- Incredible flavour and aroma
- Fantastic value for money
- Easily accessible
- Will be too rich for some
I look forward to trying most non alcoholic beers to write the reviews here on NoLo. However, few beers have got me as excited to try as this next one from Big Drop.
The first Big Drop beer that I tried was also for a review – Big Drop Pine Trail – which remains one of my favourites so far. However, Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout also comes with a massive range of awards and accolades behind it, including some of the following:
- World Beer Awards – 2020 – World’s Best: Flavoured Low Alcohol
- World Beer Awards – 2020 – Country Winner: United Kingdom
- International Beer Challenge – Speciality – Gold
- European Beer Challenge – AF Top Fermentation/ Low Alcohol – Double Gold
With our recent review of the new Guinness 0.0, there is also a challenge to determine our favourite non alcoholic stout. So with that pressure upon us, let’s get into the review!
Big Drop Galactic Stout Initial Review
Upon pouring, I made the mistake of spilling the beer over my hand. However, this turned out to be a fortunate turn as I was able to get a brief introduction to the aroma – chocolate and coffee notes leading the way.
However, I proceed to pour into a glass.
It is dark like a stout and pours with a slight foam trail. Once I had poured all 330mL out into a glass, it had an appearance that is described best as being a cross between a pint of Guinness and a pint of coke. It had a brownish, foamy head, but looked gassy and translucent like a coke.
After pouring, it was time for a proper aroma test. It smells like a Guinness, but somewhat richer. It is hard to distinguish what exactly, but coffee notes are a subtle background.
Once the foam and bubbles had subsided, it was time to get tasting. With the first sip, I was taken back at how intense the flavour was.
The flavour is bitter, with cocoa nibs leading the way, with somewhat of a nutty aftertaste. As you continue through the can, the bitterness subsides, and you notice the sweetness and smoothness you expect with an alcoholic stout.
Drinking the can is a slow afar. With all the richness, I found it hard to consume as quickly as I would with a typical drink, but drink like an expensive whiskey!
At no point does this drink miss the alcohol. The depth and balance of flavour is enough for this drink to hold its own. As a non-alcoholic stout, it is definitely a leader. As an alternative to Guinness 0.0, it is probably not what you are after.
Big Drop Galactic Stout 330mL Can
Other Big Drop Beers
Big Drops Pale Ale, but with an extra Citra hop twist! This Special Edition brew from the award-winning Big Drop Brewing Co contains four hop varieties and not only brings the usual large fruit juice aromas of lime and grapefruit, but with an extra dash of bright orange, mango and lychee to give a smoother after-taste.
An eminent golden ray of sunshine, this malt forward offering brings a soft, honey aroma and a robust malt backbone, balanced with a gentle bitterness from the traditional noble hops and a delicate uplifting waft of citrus from the new world addition.
A classic hop-fest that fuses tropical flavours to recreate the intensity of a double IPA. The fantastic blend of US hops combine to give pineapple, citrus, pine and stone fruit aromas underpinned by a pine and herby flavour – topped off with an unapologetic slap of mango – to make this the ultimate summer thirst quencher
Aromas of cracker, light honey and pepper this lager is crisp, balanced with a suitable level of bitterness to ensure it has a dry, refreshing bite. Keep it nice and chilled. Goes well with any food eaten on a hot summers day.
This beautiful brown ale is malt-focused with a toasty aroma and soft grassy notes because of the light use of hops. The palate is malty with a touch of fruit and caramel. Pair this beer with something hearty like a good beef stew.
This beautiful brown ale is malt-focused with a toasty aroma and soft grassy notes because of the light use of hops. The palate is malty with a touch of fruit and caramel. Pair this beer with something hearty like a good beef stew.
A nose with hints of pine and honey, this pale ale is packed full of flavour from citrus-heavy hops with a twist of fresh lime to create a crisp, zesty beer
Where Can I buy Big Drop Galactic Stout?
For this review, I purchased a single can from Morrison’s.
If you are looking to purchase from a physical location, you can try your local supermarket – with Sainsburys, Waitrose and Tesco all stocking/ previously stocked Big Drop Galactic Stout. Do note, that both single bottles and cans are available to find in stores.
Big Drop Galactic Stout Non Alcoholic Ingredients, Nutritional Information and Calories
The ingredients for Galactic Stout include Water, Barley, Wheat, Lactose (Milk), Hops, Yeast and Cocoa Nibs.
Galactic Stout has 0.5% ABV and is gluten free.
| Nutritional Information | Per 100mL |
|---|---|
| Energy (KJ / KCal) | 115.5 / 27.5 |
| Fat (g) | 0.2 |
| Of Which Saturates (g) | 0.1 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 6.7 |
| Of Which Sugars (g) | 3.1 |
| Protein (g) | <0.5 |
| Salt (g) | 0.1 |
Galactic Milk Stout – Final Thoughts
I was excited to drink this Galactic Milk Stout, but it turned out to be different to what I thought.
It has fantastic flavour and aroma profile – the good aspects of a stout. There’s no real surprise to see it has won so many awards based – and it definitely doesn’t miss the presence of alcohol.
Whilst enjoyable, it is incredibly rich. It is a slow drink, and you probably wouldn’t want more than one in a sitting. If you are not a stout or IPA drinker, then this is probably not going to be one of the first non-alcoholic drinks you want to try. But put it high on the list and make sure to check it out at some point!
