Switchback Brewing Co. Brings Non-Alcoholic Production In-House, Expands BrewVo® Capabilities to the East Coast.

BURLINGTON, Vermont — Switchback Brewing Co., the employee-owned Vermont brewery behind the iconic Switchback Ale, announced today that it is bringing non-alcoholic beer production fully in-house with the installation of the BrewVo® de-alcoholization system from Sustainable Beverage Technologies (SBT). In addition to producing its own non-alcoholic beers, the investment provides Switchback with the ability to collaborate with other breweries and beverage brands seeking high-quality N.A. production on the East Coast.


Founded in 2002, Switchback is best known for its flagship beer, Switchback Ale, an unfiltered, naturally conditioned ale defined by balance, consistency, and drinkability. That same standard now guides the brewery’s approach to non-alcoholic beer, both for its own portfolio and for partners navigating the rapidly growing N.A. category.


The move follows the early success of Switchback N.A., which quickly proved to be more than a limited or experimental release. Strong, sustained demand led the brewery to commit to bringing on-site N.A. production home to Burlington, allowing for tighter quality control, long-term planning, and expanded capacity.


“Switchback N.A. works because it tastes like Switchback,” said President and Brewmaster, Bill Cherry. “By bringing this process in-house, we’re able to protect that character while building the kind of consistency and reliability that N.A. beer demands, not just for us but for potential partners as well.”

A Flavor-First Approach to Non-Alcoholic Beer

Switchback selected BrewVo® for its uncompromising focus on flavor integrity, and its proven performance in the most competitive beer judging environments. BrewVo-produced non-alcoholic beers have consistently dominated major beer competitions, earning more medals than any other N.A. production method. In blind judging panels, BrewVo-made beers have even been recognized alongside full-strength alcoholic beers.


The patented BrewVo® system combines membrane separation technology with nested fermentation, gently removing alcohol while preserving aroma, mouthfeel, balance, and the core structure of the beer.


The result is a non-alcoholic beer that drinks like beer: recognizable, complete, and uncompromised.


“The beer is immediately recognizable,” said Cherry. “People don’t experience Switchback N.A. as a substitute. They recognize it as the beer they already know.”

East Coast BrewVo Hub Opens Doors for Collaboration

With BrewVo® now installed in Vermont, Switchback will serve as the East Coast production location for BrewVo-manufactured products, working in collaboration with breweries and beverage brands seeking to produce non-alcoholic beer.


The Burlington facility is positioned to collaborate with partners seeking:
•     Consistent, scalable N.A. production
•     Proven flavor retention
•     A brewery-to-brewery approach grounded in shared standards
•     Support from a team already operating successfully in the N.A. Space


By combining BrewVo’s technology with Switchback’s brewing expertise, the facility provides a direct pathway for breweries to enter the non-alcoholic market immediately, without the significant capital investment, technical complexity, or operational risk required to build N.A. capabilities in-house. Partners gain access to one of the most advanced non-alcoholic brewing systems available, producing beers that meet the same quality and flavor expectations as their full-strength counterparts.


“Our goal is to be a reliable, transparent partner,” said Gretchen Langfeldt, Vice President and Plant Engineer. “Non-alcoholic beer is still beer. It demands the same care, experience, and respect for process.”

Looking Ahead

With Switchback N.A. now firmly established and production moving in-house, the brewery views this expansion as both a quality-driven decision and a natural evolution of its business. Beyond its own portfolio, the investment creates new opportunities for collaboration, providing a pathway for other breweries to enter the non-alcoholic market with confidence and without the significant expense of building N.A. capabilities from the ground up.


“As the craft beverage market continues to change, breweries that adapt deliberately will be best positioned to lead,” said Langfeldt. “For us, this is about staying true to who we are while helping shape what’s next.”


That commitment is already taking shape in Burlington. Equipment is arriving at Switchback’s brewery as the company prepares to begin in-house N.A. production in early 2026. The build-out includes a mix of new and high-quality used equipment, a practical approach that reflects current market conditions while reinforcing a long-term commitment to quality.


At a time when many breweries are pulling back, Switchback sees non-alcoholic beer as a meaningful opportunity for thoughtful, disciplined growth.


“There’s real demand in this category, but not enough production capacity that prioritizes quality,” said Langfeldt. “This investment allows us to meet our own needs while also supporting other breweries looking to enter N.A. without compromising their standards.”


For more information on non-alcoholic production partnerships, visit: www.switchbackvt.com/contract-services

About Switchback Brewing Co.

Founded in 2002, Switchback Brewing Co. is an employee-owned brewery based in Burlington, Vermont. Widely known for its flagship Switchback Ale, the brewery is guided by a balance-driven approach to brewing and a deep commitment to quality, consistency, and community. Switchback’s portfolio includes Switchback Ale, seasonal and limited releases, and Switchback N.A., a non-alcoholic version of its iconic ale.