Nogne

The name Nøgne Ø translates to 'Naked Island', a phrase drawn from the writer Henrik Ibsen to describe the barren rock formations off the coast of southern Norway. The brewery was founded with a mission to introduce diversity and technical ambition into a Norwegian market then dominated by industrial lagers, and has since grown into one of the country's most internationally distributed craft breweries, exporting to more than 40 countries. The brewery continues to operate from its original site in Grimstad, in a converted power station at Rygene. In 2013, Hansa Borg Bryggerier acquired a 54.44% majority stake; Heineken subsequently acquired Hansa Borg in 2022, bringing Nøgne Ø into the Heineken group.

The alcohol-free range, launched in 2014, is produced through a process distinct from standard dealcoholisation. Nøgne Ø uses a specialised yeast strain that ferments only the simplest sugars in the wort while leaving the more complex sugars intact, meaning little to no alcohol is produced during fermentation itself. The result is beer with full body and flavour that was never heavily alcoholic to begin with. The AF range covers hazy IPAs, ales, and stouts, giving sober-curious drinkers a style breadth consistent with the wider Nøgne Ø catalogue.

The alcohol-free range is available through specialist alcohol-free retailers.