Six Winter Brews Without The Booze

UPDATED: With Dry January around the corner, why not get a head-start on finding those cold-weather N/A brews?

We introduced our first guide to Winter N/A brews exactly a year ago, and with new dark offerings coming on the market along with dropping outside temps, it was time to update our list with some new favorites.

If the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks is the official prophet of Fall’s arrival in late August or early September, then certainly its departure must be seen as a harbinger for the end. Alas, the beverage that’s more popular than Hot Apple Cider and a Hot Toddy combined has gone back into hibernation, which means it’s time to put those Oktoberfests and pumpkin ales in the rearview and get ready for some winter drinking. Don’t worry, if the thought of cold air and dry skin leaves you shivering, at least there’s plenty of non-alcoholic beer options out there to help warm you up.

With the landscape of winter-friendly N/A beers exploding, we felt the need to bring in some extra help to make our recommended provisions. After all, this list of brews may have to get you through Dry January, and as such these are decisions we need to take pretty seriously. Without further adieu, here then, are our humble recommendations for your jack frost brews.

AleSmith Speedway Stout NA (San Diego, California)

This southern California sipper is the non-alcoholic cousin of the award-winning, full-alcohol beer by the same name.

“As our glass began to warm up and our taste buds settled in for the long haul, the flavors mellowed into a delicious blend of hops and coffee that felt as if it could fit in either as a dessert liquid to cap the night, or perhaps a first beverage of the day to awaken our senses the following morning.”

– From our March review

Guinness 0 (Zero) Stout (Dublin, Ireland)

A global NA standout already, this Irish AF dark is just getting started, with Guinness’ parent company Diageo investing heavily in its growth.

“Guinness Zero starts off with subtle hints of coffee and chocolate, just like the famous OG. A combination of bitter and sweet flavors emerge first in the mouthfeel, followed by roasted notes and a layer of chocolate and coffee that deliver a final payoff from the aroma’s first impressions. A very satisfying NA option that pays proper homage to its original.”

– From our August review

Deschutes Brewery Black Butte (Bend, Oregon)

This iconic PNW brewery has entered the non-alcoholic space with a vengeance, starting with an NA version of their famous Black Butte.

“Our first impressions of the Black Butte were some great aromas as we poured it into the glass, something that not all NAs can deliver upon. We detected notes of espresso. At first sip, we tasted a little bit of molasses, which for us was a welcome development to what we had been hoping for. Finally, as this near beer began to warm-up, we noticed an enhanced, dark-roasted taste profile, so if that’s your jam perhaps you should let this one sit for just a bit after taking it out of the fridge.”

– From our September review

Athletic Brewing Company First Ride (Milford, CT) recommended by Tyler McMahon, Reducaholic

Our first expert, Tyler McMahon, hails from Colorado, a state with plenty of experience in both winter weather and beer. Tyler’s high on Athletic brews, recommending First Ride, a porter-style selection from the largest craft N/A brewer in the U.S. First Ride conjures vibes of cold days spent hiking or skiing in the mountains, and would clearly make for a perfect apres-ski.

“Athletic First Ride is a nice coffee porter great for the early afternoons in the fall and winter.” (from 2023)

– Tyler, Reducaholic (IG: @reducaholic)

Bravus Peanut Butter Dark (Anaheim, CA), recommended by NA Brewskey

We head east to Philadelphia for our next expert picker, NA Brewskey, and he has made a selection that would make Homer Simpson jealous. You can practically taste Bravus Brewing’s Peanut Butter Dark without even being in a room with one, and as he explains, once you do crack one open, the juice is certainly worth the squeeze.

“This incredibly smooth brew is one of the best dark NAs you can find on the market. It is crafted with roasted peanuts, hazelnut, and chocolate, and they come together perfectly in every sip from start to finish. The creamy texture and nutty aromas keep you eager to pick it back up, and when it’s all done you’ll want to grab another one!” (from 2023)

– NA Brewskey (IG: @na.brewskey)

Nonny Dark Lager (Vancouver, BC)

For our last selection we consulted our friends at Atlanta’s Kirkwood AF bottle shop, Soberish, Don’t forget about the Canadians when thinking about winter beers, as they know a thing or two about warming up with a frosty malt beverage.

“The Nonny Dark is a silky sip with roasted coffee and biscuit notes, with a floral and spicy finish. Pairs nicely with pizza or grilled meat. The Bravus Blood Orange IPA is tangy, with notes of bitter orange peel and a light malty sweetness. Pairs well with winter salads and shellfish.” (from 2023)

– The team at Soberish (IG: @besoberish)

So there you have it. Regardless of your tastes, there’s bound to be something for you on this list. Just don’t wait too long to get these brews, and enjoy those cold winter days and nights on the horizon.