Exploring the Best and Worst Non-Alcoholic Beers
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Chapter 1: My Journey with Non-Alcoholic Beers
When I first decided to stop drinking a few years ago, I had a rather negative view of non-alcoholic (NA) beers. However, my perspective has shifted significantly over time. NA beers can be excellent for social gatherings, and while water is undoubtedly the healthiest beverage, it can be enjoyable to sip on something flavorful.
My initial experiences with NA beers were less than satisfactory, likely because I didn't realize that, similar to alcoholic beverages, there is a vast spectrum of quality in the NA beer market. Not all NA beers are created equal, and it's beneficial to sample various options, especially if you have particular tastes like I do.
The lower-end, often cheaper brands tend to deliver minimal flavor and leave an unpleasant aftertaste. A common example that falls into this category is O'Doul's, which I will discuss further later.
For me, the best non-alcoholic beers are those that have a robust body and a unique flavor profile. Generally, these tend to be the pricier options.
Section 1.1: Availability of NA Beers
The market for non-alcoholic beers is growing in the United States, and you're likely to find an impressive variety at larger liquor stores. For instance, in Florida, I can visit Total Wine to explore a broad selection. At such establishments, you can find NA versions of nearly every beer style, including pilsners, IPAs, ales, Belgian-style, and German wheat beers.
Conversely, when dining at restaurants, the options are often limited to just one NA beer, which can be a take-it-or-leave-it situation. I've encountered restaurants with fantastic non-alcoholic selections, while others only offer a subpar choice. I suppose we should be grateful for any availability, especially in places where NA beers are entirely absent.
Section 1.2: My Local Supermarket's Offerings
My go-to supermarket, Publix, has seen its selection of NA beers improve over the years. During my last visit, I counted eight different brands. I’ve sampled each of them at various times.
My least favorite NA beers include O'Doul's, Coors, and Budweiser. They often taste watered down and leave a bad aftertaste, which isn't surprising since I was never fond of their alcoholic counterparts.
In the mid-range, brands like Heineken Zero, Stella, and Becks fall into a category that’s neither particularly impressive nor offensive; they’re mostly refreshing and easy to drink if you're planning to enjoy several at a social occasion.
I lean more towards craft beers, with Sam Adams Just the Haze being my top pick. It offers a fuller body compared to the other options at Publix, providing a more satisfying drinking experience. When Publix started carrying Just the Haze, it was a delightful surprise. With its robust flavor and pleasant aftertaste, I find it worth the investment.
Another favorite of mine is Blue Moon, which also boasts a full-bodied and distinctive taste. Guinness 0.0 is known for its flavor as well, but I've yet to find a stout that I enjoy, regardless of its alcohol content.
Chapter 2: Reflections on the NA Beer Market
The tastes one has for NA beers are highly subjective. Overall, I am glad to see that the variety and quality of NA beers seem to be improving. While the surge in NA beer options is likely driven by commercial interests rather than a genuine shift in the alcohol industry, it is still a positive development.
I would love to hear others' opinions on their favorite non-alcoholic beers.
The first video reviews and ranks various non-alcoholic beers available in 2024, offering insights into their taste and quality.
The second video discusses non-alcoholic beers that actually taste good, highlighting brands that stand out in flavor and quality.