It should be noted that many people look forward to the automatic weight loss that comes from quitting drinking. Of course, those who have quit will tell you about the sugar cravings your body has for a while to replace that alcohol, and then, if you’re like me, you get into non-alcoholic craft beer, and you realize that the weight will never leave, and you decide to live with it and love yourself. Well, good news for those who want more! Partake, from Canada, offers a wide variety of beers, and many that we have featured, including this week’s pick, are only ten calories per beer! Holy crap! Go eat a cheeseburger or maybe some poutine because this week, we are joined by our friends from the north once more for another tasty treat!
This week we are drinking Pale from Partake. This Pale Ale sports an alarmingly low ten calories but is backed by a reputation of great flavor across the brand. Partake is one of the original pioneers of non-alcoholic craft brews and was the first I found back in 2018 when I began venturing into this arena. This beer promises a lot of flavor for a Pale Ale, mentioning notes of orange zest, grapefruit, and pine on the can. Will Partake live up to those expectations?
How Does It Pour?
Upon the first crack of the 12-ounce can, there is an immediate aroma of roasted malt, which I now know is funny because Partake clearly states the ingredients on the can, and malt isn’t one of them. It turns out I am smelling barley. I have to sit and reflect on how many times I have made that mistake before, but for the sake of you and Partake, I shall digress. There are not many other aromas on the top of the can, aside from a light blended hop that is lost in the balance of the barley.
The beer pours a beautiful copper color, and you quickly notice how filtered it is. Partake may eliminate all their calories by taking out so much of the beer. This thing is see-thru but sports such a promising color below its off-white head you’ll be excited to dive in. The aroma doesn’t change much once it’s fully poured, and bubbles burst at the top of the glass.
How Does It Taste?
When you finally bring the brew to your talking hole and taste it, you finally get that hint of grapefruit. It’s subtle but present as the barley and hops mix to coat the rest of your mouth before dragging that flavor down your throat.
Untappd gives Pale by Partake a 2.9 out of 5. I personally think this may be a little harsh. I do believe their IPA is better, and with the world of NA beers continuously offering more flavor and a wider variety, it may be hard for these OGs to catch up, but for a basic pale ale in the NA world, I may bump it up to a 3.2 or a 3.4. The good news is Partake is very widely distributed, so you can make the judgment for yourself. Then let me know what you think!
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: 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.
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 are extremely relatable and fall across the entire spectrum of the human experience.
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.
