Heaps Normal

Australia

Heaps Normal is one of Australia's leading independent alcohol-free breweries, founded in Canberra in 2018 and launched to the public in July 2020. The brand was co-founded by Andy Miller, Ben Holdstock and professional surfer Jordy Smith, with Holdstock brewing early recipes in a homemade kettle. Perfecting that first alcohol-free beer took nearly two years. Heaps Normal is Australian-owned and made, with all beers sitting at 0.5% ABV or below.

The beers are brewed using the same approach as conventional craft beers, with water, malt, hops and yeast as the core ingredients. The brewery rebalances sugar levels and adjusts temperatures during the process to achieve the alcohol-free result. The range covers lagers, IPAs, pale ales and stouts. Production currently runs at Brick Lane Brewery in Dandenong, while the brand is based in Marrickville, New South Wales.

When Heaps Normal launched, it was initially turned away from bars. By 2021 the brand had raised $8.5 million in its first major round of outside investment, and it achieved profitability by 2024. Its beers are now available at more than 2,000 bottle shops, bars and restaurants across Australia, and the team numbers 29 people. Heaps Normal has also received export support through Austrade's Export Market Development Grant programme and operates its own venue, Heaps Normal Health Club.

The beers are considered suitable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Three of the brand's drinks have picked up awards.

At a Glance