Why We Started Pace: The Story Behind the Brand

Hi, I’m David, co-founder of Pace and a brewer for over a decade.

This is the story of how an amateur triathlete and a brewer teamed up to change the way we drink beer.

It all started with a bit of frustration, and a question:
Why isn’t there a beer that actually fits an active and healthy lifestyle, without sacrificing the taste or the ritual?

When Performance and Beer Don’t Mix… Yet...

My business partner and friend from childhood, Nuno, is one of those people who’s always moving. Much more than me to be honest. 

He’s an amateur triathlete, an Ironman finisher, and a ocasional Hyrox competitor.

He trains almost every day. He pushes himself hard and he also enjoys relaxing with friends over a drink. The problem? Traditional beers didn’t match his pace.

After a long workout or before an early morning training, Nuno often had to say no to a beer with friends.
Not because he didn’t want one, but because alcohol messed with his recovery.

It disrupted sleep, slowed down muscle regeneration, and made him feel off-track.

The alternatives weren’t any better.

Sodas were often full of sugar. Juices and kombuchas didn’t deliver the same satisfaction neither the social ritual and the refreshing taste of a beer. And what about non-alcoholic beers? Most of them were either overly sweet, boring, watery, or just… not beer.

What was missing was the taste, the feel, the ritual of a real beer. Without the downside.

A Brewer Returns, and an Idea Takes Shape

Meanwhile, I had just returned to Portugal after spending 8 years brewing in Belgium with Brussels Beer Project, a hub of creativity, experimentation, and full-flavored beers. Before that, I brewed at Mean Sardine, one of Portugal’s early craft pioneers.

My passion has always been about creating beers with soul, beers that are bold, flavorful, and meaningful.

When I reconnected with Nuno back in Ericeira, the idea clicked instantly.

One of us brought brewing expertise and deep roots in the craft scene.
The other brought a strategic mindset and real-life experience in health and performance.

One plus one became Pace.

A Beer That Keeps Up With You

We didn’t want to just make another “non-alcoholic beer.” We wanted to make something that made sense for people like Nuno, and for the growing community of people who move through life with intention.

Pace IPA was our answer.

0.3% ABV – low enough to avoid the effects of alcohol, but still give that beer feeling

Dry-hopped with Mosaic, Citra, and Ekuanot – because we love bold, aromatic hops

52 calories – light and refreshing, without the bloat

Gluten-reduced – easier on digestion

Packed with electrolytes – sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, to support hydration and recovery

To summarize and to simplify, just call it Isotonic IPA. 

It’s not a dealcoholized flavorless industrial beer.
It’s brewed from the start to be alcohol-free and functional, using craft techniques and premium ingredients.

Because we believe beer can and should be more.

Not Just a Product — A Purpose

As soon as we started testing and sharing the first batches, we realized something important:

Nuno wasn’t the only one giving up on beer.

There’s a whole community out there: runners, surfers, new parents, early risers, gym-goers, creatives. People who want to socialize, celebrate, and wind down… without alcohol holding them back.

That’s why we created Pace.

To offer freedom of choice for those who love beer, but want something that fits their rhythm.

To show that you can have flavor, craft, refreshment, and functionality: all in one can.

To give people a beer that matches the way they live now.

Welcome to the Pace Mindset

Pace isn’t just a product. It’s a mindset.

We believe in movement, balance, and good times.
We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between health and pleasure, flavor and performance, beer and recovery.

So whether you just crushed a workout, climbed a trail, paddled out for a sunset session, or wrapped a long workday…
You deserve something that rewards you and respects your body.

That’s why we brewed Pace.
Not to follow a trend,  but to create something we wanted for ourselves and for those craving for it and don't know yet that we exist. 

Now it’s yours, too.