We have bumped mugs with Southern Grist Brewing before when we tried Beacon, their juicy IPA. The beer wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t sticking out amongst a sea of NA IPAs. That said, the brewery’s location and the magic that comes from there must be mentioned again. We’re joined again this week by Waunakee, Wisconsin. I imagine this is the unofficial beer capital of the state because this is one of many breweries we have tried from that city, and we only review NA beers, so just imagine.

This week, we are drinking Company Pils by Southern Grist Brewing. The tallboy 16-oz can hold what the brewery calls a pilsner, which means my brain is telling me to expect a clear, pale yellow color, white head, and crisp American lager flavors, with some extra toasty notes of malt on the back end.

When you pop that top, the pour doesn’t stop, and Southern Grist Brewing makes good on its promises as the glass fills with a clear, pale yellow beer, complete with a slightly frothy, stark white head. The aromas popping out of the glass with each little carbonation bubble are spot on for a pilsner—a balanced blend of malt, barley, and hops, with a toasty aroma front and center. Unfortunately, that is where the positivity ends for me.

When the brew brings itself to my flavor hole, I can taste an all too familiar flavor: nastiness. Allow me to elaborate. Somehow, Southern Grist Brewing has captured that terrible aftertaste accompanying your grandpa’s NA beers. That worty, almost burnt flavor that lingers and lives in your mouth. It is reminiscent of O’Doul’s, Labatt’s NA, and Coors’s NA. To be fair, the pilsner did have a crisp and fresh flavor out the gate, accompanied by a light mouthfeel, but that specific flavor…ugh.

To be sure it wasn’t a trademark of the brewery, I returned and read my review of Beacon (mentioned above), and there was no trace of this taste. All that to say that this brew may have shit the bed, but don’t give up on Southern Grist Brewing just yet.

Untappd gives Company Pils from Southern Grist Brewing a 3.5 out of 5, but I’m sitting closer to a 2.4. There is nothing I hate more than that flavor that typically comes from an incomplete brew process or a poor dealcoholizing. I know they can do better, so I will hold out hope for the next brew from you know who.

HAPPY EVERY HOUR: The Sober Curator’s Happy Every Hour: A Revitalized Section of NA Beverage Reviews

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.