Near Beer, Near Here
Post by Scott - 1/30/2025
I tried to do Dry January, I really did. Then it turned into Damp January. Then it just turned into January. My willpower is terrible and I really like to hang out and drink beer. It’s one of my strengths! I did, though, truly enjoy checking out what breweries offered beyond beer. I love a hazy IPA as much as anyone in Charlotte, but there’s so much skill in producing something that you want to be beer, that isn’t beer, and yet you still end up satisfied. Here’s a not at all comprehensive rundown of some of my favorite N/A drinks of the month. There’s a whole world of mocktails I didn’t get to enjoy because, again, I am weak and by the time I made it to the brewery, Dry January didn’t stand a chance.
N.A.R.C. Sea Salt and Lime - Resident Culture Brewing
Even when I gave up on Dry January, I still drank the Sea Salt and Lime on a taco night. Tastes like a great pool beer without the beer.
Cumulo Sparkling Water - Resident Culture Brewing
Oh man. I loved this. It’s a cannabis-infused water. The 30 mg variety isn’t for a standard Tuesday night, but if you’re looking for something on a calm Friday night to give you a buzz tonight and no regret tomorrow, buy this immediately. Goes well with watching Severance and having your mind blown.
Hops Mirage - Primal Brewing
Good flavor to this one. Check it out at their Belmont or Huntersville taprooms when you need something between Citra Shockwaves. And great food at the Belmont location!
Big 0 - Sugar Creek Brewing
Based on their flagship IPA, but this time with no alcohol. Taste test it next to the real deal and see if you can tell the difference.
Hop 2.0 - NoDa Brewing
A variety of flavors for this hop water, though I’m partial to the Grapefruit Galaxy. The only problem is I tried to give my kid a sip and she refused because she was sure it was beer. I’m not a great parent, but I’m not that bad!
The Fizziness - Divine Barrel Brewing
This one has caffeine. Good taste, hits the spot, but as someone who drinks more Coke Zero than I should and has reluctantly invited coffee into his life, a hop water with caffeine is always appreciated.
Steady Pace N/A IPA - Legion Brewing
Stopped in on a cold Sunday night at the Plaza Midwood location to sample the Steady Pace. I also grabbed a small pour of a mango Juicy Jay and went back and forth between them. I finished the Steady Pace first. And I really like mango Juicy Jay!
N/A Southern Girl Blonde - Sycamore Brewing
I liked this more than I ever thought I would. The lighter beers, at least for my taste buds, translate better as N/A variants. Southern Girl is staying in my beer fridge year round.
Chaos Machine N/A IPA - Burial Brewing
Burial doesn’t miss; This is just more proof of it. Tastes as good as 75% of the IPAs on the market with none of the alcohol.
Social Device N/A Pils - Burial Brewing
No qualifiers. This beer was legitimately good. Not good for an N/A beer. Just good.
Downshift N/A IPA - Southern Tier Brewing
Enjoyed this one alongside a Cuban sandwich at the taproom. Bonus that kids eat free on Sundays, so the meal didn’t hurt my wallet and the beer didn’t hurt my head.
Resident Culture - South End
This hanging from the ceiling above you really makes you think, “Maybe I should have a N/A one this round.”