AF Beer Delivery Derby - Best Non-Alc Pints to Your Door
Right, if you're like me, dodging the crowds down Sadler Gate after a long day, a proper pint sounds grand. But these days, it's a different kind of pint, isn't it? One that won't give you a dodgy head for parkrun.
Derby's always been a proper beer town, a real CAMRA heartland, which means folks here know their hops. Swapping from a full-strength brew to something AF can be a bit of a minefield, especially if you're working shifts at Rolls-Royce and just want something easy. Getting decent AF beer delivered means you don't have to compromise on taste or trek out after a busy week.
Top 5 AF Beers for Derby Delivery
IMPOSSIBREW - Triple Hopped IPA Dave's #1
This one's a proper belter, honestly. Tastes like a proper Vocation IPA, full of flavour, none of that watery nonsense. It's the one I always grab first, especially after a good run.
Lucky Saint - Lager
If you want a proper crisp lager, this is your go-to. It's clean, refreshing, and tastes like a proper pub pint. Ideal for when you just fancy something simple and well-made.
Athletic Brewing - Run Wild IPA
This American lot know their stuff. It's a solid IPA, good bitterness, citrus notes. Great for after a proper session, feels like a reward without the hangover.
Big Drop - Galactic Milk Stout
Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like a dark beer, this is brilliant. Proper rich and chocolatey, surprisingly full-bodied for an AF. Good for a colder night by the fire.
IMPOSSIBREW - Pale Ale
A cracking everyday pale ale. Not as punchy as the Triple Hopped, but still got a great flavour and a nice bitter finish. Perfect for when you just want a reliable, tasty brew.
The AF Beer Scene in Derby
Derby's always been a proper beer town, a real CAMRA heartland with its first UK craft beer trail, so it's no surprise the pubs are starting to catch on with AF options. Places like The Exeter Arms or The Brunswick Inn, proper traditional boozers, are usually good for a Lucky Saint or a Guinness 0.0. Even some of the newer spots around Darley Abbey or the Cathedral Quarter are getting better, stocking a few decent IPAs or pales from the likes of Big Drop. It's not quite the full range you'd find online, but it means you can still grab a decent pint if you're out and about. It's definitely improving, especially with more local breweries like Thornbridge (just up the road) doing their own AF versions now.
Fun fact: Derby was home to the UK's first ever 'City of Beer' award, recognising its rich brewing heritage and pub culture.
How to Get AF Beer Delivered in Derby
Common Questions
What's the best way to store alcohol-free beer once it's delivered?
Right, treat your AF beers just like you would the proper boozy stuff, honestly. Keep 'em in a cool, dark place- a cupboard or the garage is grand. If it's a lager or a pale ale, chuck it in the fridge a good few hours before you want to drink it. Stouts and darker beers can be a bit more forgiving, often better at a slightly cooler room temperature, not ice cold. Don't leave 'em in direct sunlight or anywhere that gets too warm, it'll ruin the flavour, same as any beer. Most AF beers have a decent shelf life, usually several months, so stocking up isn't a problem. Just keep 'em upright and out of the way, ready for when you fancy one after a long shift or a good parkrun.
Are there any local Derby breweries making alcohol-free beer?
While Derby itself is a hotbed for traditional and craft brewing, with places like Derby Brewing Company and Shiny Brewery making some cracking proper ales, dedicated alcohol-free production directly within the city is still quite niche. However, many breweries in the wider East Midlands and even Yorkshire, like Thornbridge Brewery just up the road in Bakewell, are now producing fantastic AF options. You'll often find their AF beers, such as Thornbridge Zero Five, in some local Derby pubs and certainly through the big online retailers. The scene is growing quickly, so keep an eye out- what's available locally is constantly expanding. It's a good sign for us AF drinkers, mind.
How reliable is next-day delivery for AF beer in Derby?
In my experience, next-day delivery for AF beer into Derby is generally very reliable, especially if you're ordering from the specialist online retailers like Wise Bartender or DryDrinker. They've got their logistics sorted out proper. Most orders placed before their cut-off time (usually late afternoon) will genuinely arrive the following working day. Of course, like with any delivery service, there can be the odd hiccup- bad weather or peak times can sometimes cause a day's delay. But for the most part, you can count on your brews arriving promptly. It means you can plan your week's AF pints without worrying about running dry, which is grand when you've got a busy schedule with work or family commitments.
Look, I've tried more AF beers than I've had hot dinners, probably, since that daft bet got me into parkrun. And when I say IMPOSSIBREW's Triple Hopped IPA is a game-changer, I mean it. It's proper good, tastes like a real beer, not some watered-down rubbish. The Pale Ale is a solid everyday choice too. You'll find plenty of decent AF options out there now, but these lads really nailed it. If you fancy giving 'em a go, I've got a link knocking about that'll get you a tenner off your first order. Worth a punt, honestly. (readers get £10 off their first IMPOSSIBREW order with this link)