India Pale Ale is arguably the most popular beer in the United States. And like just about anything else (Lima Bean Respect Day, anyone? April 20th, by the way.), there’s a day for the IPA. IPA Day, now in it’s eleventh year, is celebrated annually, on the first Thursday of August. This year, IPA Day is Thursday, August 4th. It’s a big day for hoppy beer lovers to celebrate the gamut of IPA styles, from West Coast hop bombs to hazy, dank New England masterpieces.
The growth of the non-alcoholic craft beer scene over the past few years is a blessing for those of us who have made the switch to an alcohol-free lifestyle. There’s an incredible selection of NA beers, catering to nearly every style preference, including the beloved IPA.
Cheers to IPA Day! Here are a few of my favorite non-alcoholic IPAs for IPA Day 2022.
Lagunitas IPNA
If you’ve been around the craft beer scene at all, you know Lagunitas for their over-the-top hoppy beers like the popular double IPA, Hop Stoopid. Their new IPNA has all of that Lagunitas hop flair, with Citra, Mosaic & CTZ (Columbus, Tomahawk & Zeus) setting the foundation for that crisp, lingering bitterness that we all love about a classic IPA. And if you still enjoy cracking open a bottle, this is one of the very few (only?) NA options in a glass bottle. Available at select Colorado locations. Use their online beer locator to find Lagunitas IPNA near you.
Bootstrap Strapless IPA
One of the few traditional breweries currently exploring non-alcoholic options, Colorado’s Bootstrap Brewing nailed it with Strapless IPA. You’ll be double checking that this one is NA. Their can art is best-in-class! And this one is also loaded up with electrolytes. Colorado hop fans can find Strapless at Whole Foods and many of the large liquor stores around the Front Range.
CERIA Indiewave
Loaded with Cascade, Citra, and Amarillo hops, Indiewave is an outstanding hoppy offering from Colorado-based CERIA. I always try to have this one in my fridge. And if you want to take it up a notch, visit your favorite Colorado dispensary, and grab a can of their THC-infused version of Indiewave, with 10mg of THC and 10mg of CBD. Available across the Colorado Front Range, or order online at ceriabrewing.com.
Read my full review of CERIA NA beers here.
Two Roads NA Juicy IPA posing with the otherworldly rock formations before a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Two Roads Juicy IPA
Another traditional brewery now offering NA options. Two Roads brews an incredible number of fantastic beers, and the NA take on their popular Juicy IPA ticks all the boxes for cloudy IPA lovers seeking that floral, juicy IPA experience. Find Two Roads NA Juicy IPA near you.
Best Day Brewing West Coast IPA
Best Day Brewing brings us an exciting West Coast-style IPA out of northern California. A generous dose of Cascade hops give this one that hop kick loved by West Coast IPA fans. And a huge high five to the Best Day Brewing team for their commitment to 1% For the Planet!
Order Best Day Brewing West Coast IPA online.
SURREAL Juicy Mavs
SURREAL brews a variety of tasty options, from Kolsch to Porter, along with a few IPA variations. Juicy Mavs is a frequent go-to for me. It hits the spot when I’m in the mood for a dank, hazy IPA. And I’ve always been a fan of the can art, featuring an epic Maverick wave at Pillar Point just north of Half Moon Bay, California. You can find Juicy Mavs at select location across Colorado (Whole Foods in Castle Rock usually has it). Or, order Juicy Mavs online at surrealbrewing.com.
Athletic Run Wild IPA
Arguably the most popular NA beer on the market. And deservedly so. This is the one that got me into NA beer. Athletic gets it just right with Run Wild, a perfectly balanced IPA that’s widely available across the country. If you’re confused where to start, start here.
Order Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA online.
Perfect post-ride beer with a stunning backdrop at the trailhead of the world famous 401 Trail near Crested Butte, CO.
Wellbeing Intentional IPA
Last but not least! Intentional IPA is an outstanding IPA out of Kansas City, featuring Mosaic and Citra hops. And one of the few (only?) NA beers available in tallboys. Available in Colorado, or order online at wellbeingbrewing.com.
Stay tuned to our NA Beer page for an ongoing list of my favorite breweries and na beers.
All photos by Mitch Kline.