Going out for lunch with friends and colleagues sometimes calls for an occasional mid-day cocktail indulgence. However, regaining your focus back to work would be a bit challenging, even if you don’t feel that intoxicated.
Therefore, I have curated this list of the best non-alcoholic IPA brands I usually recommend to my customers.
So, if you love the taste of IPA or any craft beer but you’re trying to avoid getting a hangover during working hours, check out these best non alcoholic IPAs.
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Top 15 Non-Alcoholic IPA Beers
1. Samuel Adams Just The Haze Non-Alcoholic IPA
Average Price: around $10/6 packs (Total Wine)
Nose: Citrus smell and other fruity aromas
Palate: Slight sweet lemony flavor and tropical notes
Drinkability Score: 9/10
Why We Like It: This product, made of Mosaic and Cascade hops, is one of the best non-alcoholic IPAs, perfect for summer gatherings.
Produced by Boston Beer Company, this non-alcoholic beer is best served chilled because as it warms up, the taste turns slightly sweeter than what I expect from non-alcoholic IPAs.
2. Untitled Art Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA
Average Price: around $18/6 packs (Official site)
Nose: Subtle notes of tropical hops and citrus smell
Palate: Strong fruity flavors with hops notes
Drinkability Score: 9/10
Why We Like It: Although it is not as juicy as the name implies, this one’s still packed with fruity flavors and the right amount of hops, making it a great non-alcoholic IPA.
“The chief reason for drinking is the desire to behave in a certain way, and to be able to blame it on alcohol.” – Mignon McLaughlin, Writer and Journalist
The carbonation of this NA beer is on point, and the Mosaic finish makes it an excellent, non-alcoholic, juicy IPA.
3. Athletic Brewing Company Run Wild IPA
Average Price: around $14 (Official site)
Nose: Lemon and citrus aroma with very nice hop notes
Palate: Sweet specialty malt body with approachable bitterness
Drinkability Score: 8/10
Why We Like It: Run Wild IPA from Athletic Brewing features a blend of five Northwest hops, creating the ultimate sessionable IPA with only 70 calories.
This Run Wild IPA is one that I always have for guests who prefer non-alcoholic IPAs. Run Wild IPA resembles a regular beer but without the alcohol.
Read: Top Non-Alcoholic Seltzers
4. Athletic Brewing Company Free Wave
Average Price: around $14/6 packs (Official site)
Nose: Dominating piney and citrus aroma
Palate: Thin mouthfeel with well-balanced flavors of malt and hops
Drinkability Score: 8/10
Why We Like It: Aside from Run Wild IPA, Athletic Brewing produces another non-alcoholic IPA made of Amarillo, and Citra hops with good carbonation.
Its deliciousness makes it one of my favorite non-alcoholic beers, providing me with the right malt foundation and hop bitterness of a beer.
5. Best Day Brewing Hazy IPA
Average Price: around $14/6 packs (Official site)
Nose: Strong hop-forward aroma with pine and grapefruit hints
Palate: Smooth with complex citrus flavor, grassy, and floral hops
Drinkability Score: 8/10
Why We Like It: Best Day Brewing offers one of the best non-alcoholic IPAs with a luscious medium body. This refreshing beer is perfect for craft beer drinkers who want to enjoy their favorite flavorful brews but without the alcohol.
It has a full and lively mouthfeel and a light and refreshing taste, making it one of the best non-alcoholic IPAs in the market.
6. Two Roots Straight Drank IPA
Average Price: around $13/6 packs (Total Wine)
Nose: Tropical mango and slightly spicy black pepper
Palate: Malt sweetness and moderate bitterness
Drinkability Score: 8/10
Why We Like It: Bagging a bronze medal from the Great American Festival, Straight Drank features a fantastic mouthfeel and bright floral non-alcoholic craft beer.
Among other non-alcoholic IPAs, this one falls on a musty or earthy side, suitable for those who prefer this drink flavor.
7. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects Non-Alcoholic IPA
Average Price: around $14/6 packs (Official site)
Nose: Light hop aroma with grassy and earthy notes
Palate: Light-bodied with medium bitterness
Drinkability Score: 8/10
Why We Like It: One of the best non-alcoholic IPAs, this one is surprisingly good, offering a decent mouthfeel for an NA beer.
Its aroma is almost non-existent, but this NA beer tastes unexpectedly good with a clean, peppery, and hoppiness taste.
8. Two Roads Brewing Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA
Average Price: around $12/6-pack (Total Wine)
Nose: Citrusy with fresh green hops
Palate: Light and mildly creamy with hops, citrus, and slight sweetness
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: This non-alcoholic juicy IPA comes from the largest brewery in Connecticut, Two Roads [1].
It offers a decent hop-forward profile, where Citra hops shine through every sip. Although this juicy IPA has an underlying sweetness, it does not have the wort-like hints found in some non-alcoholic beers.
9. Atmos Brewing Wayfarer
Average Price: around $19/6-pack (Official site)
Nose: Spicy piney hints and light herbal tea aroma
Palate: Floral and fruity taste with herbal tea flavors
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: Wayfarer is slightly too carbonated but offers a decent non-alcoholic IPA drink. It has the classic hoppy bite that is hard to find in some non-alcoholic beers [2] that I’ve tried.
It is a medium-bodied, non-alcoholic beer with toasted malt flavors and bitterness with every sip.
10. Hop WTR
Average Price: around $37/12-pack (Official site)
Nose: Fruity aroma with herbal undertones
Palate: Hops, fruity and herbal flavors
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: Hop water is sparkling water with the flavors of hops, popularized by Hop WTR and Lagunitas. Although this product is not exactly a non-alcoholic IPA, it still serves as one of the best NA beers.
Hop WTR comes in different fruity flavors like lime, peach, and Ruby Red grapefruit [3], featuring ingredients like Mosaic and Amarillo hops.
11. Itsa Lika West Coast Style IPA
Average Price: around $13/6-pack (Official site)
Nose: Bold hop-forward aroma
Palate: Dominating pine and citrus flavors
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: West Coast-style IPAs are best known for their hop-forward smell, while the pine and citrusy notes dominate the taste.
“Hop water is naturally free of alcohol, sugar, and grains, making it a calorie-free alternative and healthier choice for beer enthusiasts.” – Liquor Laboratory
This product does not disappoint because it can deliver those profiles with smooth, fruity, and slightly malty notes.
12. Lagunitas Brewing Company IPNA
Average Price: around $16/6-pack (Official site)
Nose: Grass, citrus, and pleasant floral aroma
Palate: Moderate bitterness with grass, malt, hops and citrus
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: Lagunitas IPNA tastes almost like tea, with a decent amount of Citra, Mosaic, and Columbus hops on the palate. It is not as remarkable as other NA beers, but it’s much better than most non-alcoholic IPAs.
It’s a delightfully refreshing NA beer with a light bitterness, perfect for beer enthusiasts.
13. Surreal Brewing Company Natural Bridges Kölsch
Average Price: around $9/4-pack (Total Wine)
Nose: Slight citrus and sweet grain
Palate: Light-bodied with hints of grain taste
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: It is surprising how Natural Bridges can pack non-alcoholic beer flavors with the right carbonation, making it quite similar to alcoholic beers.
When a low-calorie, non-alcoholic version of beer struggles with its taste, Natural Bridge is an impressive NA beer with light tropical notes and a subtle malt backbone.
14. Brewdog Alcohol-Free Mixed Pack
Average Price: around $24/12-pack (Official site)
Nose: Hop-forward and citrus
Palate: Bold hops with fruit notes
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: Brewed from eight different hops, including Pacific Northwest hops, this non-alcoholic beer offers a unique flavor profile compared to other products.
It offers a bold, exciting taste of blood orange peel, citrus, and tropical fruit notes, a perfect choice to cut on calories and alcohol without compromising the flavors.
15. Gruvi IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer
Average Price: around $29/12-pack (Official site)
Nose: Earthy and aromatic beer
Palate: Hop-forward flavors and lingering bitterness
Drinkability Score: 7/10
Why We Like It: This IPA non-alcoholic beer is one of the best alternatives in the market that will make you feel like you’re drinking alcohol.
My only complaint would be its lighter body, but its authentic taste could still make it one of the best non-alcoholic IPAs.
*Note: Based on a blind taste test, the Drinkability Score measures how easy it is to drink multiple servings of the beer in one sitting, again on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 indicates “difficult to drink more than one” and 10 indicates “easy to drink several.”
FAQs Related to Best Non Alcoholic IPA
What non-alcoholic drink tastes most like beer?
Hoppy beverages are non-alcoholic drinks that taste most like beer. These drinks combine sparkling water, soda, and tea to craft non-alcoholic beverages with no calories and sugar added [4].
These non-alcoholic brews can be used for making cocktails.
Is hazy IPA non-alcoholic?
No, hazy IPAs are not non-alcoholic craft beers. They could have varying alcohol content from 2.5% to 7% ABV, depending on the brand.
How do non-alcoholic IPAs compare to traditional IPAs in terms of taste and aroma?
Non-alcoholic IPAs aim to replicate the hoppy bitterness and aromatic profile of traditional IPAs while omitting the alcohol content. While they may have slightly less intensity in flavor, many non-alcoholic IPAs still offer a satisfying hop-forward experience.
What makes a non-alcoholic IPA stand out as the best choice?
The best non-alcoholic IPAs often feature a balance of hoppy bitterness, citrus or tropical fruit notes, and a satisfying mouthfeel without the presence of alcohol. Look for options with high-quality ingredients and brewing techniques that preserve the integrity of the beer.
Are there any notable differences in the brewing process between non-alcoholic IPAs and traditional IPAs?
Non-alcoholic IPAs undergo a similar brewing process to traditional IPAs but with modifications to remove or reduce the alcohol content. This may involve techniques such as vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis to remove alcohol while retaining flavor and aroma.
Can you recommend a non-alcoholic IPA that closely resembles the taste of a traditional IPA?
Athletic Brewing Co.’s Upside Dawn and Partake Brewing’s IPA are often praised for their ability to closely replicate the hoppy bitterness and flavor profile of traditional IPAs. These options offer a satisfying alternative for IPA enthusiasts seeking a non-alcoholic option.
How do non-alcoholic IPAs contribute to a healthy lifestyle compared to traditional IPAs?
Non-alcoholic IPAs offer a way to enjoy the flavors and experience of craft beer without the negative effects of alcohol consumption, such as dehydration, impaired judgment, and hangovers. They can be a suitable option for those looking to moderate their alcohol intake or abstain altogether.
In Conclusion
This non-alcoholic beer category used to have a negative image of losing the alcohol and the taste until recent inventions in the beer industry helped change that.
Nowadays, companies such as Athletic Brewing Company produce flavorful, non-alcoholic beers using a different fermentation process while incorporating fewer calories.
Various non-alcoholic beers can taste like an IPA, like those produced by Athletic Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects, or Two Roads Brewing.
Non-alcoholic beers used to suffer from losing their alcoholic kick and flavor, but recent technology has solved this problem, letting brewers craft flavorful non-alcoholic beers.
So whether you are cutting down on calories or alcohol, this list will help you enjoy a refreshing, great beer even in the middle of working days.
This post is brought to you by Craftbeerclub.com, America’s original beer club. Sign up now and score up to 24 extra beers!
References:
- Two Roads Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA
- Here’s why non-alcoholic beers finally taste good, and not just for Dry January
- Hop Water Isn’t Trying to Be Beer. That’s Why We Like It
- The Newest Beverage Trend Is Hoppy Drinks That Aren’t Beer
