REVIEW: Uncool Hazy IPA Non-Alcoholic (by Three Notch’d Brewery)

Uncool (Three Notch’d Brewery) Hazy IPA Non-Alcoholic Beer

Where’d We Find It: At Three Notch’d Brewery’s Roanoke taproom.

ABV: <0.5%

Hometown: Made in Virginia.

Our N/ATION Review:

Virginia’s Three Notch’d Brewery is one of a small but growing number of “leaded” breweries who have chosen to make the commitment to developing a line of N/A brews, launching its Uncool brand in late 2022 to complement their full-octane beers that carry the Three Notch’d moniker. The brand has quickly become known for experimenting with unique tastes and styles, such as their Key Lime Sour and Pistachio Cream Croissant beers, both of which sound more like something you’d find in the dessert aisle than at the beverage store.

We made a visit to the brewery’s Roanoke location as part of our summer 2024 road trip, located in the city’s Market Street district. Nestled amongst art galleries, apparel boutiques and other breweries, we’d come to town for a hike to the Appalachian Trail’s nearby McAfee Knob, perhaps the trail’s most famous and iconic point. Unlike the main Charlottesville location which carries Uncool beers on draft, the Roanoke taproom had a selection of five of the NA brews available for a can pour, which is how we sampled them. A full kitchen meant we were also able to try the near beers with our dinner - we sampled our brews alongside a blackened chicken caesar wrap, which we chose over an attractive selection of burgers and elevated bar fare.

The Hazy IPA is one of the brand’s flagship options, and like its counterparts, comes in bright packaging that stands out from the jump. On the pour, this near beer is true to the hazy style in appearance. Brewed with Citra and Idaho 7 hops, there’s a refreshing mouthfeel with a subtle juicy-ness, but not overpowering with unwanted sweetness. It’s got some hops, but in our estimation a clean finish that makes it very drinkable for a variety of situations. An all-occasion IPA, at 80 calories per 12 ounce serving.

As for where you can get Uncool, the brewery currently carries the lineup across its Virginia locations, which beyond Charlottesville include Richmond, Virginia Beach, Harrisonburg, and of course Roanoke, where we also sampled their their delicious coriander and orange peel Wit. Uncool beers are available nationwide via their website.