Drop Bear Bonfire Stout

Drop Bear Bonfire Stout is a 0.5% ABV alcohol-free dry stout with a smoked malt twist. Brewed by Welsh brewery Drop Bear Beer Co., it combines roasted malt character with espresso, dark chocolate and gentle smoke, creating a dark and distinctive stout with a dry, refreshing finish.
The beer is vegan and gluten-free, and Drop Bear describes it as smoky, roasted and smooth.

Appearance:

Initially looks like a glass of cola in colour and fizz/head. Quickly flattens to a dark brown/red.

Nose:

Cherry coke, coffee and faint dark chocolate. The coffee and cherry elements strengthen with time. No evidence of the bonfire note as yet.

Taste:

The bonfire element shows initially but doesn’t last. The cherry, coffee and a slight chemical/mineral edge show up next. There’s a tonic water bitterness which is slightly cloying and unpleasant. Reduced berry sauce on vanilla ice cream hits last, adding some much needed sweetness.
It’s more gassy than it seems as you quickly feel gas building!

Finish:

The tonic water, cherry and ice cream last an instant and then fade.

Overall:

I’m undecided on this as each sip seems slightly different. I definitely don’t like the tonic water bitter edge but I do like the sweeter notes.

Drink With:

Peanuts.

Would I buy Again?:

Probably not, I’m not sure I like it enough to part with more money.