The huge growth in the variety and quality of alcohol-free beers from independent breweries can only be a good thing, providing an option for those that may be driving, pregnant or prefer not to drink alcohol.
But one beer category often overlooked is mid-strength ‘table beers’, which tend to sit at around 1% to 3% in ABV.
There are some superb examples now being produced with all of the flavour, texture and satisfaction of a full-strength beer – in a slightly lower alcohol package.
The term ‘table beer’, however, isn’t a modern one and dates back to 18th century medieval Europe where it was typically around 1% ABV or less and also referred to as ‘small beer’ or ‘small ales’ – a low-strength beer safe for all at the table to drink.
Table beers remained popular in Britain right through until the around the 1830s, where a change in tax laws led to them all but disappearing.
Somewhat fittingly, it was a further changed in beer duty in 2023, which saw beers between 1.3% ABV and 3.4% ABV receive a much lower tax rate than stronger beers, which has led to this style returning to bars across the UK.
Here are my picks of some of the best independently brewed table beers currently available in the UK.
The Kernel – Table Beer 3% ABV
Often cited as one of the first modern examples, being first brewed in 2012, The Kernel’s superb Table Beer varies depending on what hops are fresh in the brewery but is always an aromatic and refreshing pale ale in style. It is bright, hugely drinkable and delivers all of the satisfying hoppy flavour we’ve come to expect from one of the UK’s best breweries.
Small Beer Co – Hazy 2.6% ABV
Small Beer Co, as you might have guessed, is a specialist in producing full-flavoured mid-strength beers and I think its relatively new addition ‘Hazy’ – a hazy IPA style beer – is perhaps its best yet. Hoppy, hazy, tropical and zesty, it’s particularly good on cask, and is a beer I think will appeal to a wide variety of your customers.
Burning Sky – Embrace Table Pale 3.2% ABV
While known for its mixed fermentation and barrel-aged beers, Burning Sky also makes some superbly clean and flavoursome pale ales including this excellent Citra and Mosaic-hopped Table Pale. Rounded and soft, this is a relaxed and approachable beer perfect for a sunny afternoon in the beer garden.
Northern Monk – Striding Edge 2.8% ABV
A beer that works impressively well in can, keg or cask, Striding Edge is a staff-favourite at Northern Monk and a beer it has taken time tweaking and perfecting over the years. Despite being billed as a ‘light IPA’, what it lacks in alcohol it makes up for with big fresh citrus and pine aromas and flavours.
PowderKeg – Green Light 1% ABV
This ‘Quarter IPA’ is one of the best beers I’ve tasted at this ABV and a frequent award-winner in UK and Global beer awards – including being named champion at the recent Indie Beer Awards South-West. Double dry-hopped with Cascade, Amarillo and Azacca hops, it’s got the punch of an IPA at a fraction of the strength.
- Neil Walker is a beer sommelier and Head of Communications at SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates, who recently launched the much-heralded Indie Beer campaign. The campaign seeks to make it easier for customers to discover beer from genuine independent breweries and you can find out more via www.indiebeer.uk
