Recent research highlights the health risks associated with alcohol, prompting some drinkers to reconsider their consumption habits. For those wanting to cut back, the non-alcoholic beer market has expanded quite a bit over the last decade.
These brews tend to be less bitter and provide a malty flavor similar to traditional beer, allowing drinkers to enjoy the experience without the harmful effects of alcohol.
Top Non-Alcoholic Beers Recommended by Experts
Bartenders and industry specialists shared their picks for the best non-alcoholic beers out there. Here are seven standouts:
1. Run Wild IPA by Athletic Brewing Co.
Mike Spence, from Triple T Hospitality Group in New Jersey, calls Run Wild IPA “the gold standard for nonalcoholic IPAs.” With five varieties of Northwest hops, it offers the piney and citrusy bitterness characteristic of West Coast IPAs. What’s intriguing, Spence notes, is that it doesn’t feel heavy—it’s aromatic with a distinct grapefruit aroma.
2. Upside Dawn Golden Ale by Athletic Brewing Company
Spence describes this beer as refreshing and easy to drink, with light, crisp notes of honey and orange. It’s perfect for gatherings, as it doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
3. Just the Haze by Samuel Adams
This New England-style IPA is naturally hazy and boasts tropical fruit aromas like mango and peach. Spence mentions that it doesn’t feel thin, thanks to the oats and wheat that give it a smooth texture.
4. Wild AF Cold Gold
Daniel Stiller from Better Rose calls this “a classic golden lager with a clean finish.” Co-founded by Charlie Sheen, Wild AF aims to deliver a simple and refreshing beer experience.
5. The Story Double IPA by Go Brewing
Described as a “bold, tropical powerhouse” with grapefruit and papaya notes, this beer offers a rich mouthfeel reminiscent of a high-gravity IPA—ideal for craft beer aficionados who don’t want to miss out on flavor.
6. She is a passionate tropical IPA by Busty Lush
Stiller highlights this IPA’s vibrant fruit flavors, particularly passion fruit and citrus, and praises its mission to empower women in the brewing industry.
7. Guinness 0
The non-alcoholic version of this classic beer is smoother and slightly sweeter than the original. Foley mentions it’s balanced and has a unique color similar to that of traditional Guinness Draft, making it a personal favorite.
