These Non-Alcoholic IPAs Taste Like the Real Deal (2024)

Published 01/19/24

Region: Connecticut | Tasting Notes: Pine, Hops, Citrus

Instantly recognizable to anyone who’s sought out a non-alcoholic brew in the past couple of years, the Run Wild IPA from the fast-growing Athletic Brewing Co. has become one of the most popular zero-alcohol beers in America.

“I’m not at all an IPA fanatic but I’ll drink the Run Wild any day,” says Althea Codamon, managing partner and beverage director at Aita and Mayflower, both in Brooklyn, New York. “It’s everything I wish most other IPAs were, with a truly balanced hop and malt profile. [It] definitely leans more bitter than the others in their line, but [is] still approachable for those who usually opt for lagers.”

Jessie Marrero, bartender at Keystone Korner in Baltimore and The Grove in Potomac, Maryland, agrees. “The Run Wild has a very approachable character, made with a blend of five Northwest hops. It doesn’t skimp on the mild bitterness and mouthfeel,” says Marrero. “Some beers will try to compensate for that lack of alcohol with either too much added sugar or artificial flavors. In my experience, those wanting N/A beers still want that mouthfeel, that aroma of hops and yeast, with a balanced flavor profile.”

Region: Wisconsin | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Hops, Tropical fruit

Known for its unique can designs and collaborations with independent artists, Untitled Art produces a full line of non-alcoholic beers (as well as full-strength beers, hard seltzers, and CBD sparkling waters). The Juicy IPA is one of the best known in its N/A lineup and is made by brewing a full-strength IPA with citra and mosaic hops, then using a reverse osmosis system to filter out the alcohol, leaving the full suite of classic IPA flavors intact.

“I think Untitled Art does a really great job of conveying bright juicy hops and a clean palate that doesn’t have that cooked malty taste a lot of alcohol-free beers suffer from,” says Aaron Polsky, founder and CEO of LiveWire co*cktail Co. When it comes to seeking out an authentic-tasting IPA without the alcohol, “the bad ones are often too malty, and the good ones are crisp with a balanced bitterness,” he says.

Region: California | Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, Hops, Guava

In addition to their trademark hazy appearance, the IPAs in the “hazy” subcategory are characterized by slightly less bitterness and a more fruit-forward profile than those made in the drier, hoppier “West Coast” style. The hazy offering from Sausalito, California-based Best Day Brewing comes in an appealing retro-inspired can and clocks in at only 53 calories, but it doesn’t skimp on the rich, smooth, fruity character that the style is known for.

“I try to look for N/A beers that taste like the normal thing,” says Veronica Flores, lead bartender at Marlow in Austin, who counts the Best Day Hazy IPA among her go-tos. “I’ve noticed that some brands have a funky finish, or can get skunky if the beer warms up too much.”

Flores also appreciates accessibility: while some N/A IPAs are still currently only available to most consumers via online order, she likes that she can find Best Day at her local grocery store.

Region: Maine | Tasting Notes: Hops, Mango, Pine

Founded in 2021 as the first fully N/A brewery in the state of Maine, Kit Brewing offers three different expressions—conveniently bundled together in a 12-pack that can be ordered from its website—all of which are not only zero-alcohol but vegan and gluten-free.

“I like the Get Set IPA,” says Geo Thompson, bar manager at The Blacksmith in Pembroke, Massachusetts. “To me, the aroma is reminiscent of lemon honey drop candy and has just the right amount of hop bite to balance and finish clean. Crushable!”

Since zero-ABV beverages aren’t subject to the same shipping restrictions as those containing alcohol, consumers from around the country can easily order the offerings from small, regional breweries like Kit and have them shipped directly from the source. Thompson believes that a quality beverage experience is one worth seeking out.

“Back in my full-proof days I was a big hophead, so I still crave all things bitter, and it’s just not as easy (yet) to get the same experience at every store and bar,” he says. “So I seek out hoppy styles where I can.”

Region: Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio | Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, Pine, Grapefruit

It’s not just startup boutique breweries that are hopping on the N/A IPA train, as some of the nation’s largest beer producers are throwing their hats in the ring. The Boston Beer Company, one of the largest breweries in the U.S., recently introduced a non-alcoholic hazy IPA called Just The Haze under its ever-popular Samuel Adams label. It’s got all the crucial IPA bonafides, featuring four hop varieties (citra, mosaic, sabro, and cascade) and clocking in at 35 IBUs (international bitterness units).

“What I like most about Just The Haze is the mouthfeel and hop flavor,” says Tim Baer, bartender at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. “Most N/A beers taste like watered-down beer or beer-flavored club soda. This tastes like a hazy IPA and has the mouthfeel you would expect from one with alcohol.”

The wide distribution reach of the Boston Beer Company, the nation’s fourth largest brewer, will ensure that Just The Haze is within easy reach of N/A beer enthusiasts across the country. “I can make my own hop-infused beverages,” says Baer, “but sometimes you just want to throw back that combination of carbonation and hops.”

Region: New York | Tasting Notes: Hops, Orange, Guava

The concept of “local” has always been central to the microbrewery ethos. One of the main appeals of craft beer has been the idea of a return to the tradition of local and regional breweries that all but disappeared in the post-Prohibition era when the American beer landscape became dominated by a few national breweries. So it’s no surprise that N/A brews from small, local producers will have a certain special appeal to consumers and hospitality professionals alike. Of course, taste is the most important consideration, but Weiss feels that small breweries are doing a great job of replicating the full-strength characteristics in their N/A beers.

“I've found that IPAs, especially the hazy ones, have a remarkable resemblance to their full alcohol counterparts,” Weiss says. At Rolo’s, he’s currently featuring the hazy IPA from Momentum Brewery, based just a borough away, in Brooklyn. “The Momentum Hazy IPA has the juicy, tropical lushness you'll find in many session hazy IPAs,” he says.

Region: Connecticut | Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, Orange, Pine

Befitting its position as a leader in the N/A beer movement, Athletic Brewing Company makes a second appearance on our list with its Free Wave Hazy IPA, which has developed a devoted following of its own. “It’s got the full body and mouthful that I enjoy when I drink alcoholic beer, so it's a familiar experience rather than just a familiar taste,” says Rylie Hightower, owning manager and food & beverage director at The Lumbar in Birmingham, Alabama. “I also really love that it’s made with the kind of bright and citrusy hop profile that I prefer in general when I’m enjoying beer, so those are both big pluses in my book.”

While the full range of N/A IPAs might seem intimidating to a beer fan considering making the switch from full-alcohol IPAs, Hightower recommends not overthinking the decision-making process. “I pick the style of N/A beer just like I would an alcoholic beer,” she says. “What season of the year is it? Am I going to the beach or to a backyard barbecue? I know I’ll enjoy it a little more if I pick a beer similar to the type of alcoholic beer I’d pick in the same scenario.”