Partly by choice and mostly for health reasons, I, (Meghan), haven't consumed alcohol since the end of July 2021. A whole year without beer... seriously. I consider myself a huge craft beer fan and to no longer have that a part of my life initially was a huge bummer, but it was necessary. Also, to go through what we went through last year without a good strong brew once in awhile wasn't the easiest, ha! I'm not sure what my future looks like as far as consuming alcohol again, but as of right now I'm good where I am... and honestly, I'm not really as upset, because I quickly discovered that there are numerous delicious non-alcoholic (N/A) craft beer options out there that I would have never known about otherwise!
N/A beers have a pretty bad reputation and understandably so -- as many can lack flavor and be pretty thin and watery -- and of course they contain around or less than 0.5% alcohol. However, I know now that there are good N/A brews out there and that's why I wanted to start this list - for my own benefit as well as to share my notes with all of you! I would say that a good amount of the N/A beers I've been enjoying, I literally haven't been able to tell whether they are N/A or not, (except for maybe not having that alcohol buzz afterwards), and that's saying something! Whether you are like me and aren't consuming alcohol due to health reasons -- or maybe you want to take a break, or you plan to be a designated driver -- or you just want a brew without the worry...whatever your reason... trust me, there are some solid tasty N/A brews out there -- and you're not alone!
The biggest discovery for me was Athletic Brewing, out of Stratford, CT, who quite literally have some of the best craft N/A brews out there -- not to mention a wheel of styles -- literally something for everyone! I really don't see why any bar or restaurant shouldn't be carrying them at this point. They are easy to find for purchase -- literally every grocery and package/liquor store I've been to in the Southeastern CT area has at least 2 or 3 of their styles in stock. I haven't had one bad beer from them yet! Can't say enough good things about them and I couldn't be more happy and thankful to have them available in my area! You may have even seen their commercial on TV?! Dare I say that N/A beers are on trend? Chris and I are planning a trip to the Athletic Brewing taproom soon -- I'm excited! If you're looking to start tasting some N/A beers... Athletic Brewing is a great place to start!
I want to send a huge thank you to all bars and restaurants out there that offer non-alcoholic brews on their menus... we salute you! For as many bars/restaurants we've been to that DO have an N/A option, we've been to just as many that don't. The most common response we've heard is that "N/A beers don't sell", and if that were me a year ago in that position, I probably would have thought the same. However, now that I'm on the other side of the fence and have explored the many N/A options in our area, as well as united with other friends that have moved to N/A brews as well... I think that's a pretty uneducated response for any establishment that serves craft beer. I'm sure there is some truth to the fact that N/A beers may not sell as frequently as regular beer, but I think it's still important to carry them.
I think that not having an N/A option could likely effect how long a couple (or person, family, group, etc.), such as ourselves -- where one person orders alcoholic beverages and the other orders N/A -- will stay at a restaurant to continue to purchase more beverages/food. Chris is way more likely to order a second alcoholic beverage if there is an N/A option that I'm also able to enjoy at the same time. I personally would rather enjoy an N/A brew over ordering a ginger ale or water if I'm out at dinner or if Chris is ordering just an alcoholic beverage. We have definitely shortened our stay at some places that do not have an N/A option. I realize there aren't as many N/A beer drinkers, but I would think having even one 6-pack of N/A beers in the cooler would be a small price to pay as to not lose business if the situation arises? I'm no business owner and I don't pretend to know how that all works, but that's just my 2 cents as a paying customer who often frequents bars/restaurants that carry craft beer.
Again, this is why I wanted to share this list. I think its important as a craft beer enthusiast to get this information out there so that there are more places and options for N/A beer drinkers! There's something to be said about feeling like you're still "part of the party" -- I don't think that anyone should feel any different for ordering an N/A beer. Enjoying a nice beverage out of the house and can be liberating these days!
With all that said, I'd like to share a list of the non-alcoholic brews that I've tried and have been enjoying recently! There are still many that are on my list to try, so maybe I'll update this as I go? This list is based on what is available to me here in my area of Southeastern CT. Also, I will start a list at the bottom of this post of what I know to be available for N/A options at local restaurants & bars! Thanks for reading! Cheers!
Brewers description: "Our Free Wave Hazy IPA is meant for the open road. Whether you’re cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible or tracing your way up the coast on your bike, our Free Wave doesn’t cut corners. This mouth watering IPA is loaded with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops."
Brewers description: "Inspired by days on the slopes and nights by the fire, All Out is a delightfully smooth and soul-warming stout. Each sip delivers a silky, full-bodied mouthfeel and pleasantly toasty finish, along with delicate notes of coffee and bittersweet chocolate. Given the depth of flavor, it’s surprisingly light and refreshing, making it the perfect beer for any time of year. We like to pair it with warm, savory dishes in winter and light but sweet treats in warmer weather."
My notes: I'm a huge dark beer fan, so I was really excited when I tried this one - SO GOOD; roasty with chocolate notes; very full flavored; medium body; smooth. If you like dark beers, I highly recommend this one!
My rating: 5/5
Purchased at: Stop & Shop (grocery)- Groton, CT
Brewers description: "Two Roads Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA is a full bodied, full flavor juicy brew with none of the alcohol. Roughly 70 calories per can, this non-alc is brewed by brewers for beer lovers just like you."
My notes: I've been a huge Two Roads Brewing fan since they opened in 2012 and I was so over the moon that they now have an N/A!! This one is light, dry, citrusy; crisp; really refreshing; not as sweet as some of the other N/A IPA's I've had. Solid. Love!
My rating: 5/5
Purchased at: Stop & Shop (grocery)- Groton, CT
Brewers description: "A good beer always hits the spot, but you don’t always want the buzz. So, we made a world-class IPA for beer lovers that just happens to be non-alcoholic. We remove the alcohol slow and gently, saving all the flavor for you. Rotate in this hazy, hoppy non-alcoholic IPA to your drinking sessions and get more out of your days, your nights, and every cheers in between."
My notes: This is one of my go-to brews right now - it just hits the spot. I would be surprised if you could tell that this was a non-alcoholic. Super juicy citrus, sweet, bright, hazy and smooth; full bodied. Pour this one slow - lots of froth!
My rating: 5/5
Purchased at: Alumni Liquors - Ledyard, CT
Brewers description: "A delight for the senses, this beer delivers on all levels. Rosy floral aromas are immediate as you pour, with a light and limey citrus bite on the palate and a balanced but obvious bitterness to finish. Store and enjoy chilled."
Purchased at: Dick's World Of Wines - Westerly, RI
Purchased at: Grand Wine & Sprits - Groton
Brewers description: "A non-alcoholic Märzen lager that stays true to the traditions and flavor profile we look forward to every year. Brewed with all German malts and hops it delivers clean, deep, malty richness with just the lightest touch of hop bitterness to balance. Exceptionally drinkable and perfect for the crisp Oktoberfest season."
Purchased at: Richmond Wine & Liquor - Wyoming, RI
Brewers description: "Märzen"
Purchased at: Grand Wine & Spirits; also at Big Y Grocery - Groton, CT
Brewers description: "Forget the notion this is a beer style that has had its day. Instead, think of it as honeycomb covered in chocolate, because that’s exactly what it tastes like: rich, unctuous and an absolutely decadent treat of a beer."
My notes: Drinks more like a porter - not quite as thick or rich as a regular milk stout but still full flavored and smooth; nice and roasty!
My rating: 4/5
Purchased at: Dicks World of Wine - Westerly, RI
My notes: This brew is great... love hoppy ambers! Check out that beautiful amber color! You definitely get the hop but not as up front as in an IPA; clean; super refreshing! This one rated high on the best N/A lists I found and I can see why! Try it!
My rating: 4/5
Purchased at: The Malted Barley (beer bar) - Westerly, RI
Brewers description: "The ultimate session-able IPA. Brewed with a blend of Northwest hops with Citra and Mosaic at the forefront. Body of premium organic malts from US & Germany. Subtle yet complex malt profile."
