Drop Bear Beer, a Wales-based brewery with an unmistakably Aussie-inspired name, is making waves in the UK’s alcohol-free beer scene. 

Founded by Swansea couple Joelle Drummond and Sarah McNena, the brewery’s journey began with a simple yet impactful idea: to brew exceptional alcohol-free beers that could stand out from the crowd. They formed Drop Bear Beer in 2019. 

Sarah is originally from Melbourne, where she loved the craft beer scene. She moved to the UK in 2017 and a year later, decided to give up alcohol, and her partner Joelle supported her in this decision. As a craft-beer lover, she was disappointed in the range of alcohol-free beers on offer whenever they went out. They decided to try creating their own, in a saucepan in their kitchen. Their determination and vision quickly evolved into the creation of outstanding alcohol-free beers.

Drop Bear Beer Co. draws its name from Australia’s mythical “drop bear” legend – a story of a large, predatory marsupial related to the koala, known for its habit of ‘dropping’ on unsuspecting prey. As their website explains: ‘The Drop Bear is told as a heavily built beast with powerful forearms for climbing and holding on to large cases of beer. It packs powerful canines and broad powerful premolars as hunting and beer opening tools.’

And while most drop bears live in the Australian bush, you’ll find the Welsh Drop Bear beers safely tucked away on the shelves of major UK supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, and Co-op. 

Joelle and Sarah’s journey from idea to award-winning brews is a testament to their passion for creating a unique and refreshing alcohol-free beer experience that’s been recognised globally. And they are very proud of their Welsh heritage, featuring it heavily in their marketing. Let’s just hope UK shoppers find the beers before the drop bears do. 

*This story was published in the November 2023 edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine