Once upon a time, non-alcoholic beverages were few enough to count on the fingers of one hand.
The whole notion of a non-alcoholic beer almost felt like something between a science project and a card trick. It was amazing to the public when it tasted like something other than beer-flavored Koolaid, and for a while, it seemed unfair to also ask that the beers not taste like each other.
It cornered hyper-niche markets, like designated drivers and pregnant women. It’s great for building a sensation but presents challenges when it comes to building a broad market.
Nothing changes a situation like this more surely than excellent brewing, especially when that excellence erupts from a multitude of businesses large and small.
Today we have breweries wholly dedicated to non-alcoholic beers as well long-reputed craft breweries making their mark in N/A. Today we have deep soulful stouts and icicle-crisp Belgian ales that are non-alcoholic and fine enough to medal at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival.
Try one. Not only can you drive home afterward, but it might also even be better than what you’re drinking tonight.
Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
You might not actually run wild after sipping this festive IPA, but only because you might spill your drink. This is a light, fruity N/A craft beer that has just enough complexity to make it truly spirited.
From Stratford CT, an N/A with its own kind of kick, and a special favorite of fitness enthusiasts.
Two Roots Brewing Enough Said Lager
Non-Alcoholic beer had its beginnings in the bland Old Milwaukees of the world. It makes sense that N/A’s ultimate challenge would be a real German lager, with its trumpet-blast clarity and definite intention. Too Roots might brew out of San Diego CA but they proudly use only Hallertau hops and Pilsner malt.
Enough Said is also quite well-fortified, rich in electrolytes and Vitamin B-12. The brewery also has a beer fortified with THC and is making its mark in the cannabis world.
BrewDog Nanny State
Of all the Non-Alcoholic brewers on this list, the BrewDog crew out of Columbus OH is probably least averse to seeing you get hammered. Their Nanny State pale ale was the already promotion-positive brewery’s response to notoriety surrounding its previous release, the 18.2% Tokyo label.
With such sensational beginnings, 0.5% Nanny State is a drop-the-mic response. The brew is malty yet plummy and with a bright orange final kiss, and beautifully balanced.
Einbecker Alkoholfrei
Einbecker has been in business in Germany since 1378. When low-alcoholic beer began appearing 600 years later the ancient brewery was among the first to embrace it with this minty-accented Pilsner that some think recalls Becks. One of the first real N/A classics.
WellBeing Brewing Victory Wheat
WellBeing Brewing boasts that its Victory Wheat is “the world’s healthiest beer.”
It’s fortified with “Buoy,” a proprietary blend of electrolytes and vitamins that has been approved by the World Health Organization as meeting its hydration standards. Add its claimed anti-inflammatory properties and the brew has become a special favorite among runners and other athletes.
As a drinking experience this Maryland Heights, Missouri beverage is noted for its cheerful citrusy zest.
Bravus Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout took the 2019 Great American Beer Festival silver medal home to Santa Ana CA, a powerful statement for Bravus, founded just four years ago as the first purely non-alcoholic craft brewery.
Oatmeal Stout is commended for its hint of coffee, its subtle smokiness and chocolate accent. It all sounds interesting to the point of stimulating, but the brew’s effect is all about comfort and de-stressing.
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects
This Brooklyn, NY brewery brought a lot if reputation and goodwill along with it when it presented its first N/A beer. In Special Effects, Brooklyn Brewery has made a remarkable lager, hoppy, piney, and getting bitterness just right in its final kick.
At Brooklyn Brewery the N/A future is now, with US national distribution underway as of January 2020.
Partake Brewing Pale Ale
Partake was founded in Toronto in 2017 as a dedicated N/A craft brewery, and has won renown for its lineup of brews. Of these, the pale ale might be the most highly reputed.
It’s a perfect, complex blend of bitter and sweet, and with both bright aromatics and a malty, caramel base.
Surreal Brewing Juicy Mavs Hazy IPA
This Campbell CA brewery has unleashed an explosion of passion fruit and mango that really earns the name “Juicy.” Then it pulls back at the final accent with a hoppy farewell that leaves you eager for the next sip.
It’s a fun near-IPA, full of ripeness and sunshine. No wonder Surreal Brewing wins so many awards.
