Two Roads is a brewery out of Connecticut that does high octane beer and recently added a non-alcoholic option to their repertoire. This is an ongoing trend for alcoholic breweries as they see a place in the market for an NA option. With the market growing 30% year over year, this shouldn’t be surprising anyone, except for maybe Stone Brewing who has no desire to branch into that area right now, but that’s not why we’re talking today.
This week, we’re drinking a Juicy IPA from Two Roads. Without popping the can, I am already conflicted that the NA option that was chosen was a Juicy IPA. There are just so many hazy IPAs out there, especially out east where Two Roads hales from. Maybe I’m just being pessimistic, so let’s quit complaining and embrace what will likely be a nice option for a sunny summer.
How Does It Pour?
The first crack of the can and pouring of the beer match expectations. Two Roads offers a hazy, light golden color with a crisp white head. There is a scent of hops that bursts into the air mixed with citrus and sweetness. From the outside, it looks exactly as you would expect a New England IPA to look and smell like.
How Does It Taste?
When this IPA from Two Roads smacks your tongue, the fate is sealed as a hazy Juicy IPA. The hops are present and they linger nicely, but they sit almost overpowered by the citrus and sweet flavors that make this Juicy IPA juicy. It’s got a light mouthfeel and if you’re looking for something light to drink on the patio this summer, I think you found an option.
Untappd gives this Juicy IPA from Two Roads a 4 out of 5, which I find to be crazy and it is a stunning reminder that there need to be more NA reviewers present on Untappd. I get it. It’s like BrewDog having more reviews because they are a standard brewery with NA offerings, but in the world of NA beer and even in the world of Juicy IPA options, I think this beer should probably max out at 3.5. It’s important you, the reader, understand, that I’m not trying to talk shit about this beer. It’s fine. It’s a standard Juicy IPA. It’s not bad. There’s just better out there, though.
NA BEERS & 90s: Sober Curator Justin Lamb is dedicated to tasting great (and sometimes not so great) NA beers and showcasing his amazing collection of memorabilia from the ’90s.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … because drunk never looks good.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND: Want more Justin in your life? We don’t blame you! Check out his podcast Friend Request Justin has in-depth interviews with people he follows on social media, as well as his own social media followers. Friend Request dives deeper than the likes and comments. With each episode, Justin tries to create a more meaningful conversation about each individual he’s connected with. Justin ties each interview together with the commonalities and struggles that not only are extremely relatable but also fall across the entire spectrum of the human experience.
Check Out This Episode from Friend Request:
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