My notes: This is much like a west coast IPA; darker golden almost amber color; like it says it's subtle but there's a nice amount of malty and hop flavors - well balanced; I often like to pair this brew with a meal because it's not overpowering. Great all around brew.
Purchased at: Stop & Shop (grocery) - Groton, CT
Brewers description: "A non-alcoholic, full-flavored IPA, dry-hopped with Mosaic & Citra hops. This confounding creation uses the same ingredients found in our highly-balanced IPAs (hops, malt, yeast & water), and thus the same deliciousness, but brewed without the ceremonial fez & ancient incantations that normally take it over the edge."
My rating: 4/5
Purchased at: Big Y (grocery) - Groton, CT
Brewers Description: "Full-bodied and hoppy with hints of malty caramel, Clausthaler Dry-Hopped is a beer connoisseur’s dream. As the first non-alcoholic of its kind, it brings together German craftsmanship, the world’s foremost non-alcoholic brewing technique, and Cascade Hops imported from the USA. This unique combination makes for an unmistakable citrus aftertaste and an amber beer with real character. Compared to Clausthaler Unfiltered, Clausthaler Dry Hopped has a distinctive malty character with a dark golden color."
My notes: Malty - definitely getting German style flavors; hoppy sweetness; cloudy brown in appearance; couldn't tell that this was an N/A. Solid!
My rating: 4/5
Purchased at: Grand Wine & Sprits - Groton, CT
My rating: 4/5
My notes: Light; crisp, fairly hoppy; lemony on the finish - not a ton of flavor, but refreshing.
My rating: 3/5
Purchased at: Grand Wine & Sprits, Groton
My notes: This brew had pretty high ratings on some top N/A lists I looked at, so I've been on the hunt, but couldn't find it in solo packs. I actually bit the bullet and bought the Brooklyn Special Effects variety pack just so I could try this one and the Pils. (Note: the variety pack contains 4 of each: Hazy IPA, IPA, Pils & Hoppy Amber). As soon as I popped the can, there was a very prominent orange & lemon aroma -- which is also pretty up front upon first sip. The color is very hazy light pale yellow -- almost resembles lemonade. The beer itself is dry and light but a little watery. It is very sweet and citrusy, but it didn't seem "hoppy". I will say it's very refreshing on a hot summer day and I really did enjoy it for what it is, which is why I went with a 3 rating. However, I wouldn't say it's anything like a hazy IPA -- it reminds me more of a flavored seltzer water than a beer. Would I have/buy this one again? Yes... but not if I'm in the mood for hops. Chris liked this beer a little more than I did and in his opinion thought it was the best out of the variety pack. I don't know that I would agree with that - the Hoppy Amber easily has my vote for best out of the variety pack.
Purchased at: Big Y (grocery) - Groton, CT
My rating: 3/5
Brewers description: "The special thing about Heineken 0.0 is that the beer is brewed twice with the famous Heineken A yeast. Then the alcohol is removed at the end of the brewing process to get the best taste."
My notes: Is it a bad thing that I don't mind this? I can't remember the last time I had a regular Heineken - probably a good 20 years ago? It tastes like a regular Heineken lager, but maybe not as "skunky"? This was surprisingly tasty and refreshing, especially ice cold while I happened to be moving music gear and doing chores around the house! Also, I personally think this tastes better out of the bottle than the can, which I've also had and would highly suggest buying bottles if you were going to purchase a pack. I probably wouldn't order this if there were other N/A options, which is why I gave it a 2 rating; but wouldn't be mad and would certainly order it if it was the only option; it's definitely refreshing while working around the house on a hot day.
My rating: 2/5
Purchased at: Big Y (grocery) - Groton, CT
Brewers description: N/A
My notes: Very easy drinking ale - malty - reminds me of a red or pub ale; pretty standard, but not terrible.
My rating: 2/5
Purchased at: Shoreline Super Liquors - Waterford, CT
Brewers description: N/A
My notes: Super roasty and smoky aroma and up front on initial sip -- a little too smoky for me; pretty bitter; thin; wouldn't buy this one again.
