This hoppy, non-alcoholic IPA from Lagunitas Brewing Company is out now and it’s been a long-time coming! Getting IPNA full-flavored & hop-forward (and with low calories), was no small task. Lagunitas spotted a need for a N/A craft beer that’s both full-flavored and hop-forward. They worked tirelessly to get the hoppy flavors up to their craft beer standards.
How long did it take to brew this bad boy?
It took them over a year to perfect this brewer-led labor of love. Have you been missing the full flavor, hops-forward malt beverage but without the buzz? Then this may just be the NA craft beer for you.
Personally, I was not much of a beer gal back in my drinking days. And if I did drink it, it most certainly wasn’t for the taste. Admittingly, I was a little hesitant to sample a N/A beer for fear I would find it triggering. A few sips in and I now really understand what the phrase “hop-forward” actually means.
What’s in it?
Reading over their website, I was pleased to read that this IPNA is crafted with the highest quality malts and massive dry-hop from their favorite Yakima Valley hops—Citra, Mosaic & CTZ (Columbus, Tomahawk & Zeus for that acronym-averse). They claim this gives it a uniquely-full body and crazy-big hoppy aroma. OH hey, Washington State! Way to represent!
My 24-year-old son, however, was all of a sudden very interested in helping me taste test Lagunitas IPNA when he saw me opening up the box. He gave this one two thumbs up and said it did not taste watered down like some of the other N/A beers he has tried.
Over his shoulder, he yelled back to me that enjoyed that it was full-flavored and just like that, he walked right back out of the room, headed back to his Xbox, with my glass of IPNA in his hand. It’s ok Jakob, I’m not mad at you.
TRIGGER WARNING: With nearly 15 years of sobriety under my sober belt, I did not find the few samples I tasted triggering. There is no way for me to know if someone in early sobriety or someone whose drink of choice was beer, would find a N/A beer triggering. I only have my own personal experience.
Only you know your body, your limitations, and your triggers. If you think it’s not a good idea, then it’s probably not. Trust your booze-free gut and stay honest with yourself and those around you. We encourage you to always read labels and to hydrate responsibly…because drunk never looks good.
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.
