New Zealand’s only Zero* Alcohol Beer Company is back with its second brew, just in time for the summer holidays. The State of Play Nectaron Unfiltered Pale Ale is set to become a cult favourite this year, after its predecessor won a Bronze medal at the 2022 NZ Beer Awards.
The new beer has been brewed in collaboration with NZ Hops, with signature Nectaron hops as its star. It is sweaty, ripe-fruity, intense, very dry and has a great mouthfeel. With just 59 calories per can, it is also the perfect beer for Santa this Christmas.
The company was launched in May by Grant Caunter, a self-confessed beer ‘lifer’, who had a 25-year career in the belly of the beast, most recently as head of Craft Beer for Heineken Global. He resigned his relationship with alcohol two years ago and hasn’t looked back.
“I love beer. That part is simple. But two years ago I changed my life for the better divorcing alcohol and starting a new affair with zero* beer,” said Caunter.
“Every step I’ve taken since has been a step in an exciting new direction – and after moving back to NZ, I made the call to start State of Play, to help fill the void of zero* beers that actually taste great. I’ve talked to thousands of people, face to face and online, and the response to what I’m doing, alongside some other great New Zealand breweries has been amazing. For a country of beer drinkers, Kiwis are embracing this new zero* alcohol, balanced lifestyle – and those who do just don’t look back!”
