the street and settle in. Lots of cool kids here. Rail Corridor: Easy Hiking with Rewarding Beer Stops     The Rail Corridor is a 24km green stretch running across Singapore, perfect for an easy, mostly flat walk if you want nature without committing to a full hike. It also used to be a railway to Malaysia (hence the name!) which is kinda cool. Reward yourself along the way: Elixir Code: A small neighbourhood bar that imports beers from eastern Europe, Canada and more. You'll find some unique but world class beers on here. Colbar: Not a craft beer spot, but worth a stop to the old colonial cafe for some old style British Ales and some British/Hainanese favourite.  Yeast Side (King Albert Park): A solid place to end (or motivate) your walk with freshly brewed beers, sourdough pizzas and sandwiches. Jalan Besar, Haji Lane, Arab Street & Little India: Colour, Culture and Cool Bars     This cluster of neighbourhood is packed with personality. Haji Lane and Arab Street are lined with colourful shophouses, independent boutiques and cafes, while Little India delivers vibrant culture, temples and amazing food. Craft beer friendly bars to hop between: The Druggists: Craft beer restaurant in a 1930s shophouse - rotating taps, asian food, natural wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Second Thoughts: Started by one of our first GULP taproom crew, JK and his mates. A stone's throw from Druggists, Second Thoughts has 8 taps of craft beer, wine options, and a menu full of wicked small plates. It's cozy and trendy interior are well worth the visit alone, making you feel at home. MALT: An intimate but stylish space with a rotating lineup of 12 of the best craft beers in Singapore. You can order in from local places (pizza, Japanese, Chinese etc.) or bring your own food. Bellies: New spot in the food famous Fortune Centre. Well worth the visit for both great beers on tap and in the fridge whilst soaking up a bit of old school mall nostalgia. Botanic Gardens: UNESCO Walks and Local Brews     A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a great way to escape the noise and pace of the city area. Enjoyed best in the evening, roam amongst the palms, jungles and lakes on your way for a lovely beer. Nearby, you'll find: Orh Gao Taproom: One of the original great taprooms in Singapore. Opening soon with a new look. Located in a friendly neighbourhood, they are pouring local and international favourites, ideal after a long garden stroll. Final Sip Singapore's craft beer scene fits neatly into the city itself. The best places are often right where you're already exploring, making it easy to pause, cool off and enjoy a good beer along the way. Whether you're visiting Singapore for a weekend or a week, this guide should help you drink well, walk often and see the sights of Singapore whilst having pints like a pro.  Cheers 🍻

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A Beginner’s Guide to Gifting Craft Beer in Singapore

Shopping for someone who takes their beer seriously can be intimidating, especially if you don’t speak the language of hops, malts or fermentation styles. You may know that they love craft beer, but beyond that, it can feel hard to know where to begin. This guide is designed to simplify the process. It’s written for anyone who wants to gift something unique, interesting and genuinely appreciated - even if you don’t know your stout from your sour. Start with this principle: avoid the “usual” The first rule of a great craft beer gift is simple: don’t simply buy what they already drink every week. A good gift isn’t about refilling someone’s fridge. Craft beer is all about discovery, quality and experience. Look for beers that offer one (or more) of the following: Rarity Seasonality Experimentation Award-winning reputation Limited production These elements turn a simple drink into a meaningful gift. Prioritise beers that feel special or exclusive When selecting craft beers as a gift, these are the signals worth looking out for on the label or in the description: Limited edition or seasonal releases Beers marked as “seasonal”, “limited” or “one-off” are brewed in small batches and won’t be around forever. These make particularly good gifts because they aren’t something the recipient can easily pick up any day of the week. Our picks: Start with our 'Fresh In' section, where all the newest limited releases drop Look out for breweries like Mountain Culture and Sudden Death, which are known for their inventive one-offs and collaboration brews. Beers that are exclusive in Singapore Another way to make your gift stand out is by choosing beers that aren’t widely available. At GULP, we carry a selection of craft beers that are exclusive to us in Singapore, from respected breweries spanning West to East, from the US (The Veil and KCBC) all the way to Thailand (Samata Brewing Co.).  These breweries are known for small-batch production, bold creativity and strong global following. Choosing an exclusive beer adds a layer of thoughtfulness and rarity to your gift - we import a lot of these at GULP. Here are a few breweries that you can't get in many places: Left Handed Giant, from Bristol, UK Tempest Brewing, from Scotland Polly's, from North Wales Basqueland, from Northern Spain Beers with interesting flavour profiles You don’t have to choose anything too extreme, but selecting beers with distinctive character immediately elevates the gift. Examples include: Beer aged in whisky or bourbon barrels Stouts or porters brewed with coffee, cacao, coconut or vanilla Sours brewed with tropical fruits or botanicals IPAs made with unique or experimental hop combinations These are the beers that invite slow, thoughtful drinking and often, conversation. Our picks: Vault City Brewing - zingy, tart beers made from real fruit Sudden Death Brewing - fresh, tropical high hop styles Mountain Culture - Easy drinking, award winning beers from Australia Holy Goat - Funky, traditional ales Little Pomona - Not beer! But hand picked, natural fermentation cider Aim for a balanced, well-rounded selection If you’re gifting more than one beer, balance matters. A strong, well-thought-out selection will usually include a mix such as: 1 hoppy beer (IPA/Pale Ale) 1 dark, rich beer (Stout/Porter) 1 fresh, crisp beer (Lager/Pilsner) 1 experimental or sour beer You could also throw in a cider or a non-alcoholic beer This gives variety and a proper tasting experience, rather than multiple versions of the same style. Why proper storage and cold delivery matters Once you’ve selected the perfect beers as a gift, it’s just as important to store them properly, especially if you’re buying them ahead of time.  Here’s how to keep them in the best possible condition at home: Store them in the fridge as soon as you receive them Keep them upright to minimise oxidation and sediment disturbance Avoid light exposure, especially direct sunlight, which can damage hop compounds Don't leave them out at room temperature for extended periods Avoid temperature fluctuations - consistent cold is best These steps help preserve carbonation, aroma and intended flavour, ensuring the beer tastes exactly as the brewer designed it to. At GULP, every beer is: Stored cold from the moment it arrives with us Handled carefully to minimise light and heat exposure Delivered fresh and cold, door-to-door We also offer free same-day delivery across Singapore on orders over $100, so even if you’re shopping last-minute, you can still send a thoughtful, high-quality gift without compromising on freshness. A simple way to give a meaningful, memorable gift Craft beer reflects creativity, process and craftsmanship. When selected with intention, it becomes more than just a drink - it becomes an experience. You don’t need deep technical knowledge to get this right. A thoughtful selection of well-made, interesting beers already says a lot and if it needs to be delivered cold and done properly - you’re in exactly the right place!

