We are being joined once again by our neighbors to the north, Canada. Partake, one of the first NA breweries on the scene, offers staples and low-calorie options. We’ve previously tried their IPA, a delicious caramelly color and only 10 calories, and while they offer many more brews, including Stout, Red, and a variety of sours, we’re sticking with something a little lighter today.
This week, we are drinking Blonde by Partake. A little light on the naming conventions, but at least you know what you’re getting. A blonde in any brewery typically seems to be their answer to a macrobrewery’s lager or light beer. The expectation is that it will be basic and light, but with a full flavor and better profile than you will find in your Bud Zero or Busch NA. A blonde is a flagship beer of any brewery, but in the non-alcoholic world, you don’t see them as much.
How Does It Pour?
At first crack, there is a nice aroma, albeit subtle, of roasted malt in the air. Partake likely looks to shine in the realm of lighter beer since their whole gimmick, outside of being non-alcoholic, is being light; light in calories, that is. This one isn’t only light in calories, only 15, but also in color. As it hits the glass, it’s crystal clarity and golden color are reminiscent of many lagers and blondes you may have seen or tried before.
How Does It Taste?
In your mouth is where Partake needs to shine, much like the tongue of the person you are kissing. They fulfill their duties and slap your mouth booties with a perfect balance of beer flavor. I say beer flavor because there is no one standout in there. Partake does an excellent job of balancing the malt, hops, yeast, barley, and filtering it all so nicely, that what you’re left with is a crisp, clean, blonde ale that rivals any standard lager or pilsner you may slide down your gullet.
Untappd gives Blonde by Partake a 2.8 out of 5, which in the whole world of beer, I think I am on par with that vote, but as a standalone style in the non-alcoholic world, I would give Blonde by Partake a little bump up to maybe a 3.5. It’s becoming increasingly available in the states, so if you see any Partake brews, give ‘em a try and let me know what you think!
HAPPY EVERY HOUR 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.
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:
