What does it take to create the best alcohol-free beer in the country? Sam Ray of We Can Be Friends brewery joins Ben Gibbs to reveal the passion, craftsmanship, and unexpected journey behind his remarkable beer range that's winning over even the most dedicated craft beer enthusiasts.
"I'd turn around every month and you'd be doing something amazing for the scene," Sam tells Ben, highlighting the mutual respect between these two champions of alcohol-free culture. Their conversation dives deep into Sam's meticulous brewing process, including his insistence on fresh hops, premium ingredients, and gold-standard pasteurization that sets his products apart. The discussion challenges common misconceptions about alcohol-free beer production costs, with Sam revealing that specialized yeasts are "wildly more expensive" than traditional brewer's yeast.
The pair explore notable industry shifts as established breweries like Vault City and Daya (who once claimed they would never release an alcohol-free beer) have collaborated with Sam on remarkable releases. They celebrate how German beer culture normalized alcohol-free options decades ago, with the UK market finally catching up. The conversation takes personal turns too, as they discuss their Sunburst collaboration beer – a project that represents what Ben calls a "pinch me moment" in his sobriety journey and Sam considers his best beer yet.
Whether you're sober-curious, a dedicated non-drinker, or simply interested in the evolution of craft beer culture, this episode offers fascinating insights into how passionate creators are revolutionizing what we drink and how we socialize. Subscribe now and join the community changing perceptions one magnificent alcohol-free beer at a time.

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