Tapping Into NA Brew

Being a sober beer snob has not always been easy. For those who got their first tattoos in the 1980s, the concept didn’t even exist because the non-alcoholic options at the time were notoriously brutal. More recently, though, an interesting cultural shift has taken place. People over 21 are increasingly choosing NA options when it comes to beer, wine, and spirits. Driven by a multitude of reasons — whether choosing lifelong sobriety or simply looking for a safer option to drive home after a night out with friends — NA beer has become an attractive choice for modern consumers because the quality is simply better now.

For craft beer lovers, discovering Maine-based Woodland Farms Brewery often begins on the shelves of local grocery stores. But, beyond the thrill of taking that first chance on an unknown commodity, the real magic happens at the source. Because the brewery serves both its NA and fully-leaded beers on tap, making the pilgrimage to its tasting room is a must for any enthusiast.

Once inside the brew pub, which is connected directly to the brewery itself, visitors are made to feel right at home. Woodland Farms marries the woods and punk rock perfectly. The tasting room is consistently inviting, featuring excellent artwork on the walls — including nostalgic show posters from legendary bands — a variety of comfortable places to sit, and excellent t-shirts for sale. Music is playing, not so loud that you can’t have a conversation, but still loud enough to enjoy.

The Face (and Sleeves) of Woodland

Visitors to the facility might just run into managing partner Patrick Rowan, a gregarious, larger-than-life guy who is always down to give a tour and talk shop. Fully sleeved and a veteran bassist who has played in a number of bands over the years, Rowan embodies the very culture of the brewery. “My first tattoo was a stick and poke at 14,” he shares. “It was a Sex Pistols tattoo, but like a dumbass, I got it covered up. You can still see the ‘x’, kind of.”

Tattoo culture is prominent at Woodland Farms and, like many tattoo aficionados, is a continual work in progress. “We’re all sleeved,” he says. “I’m working on my back right now with Danny (@danny_clark_tattoos). Trying to find a week to recover after an eight-hour session of getting my back worked on is tough.”

At 50, he admits that getting tattooed now “hurts like a motherfucker,” but just like his penchant for experimenting with new NA flavors and styles, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for his days of getting new ink.

Woodland Farms originally started brewing beer in 2016. In 2018, after a particularly successful year for the business, Rowan treated himself to a week of training at the Technical University of Munich’s Weihenstephan campus in Freising to learn how to brew world-class NA beer.

“I did the ultimate smart guy thing and, while the rest of my staff went and got hammered, I went to Germany to learn how to brew non-alcoholic beer. I absorbed about 40% of what they smashed into my brain. There is a reason why the best brewers come out of that school,” Rowan says, explaining, “They’ve been doing it for hundreds of years. (In Germany,) 1% beer is the standard. That’s the lunch beer. You have two at lunch with a sandwich, and then you go back to work. It’s food. You’re not doing it to get drunk.”

Redefining the NA Community

There is considerable pride in Rowan’s voice when he talks about the unique community Woodland Farms has established around its NA offerings.

“We have helped to remove the stigma of drinking an NA beer, and people in our community, they just don’t care. They are excited to talk about how delicious it is and how you can play three games of cribbage, drink five beers, and not be wasted,” Rowan says.

He is currently obsessed with his new White Trash Lager. “It’s probably the old punk rocker in me, but I am really focused on White Trash beer right now. I want to make the absolute best (version of a) NA Pabst Blue Ribbon I can. You know, like the Miller High Life, Sapporo… I want to try and make something like all the shitty beers I used to drink by the 30 pack and make the NA version,” Rowan says with a huge smile.

Considering the excellent beer he has already made, White Trash Lager will undoubtedly be another massive hit for NA beer drinkers everywhere.

Global Innovators in Non-Alcoholic Beer

For years, it was easy to think of non-alcoholic beer as just another harbinger of bad news. The options were notoriously awful back in the day, improving only marginally as the broader consumer desire for alternatives to alcohol began to grow. Luckily for those who want to enjoy a genuinely good beer without the buzz, several excellent options are now available around the world.

RationAle Brewing

Based out of Encinitas, California, RationAle Brewing emerged on the NA beer scene in 2022. “We call ourselves ‘the official pacer beer’ because we’re alcohol inclusive,” says RationAle Cofounder Tyler Fay. “We still enjoy our regular brews and simply believe the most important thing is being aware and mindful of how you drink.”

Using a “reverse osmosis membrane,” RationAle brews at 5-6% alcohol by volume (ABV), then removes the alcohol at the end of the process, creating exceptional alcohol-free beer, such as its West Coast IPA and Japanese Style Dry varieties. This approach is catching on with beer drinkers who enjoy extreme sports, motorcycling, and other activities, when staying on top of your game is paramount.

Athletic Brewing Company

“Here at Athletic Brewing Co., we’re dedicated to crafting delicious non-alcoholic beer you can enjoy anytime and anywhere, with no worries and no hangovers,” Athletic Brewing Company touts. A behemoth in the NA world, the brand’s reach keeps growing. An increasing number of restaurants and bars across the United States now offer Athletic’s beers on their drink menus, typically stocking Upside Dawn Golden and Run Wild IPA. Most retail stores also carry the Free Wave IPA, alongside the highly praised Athletica Mexican-Style Copper.

Kit Non-ALC

Another standout Maine brand, Portland-based Kit Non-ALC, consistently delivers excellent beers made by a team known for their fantastic beards. Kit’s Hazy IPA is a verified treat, as is its flagship beer, Golden. Both beers clock in under 100 calories, meaning they won’t impact the bottom line for health-conscious consumers. Available online and in major retailers, Kit beers are well worth adding to any NA repertoire for their smooth, tasty profiles that won’t break the bank.

Below Brew Co

Below Brew Co was founded by Rob Buchinger-Jones and Dave Brown, two friends on different continents, who were having trouble finding an NA beer they enjoyed. So they decided to make it themselves. With an eye for healthy alternatives and great-tasting beer, Below Brew now has almost 20 different beers.

Below Brew is based in the United Kingdom and can be difficult to find in the United States, but it is available at select specialty shops. “From unique styles to eye-catching can art, we create larger format cans designed to appeal to a wide audience of craft beer lovers, whether you’re cutting back or just curious about AF,” the company touts.

Industrial Arts Brewing Company

While highly celebrated for its traditional, ABV beers, New York’s Industrial Arts Brewing Company is quickly making a massive name for itself in the NA world, too. Safety Glasses Pils and Al’s Classic lager are both smooth, easy-drinking NA brews with an authentic flavor profile that could easily fool someone into thinking they are drinking regular beer.

In addition to creating award-winning beers, Industrial Arts is dedicated to supporting the local music scene and touring artists and musicians through a variety of live events at its brewery Workshop space. Keep an eye out for the NA version of its flagship IPA, Wrench, as well as an NA version of its Metric pilsner.