Minnesota’s craft beverage scene continues to grow its nonalcoholic offerings with Ostrichized Brewing’s tropical, hop-forward, nonalcoholic malt beverage. Based in Minnesota, the brewery proves that fruit-forward complexity and craft sensibility can coexist beautifully — no alcohol required, adding another locally made option to the state’s expanding NA lineup.
First Impressions
Pour this brew into your glass and you’re greeted with a soft, golden haze topped with a lively cap of foam. It’s visually appealing without overreaching, striking that sweet spot between approachable and artfully crafted.
The Aromatic Journey
The first inhale reveals a burst of ripe mango — lush and sun-drenched — setting the stage for a radiant tropical composition. Layers of juicy peach lend a soft sweetness, while a flicker of lemon zest brightens the edges with citrusy lift. Beneath the fruit-forward exuberance lies a whisper of bready malt and a restrained hop bitterness, grounding the experience with classic malt brew finesse.
The Flavor Experience
On the palate, the promise of the aroma unfolds. A bright pop of lemon leads, its tartness giving way to the lush, sun-ripened sweetness of mango at mid-palate. Peach follows with a soft, velvety roundness that lingers just long enough for the hops to reveal themselves.
The finish delivers a crisp, refreshing dryness as the hops reintroduce that grassy, herbal bite so beloved by malt beverage enthusiasts. This brew stands out for its balance — layered and refreshing without the heavy sweetness that often weighs down fruit-forward non-alcoholic options.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Golden haze with moderate carbonation and a frothy head
Aroma: Mango-forward with peach undertones, bright lemon zest and light malt
Flavor: Tart citrus entry, mellow tropical center, subtle hop bitterness
Mouthfeel: Light-bodied with sprightly carbonation and a crisp finish
Balance: Fruit-forward yet anchored by malt brew dryness; refreshing without cloying sweetness
Perfect Pairings
This versatile brew shines alongside:
- Grilled shrimp skewers with lime and cilantro
- Fresh mango salsa with blue corn chips
- Roasted chicken with lemon-pepper seasoning
- Summer salad with peach slices, goat cheese and candied pecans
- Spicy veggie tacos with chipotle crema
For nonalcoholic drinkers who miss the complexity of a well-crafted, hop-forward malt beverage but prefer sunshine over alcohol, Ostrichized delivers. It’s a fruity, layered sip that fits equally well at backyard gatherings and quiet solo moments on the patio.
Meet Whitney, Founder of Ostrichized Brewing
Whitney, founder of Ostrichized Brewing, identifies as a queer individual in long-term recovery. Driven by a deep belief in a future rooted in recovery and inclusivity, Whitney recognized the social challenges faced by those who choose to pass on alcohol — whether for health, religious, recovery or personal reasons.
Such individuals often encounter side-eyes, questions and quiet exclusion. Whitney saw a connection between these behaviors and the broader crisis of belonging that pervades contemporary culture. Inspired by a steadfast belief in a future focused on recovery and inclusivity, Whitney envisioned a beverage that not only tasted great but also carried an attitude, a movement and a mascot with feathers and flair.
This vision led to the creation of Ostrichized, a brand that embodies joy and complexity while celebrating those who choose alcohol-free living.
Why the Ostrich?
The mascot, the ostrich, symbolizes misunderstood and often mocked creatures — though they are actually fast, powerful and unique. Just like the ostrich, those who go alcohol-free are often underestimated. Whitney and the team created the word “Ostrichized” to flip the script on what it means to be alcohol-free, emphasizing that sobriety is a celebration.
The Ostrichized Mission
Ostrichized Brewing offers a new kind of beverage — a tropically refreshing 0.0% ABV malt drink designed for those seeking alcohol-free options. Recognizing that the alcohol-free space encompasses diverse paths, stories and identities, Whitney emphasizes that whether someone is sober-curious, taking a break, healing from difficult experiences or simply not interested in alcohol, they are welcome as part of the flock — without judgment or shame.
Whitney’s personal journey of recovery highlights a shared truth: most people are recovering from some form of disconnection, and everyone deserves a sense of belonging. The brand stands for a future where recovery is collective, joy doesn’t depend on alcohol and individual truths are honored — because there is zero time for haters.
Whitney’s personal journey of recovery extends beyond alcohol, touching on overcoming feelings of isolation, disconnection and being made to feel “othered” for being different. This understanding fueled the creation of a brand that celebrates authenticity and belonging for everyone. Through Ostrichized, Whitney aims to build a future where recovery is collective, joy does not depend on alcohol and belonging respects each individual’s truth.
Pride in Brewing Scholarship Recipient
Whitney is thrilled to share that she has been awarded the Pride in Brewing Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity that supports LGBTQIA+ individuals breaking into the craft beer industry. This recognition aligns with her mission to foster greater inclusion, recovery and celebration within traditionally alcohol-centered spaces, such as breweries.
Thanks to the scholarship, Whitney will attend the Siebel Institute WBA Concise Course in Brewing Technology in Chicago this November. This program will equip her with technical skills to expand Ostrichized Brewing and drive a shift within the industry — from assuming alcohol as the default to prioritizing choice, culture and inclusivity.
Whitney’s vision is to lead the industry toward a future where diversity is celebrated and all individuals feel welcome. This scholarship represents a significant step toward making that future a reality. Cheers to diversity, equity and raising a toast with Ostrichized.
Ostrichized Brewing offers 0.0% ABV craft beverages that celebrate authenticity, inclusivity and the bold choice to live alcohol-free. Follow along with them on IG @drinkostrichized
Are you #MinnySober? Your Guide to the Twin Cities Zero-Proof Scene
#MINNYSOBER at The Sober Curator by Sober Curator Contributor Ashley Sunderland is your go-to guide for Minneapolis–St. Paul’s thriving sober and zero-proof community—almost as famous as our 10,000 lakes. From indie NA bottle shops to recovery game nights with local pro sports teams, we highlight the best venues, events, and experiences for unforgettable, alcohol-free fun.
Whether you’re a lifelong local, a visitor, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome to raise the bar without the booze and join a community that’s redefining social drinking norms while embracing wellness-focused living.
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Welcome to HAPPY EVERY HOUR, your go-to hub for all things NA (non-alcoholic). We review alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink), and share NA cocktail recipes that taste just as good—if not better—than the boozy originals. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just taking a break, this is where great taste meets zero proof.
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