If you look around, you’ll notice that the beer and alcohol world continues to shift, change, evolve, and cycle through trends. This ever changing landscape is what fuels innovation and new products into the market as companies try to stay in front of consumers. One of the latest areas of interest are healthier options which include non-alcoholic craft beer.
There is a definite trend developing that puts non-alcoholic craft beer (NA) in the spotlight for those that follow the industry. So naturally, I’ve kept my eyes open for indicators that people are wanting NA beers. While the majority of craft beer drinkers aren’t interested, there is a fit for this beverage in our culture.
Which has led us here. I’ve tried some non-alcoholic craft beer and will provide some insight into what it is all about and why you may want to add some to your beer fridge next time you stock up.
Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer I’ve Tried
There are more non-alcoholic beer options out there than most are aware. Traditionally, the NA beers haven’t been appealing – especially to the craft beer crowd.
But that may be changing, reports continue to show that younger generations are drinking less alcohol and are generally more concerned with their health. This bodes well for the NA beer category as a generation seeks a social drink without the alcohol and added calories.
But is non-alcoholic craft beer good? That’s the real question. Below you’ll find three brands reviewed to give you a better sense of what is available.
NA Craft Beer Common Themes
There are a number of elements that are consistent across most breweries focused on non-alcoholic craft beer.
Most started along making these types of beverages for the same reason; they realized that alcohol wasn’t a good fit for their lives and the traditional NA beer options on the market didn’t meet their needs.
These brands focus on the concept that you can enjoy a social beverage without the alcohol and high calories. More or less, beer doesn’t have to be detrimental to your health. Some of the brands even promote their vegan and non-gmo status as well.
Non-alcoholic craft beer doesn’t see themselves as competitors to craft beer but rather an additional option for those looking to give up alcohol for a for a single drink or evening or forever. It is increasingly more common to see breweries offer these NA craft beers alongside their own beer as an alternative for those that can’t have alcohol or are abstaining.
Finally, since these beers are non-alcoholic, you can order via their site and have it sent directly to you. This makes it much easier to obtain than standard craft beer.
Athletic Brewing Review
Run Wild IPA: This IPA is probably my favorite of all the NA IPAs I’ve tried. The hop profile was really pleasant and the body was light and effervescent.
Upside Dawn Golden Ale: This ale provides a sweet, floral profile that is very refreshing. I’d argue that it is better than some Blonde Ales I’ve had. And at 50 calories, it comes in as one of the healthier options you’ll find.
Freeway Double Hop IPA: While I wanted a bit more complexity to the hop profile, it did provide a nice citrus flavor. The body was still very light so it doesn’t feel like a double IPA.
All Out Stout: I love stouts and the heavy, intense body that they often provide. All Out Stout is a little thin but it does offer a coffee-like roast.
WellBeing Brewing Review
Heavenly Body Golden Wheat Ale: Of all the NA beers I’ve tasted, this is the most “easy drinking”. Light citrus notes and a simple malt presence make this a standout.
Hellraiser Dark Amber: The aroma reminds me of a brewery as it is very malt forward. Taste is much sweeter than others in this review. Still a nice choice but not sure I would want more than a couple of these.
Hairless Dog Review
IPA: More malt forward that I’d expect as the hops are very soft. Makes it very approachable with a simple flavor profile.
Black Ale: Sweet, roasted malts are the focus in this ale. Light body makes it easy to really enjoy the dark flavors but it doesn’t have the same complexity of a stout.
Coffee Stout: Much like their Black Ale but with a touch more roast and the addition of coffee.
Overall, I’d say that these NA craft beers are better than I anticipated. However, they lack the exact flavor, aroma, or body that I’m looking for from craft beer. But they were easy to drink and had enough of the expected characteristics.
My suggestion is to start with either Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA or WellBeing Brewing Heavenly Body Wheat. If you enjoy those, then expand out to the other offerings from these three breweries.
Final Thoughts On Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer
In addition to these three companies, there are many others helping to grow the NA beer category. For example, Heineken has released their 0.0 non-alcoholic option showing that even the large breweries see a future in this category.
But will I drink non-alcoholic craft beer?
After trying these throughout the past year, I was impressed. These beers were much better than I anticipated. Are they a direct replacement for my favorite craft beer? No, but I don’t think that is the point.
The point is there are situations where having a beer helps make the moment more social. But there are times alcohol isn’t an option, maybe for medical reasons or because you’re the designated driver or you’re trying to cut out some calories. Regardless of the reason, non-alcoholic craft beer has a place.
Just this past fall, I had to avoid alcohol for a short time period due to a medication I was taking. It is moments like that where non-alcohol beer can become the beverage of choice.
But it doesn’t have to be medical reasons either, many may opt to have NA beers because they are dramatically lower in calories. Swapping out a few beers a week with a NA option can cut hundreds of calories out of your diet.
Breweries and bar are starting to offer the brands mentioned in this article to meet the requests of their customers. While the vast majority of their customers are not looking for a NA craft beer option, there are some that will appreciate the option.
Non-alcoholic craft beer may not be for you but it is becoming more relevant. And the timing is just right for brands that are elevating the flavor of these beers. Keep an eye out for the brands listed above and don’t be afraid to give them a try.