Bristol-made beer named best alcohol-free IPA in the world

The Butcombe Brewing Co pale ale won the top prize after a blind tasting by judges

An alcohol-free beer made in a brewery near Bristol has scooped the top prize at an international competition. Butcombe Brewing Co’s Goram IPA Zero took home home a gold medal at the 2026 World Alcohol‑Free Awards.

The awards were founded in 2022 by former Michelin‑starred drinks buyer Chrissie Parkinson and writer Chris Losh, and exclusively judge drinks at 0.5 per cent ABV or below.

This year’s competition attracted more than 400 entries from 20 countries, spanning alcohol‑free beers, wines, spirits, aperitivos, teas and functional drinks. A panel of specialist judges from the UK, Europe and the US assessed products through blind tastings.

“Through two rounds of judging – and tasted blind – all our beer judges consistently loved this drink and it thoroughly deserved its gold medal,” the judges said in a statement.

“The beer section of the competition was especially strong this year, so to pick up a top award was a real achievement. To do it for the second time in four years just reinforces how consistently good an all-round brew Goram IPA Zero is.”

Goram IPA Zero’s is one of the most awarded alcohol‑free beers in the UK, with six major accolades in the past two years. Brewed with eight hop varieties, the beer is currently enjoying a surge in popularity within the running community through Butcombe Group’s partnerships with Maverick Trail Races and London Marathon events.

Jayson Perfect, Butcombe Group chief operating officer, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Goram IPA Zero take home another gold at these prestigious world-renowned awards.

“The team has worked hard to create an alcohol‑free beer that doesn’t compromise on flavour, and this award is a brilliant recognition of that. With more drinkers choosing great‑tasting alcohol‑free options, it’s fantastic to see Goram IPA Zero leading the way.”

The news comes just two months after Butcombe announced an “exceptional sales performance” in its first full year trading under its new brand name.

The Wrington-based group – formerly known as Liberation – said its investment in its estate, particularly its accommodation, had helped it outperform the broader market over the 12 months to the end of January.