REVIEW: Upline Brewing Functional IPA NA
Upline Brewing (Austin, TX) Functional IPA Non-Alcoholic
Where’d We Find It: Samples provided by the brewery.
ABV: <0.5%
Hometown: Austin, TX
Our N/ATION Review:
In their quest to carve out a space in the ever-expanding non-alcoholic market, Upline Brewing, under new ownership since late 2024, offers a pair of "functional" non-alcoholic beers. These brews aim to deliver a flavorful experience for those seeking an alternative to traditional beer, enhanced with beneficial ingredients.
This non-alcoholic IPA introduces intriguing elements of lemon balm and ginseng, more commonly associated with herbal teas. Yet, these additions enhance rather than overwhelm. Pouring true to its west coast IPA style, the initial tasting experience delivers a full-bodied character marked by prominent hoppy notes of grapefruit and tangerine citrus. The brew maintains a pleasant drinkability, mostly mirroring the flavor profile of its alcoholic counterparts. A subtle interplay between the ginseng earthy bitterness and the lemon balm's delicate sweetness unfolds on the palate, creating a balanced complexity where neither component dominates, just like in the Golden. But unlike the Golden, the IPA goes a bit farther on the earthy side, as it also includes mushroom extract.
To discover Upline Brewing's offerings, your best bet is to explore their website's Store Locator for current availability, or to buy directly from their online store. New distribution channels, and a rumored brand refresh are currently being developed.
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