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Light, Sessionable Beers Perfect for Singapore’s Holiday Feasting Season

Light, Sessionable Beers Perfect for Singapore’s Holiday Feasting Season

When December rolls around in Singapore, we’re not exactly curling up by the fireplace with a mulled wine. We’re usually sweating over a BBQ pit, squeezing around a potluck table loaded with carbs, or balancing a plate of roast turkey and bee hoon goreng. It’s a season of endless gatherings — and if you’re drinking, you need beers that won’t knock you out before the ham makes its second appearance. Enter: light, sessionable craft beers. Easy-drinking. Food-friendly. Perfect for all-day feasting with family you love (and those you… tolerate). Below, we break down why session beers shine during the holidays plus some fresh picks you can bring to your next party. Why Sessionable Beers Work So Well for the Holidays 1. You can drink them all afternoon without crashing Holiday gatherings here tend to stretch from “just dropping by” to “why is it 11pm and where did all the kueh go?”. Beers in the 3–5% range (or even lower) let you stay upright, festive and social for longer. 2. They play well with everything on the table From roast chicken to sambal stingray to honey-baked ham, session beers rarely overpower. They’re refreshing palate cleansers in between the heavier bites. 3. Perfect for Singapore’s heat Sure, December in Singapore feels slightly cooler but let’s be real, it’s still summer with surprise heat waves waiting to ambush you. You want something light, crisp and insanely crushable. What Counts as a Sessionable Beer? Traditionally, anything under ~5% ABV with high drinkability. This includes: Pale ales that are citrusy and breezy Hoppy lagers for crisp refreshment Light hazies with soft juiciness Wheat beers with a gentle spice Low-ABV sours for a bright, tangy lift Non-alcoholic beers that mimic the real thing without the regret The best part: session beers don’t mean boring beers. Many breweries are getting creative with low-ABV brewing without sacrificing flavour. Our Favourite Sessionable Picks for Holiday Feasting 1. Crisp & Refreshing (Perfect for BBQs, Seafood, and Potluck Chaos) Ideal when the table is packed with chilli crab, prawns, grilled veg, or anything with a bit of spice. Cerveza Lager (4.0% ABV) - A super-crisp Mexican-style lager with bright lime zest and a pinch of sea salt. Caleta Mediterranean Lager (3.4% ABV) - Delicate citrus, lemongrass and gentle spice layered over a crisp, light, bright-gold lager body with a smooth white foam. Santa Clara Lager (4.8% ABV) - Light malt sweetness, floral Tettnanger hops and a clean grassy bitterness over a pale, straw-yellow lager body. 2. Light & Hazy (For Friends Who Want Juicy Flavour Without the Knockout Punch) Hazy IPAs don’t have to be heavy; many breweries now do low-ABV versions with big hop aroma. Pale Armadillo (3.8% ABV) - Citrus, tropical fruit and juicy hop notes over a crisp, highly sessionable pale ale base. Triangles (4.8% ABV) - Juicy pineapple and mango hop aromatics over a soft, hazy, easy-drinking session IPA base. 3. Tangy, Fruity Sours (A Crowd-Pleaser Even for “Non-Beer People”) Sours cut through rich holiday food beautifully and always get people talking. Cha Thai Yuzu (4.0% ABV) - Creamy Thai tea, warm spice and bright yuzu tang in a bold, aromatic fruited sour. A GULP exclusive! Cloudy Lemonade Sour (4.2% ABV) - Zesty lemon, bright acidity and a soft, lingering sweetness in a light, crushable session sour. Soorveza (4.0% ABV) - A gose with lime juice and zest. Vegan-friendly 4. Low-Alcohol & Non-Alcoholic Options (For the Designated Drivers, Parents, and Sensible Ones) A good NA beer helps everyone feel included, especially when they taste just like the real thing. Cult AF Pale Ale (0.5% ABV) - Candy, Zesty, Tropical. Journey Juice AF Pale Ale (0.5% ABV) - A Sabro Pale with Mango, Chilli & Lime. Final Sip: Keep It Light, Keep It Fun The holidays are meant for connection — not for someone passing out on your sofa at 6pm. Light, sessionable beers are the perfect way to keep the vibe going while staying clear-headed enough to enjoy every plate, every conversation, and every unexpected Secret Santa reveal. So stock your fridge, grab a few of the picks above, and get ready for an easy-drinking, feast-friendly holiday season. Cheers! 🍻

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