Brewers description: N/A
My notes: Fairly standard ale; some malty-ness but pretty dull and not a lot of flavor; really thin; wouldn't order this one again.
My rating: 1/5
Brewers Description: "Beer gods and rock gods unite. We’ve partnered with one of the very best bands in the metal world – Lamb of God – to bring you the world’s first non-alcoholic beer collaboration.Ghost Walker rocks a hop-forward flavor, containing less than 0.5% alcohol. Tropical aromas harmonize with grassy, pine notes, all sitting on a solid malt baseline, proving that non-alcoholic beer can taste just as good. This beer is a liquid celebration of clarity in the face of adversity. We've muted the alcohol, but amped up the flavor. So all the thrash, all the passion, and all the attitude remain. Ghost Walker - Pure metal without the morning after bangover."
My notes: Pretty bummed because I love metal and this band... I really wanted to love this beer -- but I just couldn't get into it. It was extremely thin and way too watery; not a lot of flavor; had a really icky metallic tasting back end that really killed it for me. Chris also tasted and agreed. Not good. Total bummer.
My rating: 1/5
Brewers Description: "If you're a fan of Guinness, this is the brew for you! With hints of chocolate, caramel and roasted coffee, it is extremely smooth and delightfully refreshing. Silver medal winner at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival."
My notes: I was totally expecting this to be a favorite and it had me sold right away as I absolutely love oatmeal stouts and dark beers in general. However, this was nothing like an oatmeal stout. Nor did it taste like a Guinness as they described. Not even sure where they got that from?! Date on the can was fine, but it literally tasted like it was bad or skunked; tasted like overly roasted or burnt oats/grains; vinegary, bitter and literally tasted like burnt ketchup. Yes, burnt ketchup!! Very odd flavors; Chris agreed and wouldn't take more than 1 sip. It's been years since I've dumped a beer, but alas, I just couldn't get through it. Something was totally bad about this beer. Total bummer. I'm honestly very hesitant to try anything else from this company after this one -- and they do have a few other styles. I would try if I could find them in singles or at a bar versus buying a whole 6-pack. We got stuck with 5 more of these. Blech. What a waste.
My rating: 1/5
Purchased at: Grand Wine & Sprits - Groton, CT
List of N/A beers available at local restaurants/bars:
Here are some places I've been to recently that carry N/A beer. I will update this as time goes on, so check back! Have info to share? Let me know and I'll add it: killihumpdrinksbeer@gmail.com
*Last updated 9/22/22 9:20pm
The Oasis Pub (music venue/beer bar) - New London, CT
Carries a good selection of Athletic Brewing styles on a regular basis
Engine Room (restaurant & bar) - Mystic, CT
One rotating Athletic Brewing style; I've had both Run Wild IPA and Free Wave Hazy IPA there
Malted Barley (restaurant & beer bar) - Westerly, RI
Has a decent handful of rotating N/A cans; including Brooklyn Special Effects Hoppy Amber & Lager
The Jealous Monk (beer bar & restaurant) - Mystic, CT
Athletic Brewing - Run Wild IPA (most likely rotates); Heineken - Buckler bottles
Angie’s Pizza - Mystic, CT
Sam Adams Just The Haze IPA; St. Paulie's Girl
Mews Tavern (beer bar / restaurant) - Wakefield, RI
One rotating Athletic Brewing style; I had Run Wild IPA
40 Theives (bar) - Groton, CT
Heineken 0.0 bottles
Captain Daniel Packer Inn (restaurant & bar) - Mystic, CT
Heineken 0.0 bottles
Rocks 21 (restaurant & bar) - Mystic, CT
Heineken 0.0 bottles
Steak Loft (restaurant & bar) - Mystic, CT
Heineken 0.0 bottles
Friar Tucks (restaurant & bar) - Mystic, CT
Sam Adams Just The Haze IPA
Hard Rock Cafe Foxwoods - Mashantucket, CT
Heineken 0.0 bottles