You can’t beat the feeling of plopping down on a bar stool at your local brewery, selecting a beer from the long line of taps, and listening to whatever is playing over the speakers and the quiet hum of conversation. Indeed, if you live in Colorado, you probably agree there’s just something special about visiting a craft brewery.
If you aren’t imbibing for whatever reason, the Colorado taproom experience might seem like something you need to give up. But that’s just not true: Plenty of Colorado breweries and brands offer non-alcoholic beers and other booze-free replacements, like hop water.
In fact, the Brewers Association recently launched the “Pour Love Into Local” campaign to encourage customers to continue visiting local breweries during Dry January and beyond, even if they’re not drinking alcohol.
“Breweries are more than just places to grab a pint—they’re hubs of creativity and community,” says Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications at the Brewers Association. “With ‘Pour Love into Local,’ we’re encouraging everyone to explore what their local brewery has to offer, whether it’s a warm space to gather with friends, a chance to try a new NA creation, or simply a way to support a small business during the slower winter months.”
So, whether you’re participating in Dry January or simply looking to cut back a bit, here are some of the best Colorado breweries and brands making their own non-alcoholic options everyone can enjoy.
Non-Alcoholic Craft Lager from Upslope Brewing
Where: Boulder and retail stores
Upslope Brewing introduced a non-alcoholic version of its popular Craft Lager last summer. With notes of light herbaceousness and crackers, this sippable brew pairs well with pasta primavera and oysters on the half shell. Find it at both Boulder taprooms, as well as in various retail locations.
“With the growing trend toward non-alcoholic beverages, Upslope is excited to introduce a new way for our customers to enjoy our craft brews without the alcohol, yet with all the taste and quality they expect,” says Alex Meyer, Upslope’s head brewer. “Our Non-Alcoholic Craft Light does just that—it embodies our commitment to innovation and responsiveness to evolving preferences, delivering the full flavor of our traditional Craft Lager in a refreshing brew with no alcohol.”
Hop Water at Avery Brewing
Where: Gunbarrel
Joining your beer-drinking friends for an outing to Avery‘s taproom in Gunbarrel? Never fear. This beloved local spot offers hop water in multiple flavors—including mango, grapefruit and green tea lemon ginger. They also serve lots of other non-alcoholic drinks, from kombucha to soda to tea.
Hop Water from Asher Brewing Company
Where: Gunbarrel
Not many breweries can say they’re organic, but that’s where Asher Brewing Company stands out. The operation first opened its doors in the mid-2000s, with a goal of brewing beers with organic, high-quality ingredients. Today, everything on tap is made with ingredients that hold the organic-certified USDA label—including their non-alcoholic hop water. It’s light and refreshing with hints of grapefruit.
Designated Dales NA Pils from Oskar Blues
Where: Longmont, Lyons, Colorado Springs and Denver
There is certainly no shortage of breweries in Colorado. But few are quite as iconic as Oskar Blues. As soon as you see that striking red, white and blue logo, you know you’re in for some seriously wonderful beers. And, now, for the designated drivers in your crew, there’s the Designated Dales NA Pils. Yes, those who aren’t imbibing can still enjoy an NA version of Oskar Blues’ flagship beer, Dale’s Pale Ale. Drinkers love it for its hoppy aromas and hints of lemon and pear.
Non-Alcoholic Pilsner from Prost Brewing Company
Where: Northglenn, Denver, Highlands Ranch, Fort Collins
When Prost opened in 2012, the company was determined to bring the German drinking experience to Colorado—complete with German beers, food and all-important biergartens. And if you have ever set foot in one of their tasting rooms, you know it’s like being transported to a different world.
But you don’t have to give all that up if you’re not drinking. Recently, Prost released an NA Pilsner. Still keeping with the German beer style, this NA option has a moderate bitterness, rounded out by a light and bready maltiness. The result is a crisp, sessionable beer. Just add schnitzel.
Easy Living Sparkling Hop Water from Denver Beer Co.
Where: Denver, Littleton and Arvada
Those in Colorado’s capital are probably pretty familiar with Denver Beer Co. and its award-winning beers. (Most recently, its Coppermind and Fennel Rye Ale took gold at the Great American Beer Festival.) Beyond the drinks, the brewery’s taproom is somewhere you could easily spend the afternoon. Even if you are forgoing their beer, don’t worry. You can still enjoy their Easy Living Sparkling Hop Water, which comes in several flavors including original, citrus, hibiscus and tropical.
Just the Hops Caffeine from Cerebral Brewing
Where: Denver and Aurora
Need a little pick-me-up? Cerebral Brewing has you covered with Just the Hops Caffeine, a light and refreshing hop water that’ll give you a quick boost of energy. If it’s late or you’ve had your daily dose of coffee already, opt for their standard sparkling hop water option that’s made with citra, El Dorado and mosaic hops.
Coors Edge from Coors
Where: Bars and retailers throughout the state
Few breweries are quite as ubiquitous as Coors. In fact, we challenge you to find a bar that doesn’t carry anything from the Golden-based brewery. Those who are choosing to pass on alcohol can try their non-alcoholic brew, Coors Edge. Similar in taste to their standard beer, this NA crowd-pleaser is perfect to have on hand for barbecues or other large gatherings.
Glimmer Sparkling Hop Water from Our Mutual Friend
Where: Denver
Our Mutual Friend’s taproom is located in the heart of RiNo. Yet, step out on their back patio and you feel like you’re a world away from the hustle and noise of downtown. Inside, the cozy atmosphere and no-frills attitude keep patrons coming back again and again. If you aren’t drinking their seriously inventive sours, opt for Glimmer, their version of sparkling hop water. Light and refreshing, it’s the perfect nightcap all year long.
Golden Era from Grüvi
Where: Various retail stores around Colorado
We had to go classic for this one. After all, Grüvi is the Denver-based non-alcoholic brand that’s been making some serious waves lately. Grüvi doesn’t have a taproom, but its Golden Era is perfect for barbecues, river floats, hikes and just about any other occasion. They also make a non-alcoholic version of an IPA, a mocha stout and more. If you want to try something else, we highly recommend their dry secco, bubbly rosé and other non-alcoholic wine options.
Indie Wave Hoppy IPA from Ceria
Where: Various retail stores around Colorado
IPAs dominate American taproom lists. And, thanks to brands like Ceria, now everyone can enjoy that hoppy goodness. Ceria’s non-alcoholic IPA has a light, caramel, malty flavor mixed with bitterness from the Cascade, Citra and Amarillo hops. It’s the perfect accompaniment to just about any meal or activity. If you are on the anti-IPA train, you can also opt for their NA Belgian-style white.
