Note: this post was updated 1/15/2024 as I tried more beers.
Recently, it seems like non-alcoholic beers have become more popular, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with their ability to replicate the flavor and feel of their alcoholic counterparts. In an on-and-off effort to drink less (surprisingly difficult in Colorado’s microbrewery haven), I’ve been trying a fairly random spread of NA beers when they’re available. There is a huge range of quality and cost, and here is a loose top-10 ranking of the NA beers that I’ve tried so far (as a disclaimer, IPA’s are my favorite beers):
1. Hazy IPA— Untitled Art
The Untitled Art Hazy IPA is not only my favorite NA beer, but ranks very highly amongst my favorite beers, period. It is nearly impossible to tell that it is non-alcoholic, and it’s delicious. The biggest downside to all of the Untitled Art beers is that they are VERY expensive compared to their competitors. Most recently, I saw a 12-pack selling for $31, which is quite a lot.
2. West Coast IPA— Untitled Art
The West Coast definitely lives up to its namesake alcoholic counterpart and manages to hit a strong piney, hoppy taste. If you like west-coast style IPAs, this is the beer for you.
3. Here We Go Hazy IPA— Kit Brewing
An edited addition in early 2024, this beer is very similar to Athletic Brewing’s but seems to retain slightly less of the “non-alcoholic” taste that many NA IPA’s tend to have.
4. Santa Clausthaler— Clausthaler
Depending on the time of year, this could be even higher. I’m not entirely sure what type of beer this is most similar to, but it tastes like a great spiced, cranberry juice with slightly more malty depth!
5. Run Wild IPA— Athletic Brewing
Athletic Brewing is a popular non-alcoholic beer company making a huge marketing push in the outdoors and athletics space. I think the Run Wild IPA has their fullest taste, and might be more widely available (and cheaper) than the Untitled Art options.
6. Flying Start— Boulevard Brewing
This IPA is much more malty than the options above it on the list. It’s a low-ranking IPA for me, but still a great choice for people wanting an authentic beer taste.
7. Free Wave Hazy IPA — Athletic Brewing
The Free Wave is a bit tangier and has a funnier mouth feel than most hazy IPAs. In general, I prefer hazy IPAs to traditional malty/piney IPAs, but I think Athletic’s Run Wild IPA is a better beer.
8. Upside Dawn— Athletic Brewing
The first non-IPA on the list, the Upside Dawn is very light and fruity. It doesn’t pack the flavor punch of the beers above it, but it would be a great summer trail or BBQ beer.
9. 0.0— Heineken
To me, this tastes nearly identical to Heineken, maybe just a tinge more watery.
10. All Out— Athletic Brewing
I don’t enjoy dark beers like stouts very often, and I think this hit me at the wrong time. If you are looking for a lighter dark beer (maybe a slight oxymoron), I think this is a solid option.
11. Edge— Coors
To me, this tastes nearly identical to Coors light, I just prefer the taste of Heineken over Coors Light for cheap beer.
12. O’Doul’s— Anheuser-Busch
The timeless classic is not my favorite, but it is the widespread original and deserves a shout-out.
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