When I think of breweries making a buzz in the NA world, Years Beer immediately hits the radar, with operations spanning from Chicago, Illinois, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Co-owned by none other than the hilarious and heartfelt John Mulaney, Years brings a fresh honesty to the conversation around sobriety. His openness about recovery and the humor he brings to heavy topics have made him something of a patron saint for the sober-curious crowd — and, frankly, for me too. It’s refreshing to see that same sense of authenticity pour over into the brewery’s work.
This week we are drinking Original Pils from Years. With a name like that, expectations are set sky-high for something crisp, balanced and true to its roots. In the glass, this pilsner gleams a clean golden hue with a bright white head — like liquid sunshine in a pint glass. A sweet roasted malt aroma drifts up into the scent center, inviting you in with that familiar, comforting pilsner promise.
The first sip sends a satisfying snap across the tongue holster — a light, crisp mouthfeel that’s still somehow full and round. Years clearly knows how to brew a classic that actually feels classic. The roasted malt backbone and mild hop bitterness keep things balanced, making this one of those brews you can toss back all day without feeling weighed down. It’s straightforward, but in the best way — pure pilsner perfection.
Untappd gives Original Pils from Years a 3.1 out of 5, but I’m standing proudly at a 4.0. A pilsner is always a welcome addition to the NA space, and this one earns its keep. Years delivers a clean, crushable beer that bridges tradition with today’s sober momentum. It’s proof that simplicity, when done right, can still sparkle.
John Mulaney x Years Beer | RELAX! IT’S YEARS
Years Beers Company – Classic Pale
Years Brewing returns to the ring from their homes in Chicago and Milwaukee, proving once again that the Midwest knows its malts. While their Classic Pils brought bright refreshment to the table, this week, we’re getting a little more robust with the Classic Pale from Years. The brewery continues its quest to craft timeless, approachable styles that balance drinkability with depth — kind of like a playlist of 90s hits that never gets old, no matter how many times you sing along.
This week we are drinking Classic Pale from Years, and it pours like a proper pint from across the pond — copper and clear with a white head that could headline its own foam festival. The scent center is greeted with roasted malt notes and just a hint of hops, promising an old-school pale ale experience. It’s an aroma that brings the barstool banter right to your sniffy holes and prepares your face hole for a malt-forward masterpiece.
Once it hits your tongue trap, Years delivers a nostalgic nod to English-style pale ales — balanced, bold and beautifully bitter. The roasted malt, barley and hops harmonize like a Britpop trio that still knows how to play the hits. There’s a curious sweetness that sneaks in at the end, leaving a lingering aftertaste that’s both confusing and compelling, like finding leftover candy in your jacket pocket months later and still deciding to eat it.
Untappd gives Classic Pale from Years a 3.3 out of 5, while I’m sliding in at a solid 3.8. It’s a strong showing for a style that’s often tough to nail in the NA space, and even with that strange postscript of sweetness, it’s a beer worth exploring for fans of classic pale profiles. As always, this is just my take — grab one for yourself and see where it lands on your flavor spectrum.
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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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