It's football eve, what are you drinking? (Near Beer addition)

Submitted by SanDiegoWolverine on September 2nd, 2022 at 5:03 PM

So it's 90+ degrees in San Diego and I've been forced out of my non-airconditioned house to go somewhere and finish work where I'm not sweating. Of course I decided it was a good time to go to a brewery to finish up work and cool off. Enjoying a nice 5% seltzer because I don't particularly like them and I'll drink them slow; plus I'm not an idiot. Still got to get work done.

So I wanted to make this a more inclusive thread. The last year the NA beer scene has absolutely exploded. Athletic Brewing's biggest brew house is in San Diego, and we house a second all NA brewery here too called Two Roots. Plus there's a bunch a local breweries doing one or two near beers. What are you guys digging when it comes to NA beers and what's good as far as NA craft beers in your area? In San Diego's Alesmith came out NIPA which is fantastic for a near beer and has a nice body. It's hard to find outside the brewery though.

Also, who do you think everyone will be talking about after tomorrow's game? A starter or a garbage time player? My boring answer is Corum. I think some of us have forgotten how awesome he was before he got injured last year. Hoping for a garbage time breakout though.

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fortissimosca

September 2nd, 2022 at 5:32 PM ^

I gave up alcohol for Lent and turned it into 6 weeks of NA tastings.  Most of the breweries near me (New Mexico) tend to be a few years behind, so not much in town.  Athletic was really the only quality crafty one I liked.  Had one from another brewery that tasted like malty orange juice.  In general, Germany and the Netherlands have been doing NAs for a long time. I liked anything I got from either place.  Functionally, though, I found liked Bud Zero better than normal Miller Lite or Bud Light and kept drinking it after Easter.  If I alternate between that and some of the heaver craft beers on the golf course/pool/watching a game it usually makes for a better evening and helped keep some recent weight loss off.  I really don't miss the light beer.

Joined: 11/07/2014

MGoPoints: 763

mgobleu

September 2nd, 2022 at 5:40 PM ^

I’m conflicted about the NA beers and have never been able to get into them. On the one hand I say what’s the point, but on the other, I don’t typically drink to get drunk, so maybe it makes a little sense? 

I suppose if there was a nice salty gose style NA out there I’d give it a shot, but I can’t for the life of me imagine taking a NA Bud light over a Diet Coke. 

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 38428

fortissimosca

September 2nd, 2022 at 5:54 PM ^

I stopped drinking Diet Coke a long time ago because of the caffeine, but I get what you're saying.  I recently had this discussion with a bunch of psychologists (as friends, not in therapy...that's for another thread) and they were saying that it was almost a social crutch of having something in your hand resembling a beverage when everyone else does, or having something that tastes remotely like beer when you get home after a long day of work.

Joined: 11/07/2014

MGoPoints: 763

scanner blue

September 2nd, 2022 at 5:51 PM ^

Starting with a Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ for a real beer then cleaning out the back of the fridge with a “near beer” … Trader Joe’s Lager (it’s got alcohol but it reminds one of good beer).

Raise a glass to tomorrow’s honorary captains  - Tracy Wolfson and Dana Jacobson, two fine Michigan grads!

Joined: 07/14/2014

MGoPoints: 10319

befuggled

September 2nd, 2022 at 7:26 PM ^

I never found a NA beer I liked when I could drink regular beer, and the odds of finding a decent gluten free NA beer are low.  So if I'm working in the lawn or at an afternoon BBQ, I usually either have a coffee of some sort (drip coffee, cappucino, occasionally an iced coffee) or sparkling water of some sort. 

Tonight I'm gonna have some Pinot Grigio.

Joined: 07/01/2008

MGoPoints: 9968

SanDiegoWolverine

September 2nd, 2022 at 9:12 PM ^

I drink regular stuff and NA stuff. Athletic's Upside Down Golden Ale is fantastic. Great Lawnmower beer. It's crafted to remove gluten. These use clarity ferm which means if you are a ciliac or have another autoimmune disease where you can't eat gluten it's won't hurt you. Available in all 50 states too.

https://athleticbrewing.com/products/upside-dawn-golden-ale-non-alcoholic-6-pack

Upside Dawn

Joined: 02/03/2009

MGoPoints: 7204

gobluem

September 2nd, 2022 at 7:27 PM ^

Homebrew lager recipe called "Cream of 3 Crops"

 

If Fred Jackson were in charge of brewing it, he'd call it "Bud light, but good"

 

 

I think everybody's gonna be talking about the QBs no matter what happens

Joined: 09/15/2017

MGoPoints: 6824

rob f

September 2nd, 2022 at 7:28 PM ^

Just water for me this evening.

I had a few German-style beers at the local brewpub yesterday evening and I've got a lonnnng day tomorrow so I'm taking it easy tonight.  On the road tomorrow by 5:15am, tailgating at AAGO as soon as it opens, followed by MEEEECHIGAN FOOTBALL, of course. 

As if that's not enough, then there's a wedding reception Saturday evening down near K-Zoo.   

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 195018