Brews Without the Booze
Co-op Expands Non-Alcoholic Offerings
By James Robinson, The Food Co-op beer and wine buyer.
Whatever the reasons for reducing your alcohol intake, the Port Townsend Food Co-Op is here to help you meet your goals and keep you on track with a wide variety of delicious non-alcoholic beverage options.
From non-alcoholic (NA) craft beer, to wine, spritzers and distilled botanicals, nearly the entire bottom shelf of the beer cooler has been devoted to providing NA drinkers with options worth getting excited about. And, because our non-alcoholic program is in its infancy, there’s no better time to make a product suggestion. Got a favorite NA libation? Shoot me an email. Have you seen something out in the market that you’d like us to carry? Take a photo and drop by Aisle 5, I’d love to see it. With so much interest in non-alcoholic options, it’s my goal to make the Food Co-op the area destination for craft, non-alcoholic libations.
Athletic Brewing Co.
Athletic beers have formed the cornerstone of our NA beverage program for more than two years. The beers landed on our shelves after a co-op member suggested we carry them and expressed dismay, because at that time, the beers were somewhat difficult to find. Initially, we carried just the Run Wild India Pale Ale (IPA), but since then, we’ve expanded core offerings and tapped into the company’s seasonal line up – including the just-shelved Oktoberfest. In addition to the Oktoberfest, we carry the Free Wave hazy IPA, Upside Dawn, a gluten reduced and alcohol-free golden ale, Cerveza Atletica, and Athletic Lite. Watch the shelves for a stout – which should be released once the weather cools.
Busty Lush
Founded by Laurel Harrop during her second pregnancy, Busty Lush is a 100% woman-owned craft brewery that seeks to celebrate women while offering a high-quality alternative to classic craft beer. We currently offer She’s Passionate – a passion fruit and tropical-driven sour ale and the She’s Divine oatmeal stout.
Clausthauler Dry Hopped
Full-bodied and hoppy with hints of malty caramel, Clausthaler Dry-Hopped is a beer connoisseur’s dream. As the first non-alcoholic of its kind, it brings together German craftsmanship, the world’s foremost non-alcoholic brewing technique, and Cascade Hops imported from the USA. This unique combination makes for an unmistakable citrus aftertaste and an amber beer with character. Clausthaler Dry Hopped has a distinctive malty character with a dark golden color. It remains one of our top-selling beers – another member recommendation.
Crux Fermentation Project No-Mo Non-Alcoholic IPA
Crafted in Bend, Ore., with Citra and Mosaic hops, this one should please West Coast IPA fans seeking non-alcoholic options – another member recommendation.
Sober Carpenter
Brewed in Montreal, Quebec, Sober Carpenter offers a full line of non-alcoholic craft beers aimed at pleasing discerning craft beer drinkers. The co-op’s shelves feature the Organic Session IPA, White Wheat and Irish Red.
Gruvi
We currently offer four products from Gruvi – two non-alcoholic craft beers, a golden lager and a juicy IPA and two, dry sparkling wine products – Bubbly Rosé and Dry Secco. The Golden Lager won a gold medal in the non-alcoholic category at the 2022 World Cup Beer Awards. The Dry Secco makes a fantastic base for a craft ‘mocktail’ or mimosa.
Seedlip
Macerated, distilled and blended botanicals form the foundation of each product in the Seedlip line. The Seedlip products are meant for mocktails – each 700 ml bottle yields up to about 20 drinks. The distillery’s website boasts an impressive cocktail recipe book, although simple mixers such as ginger beer or tonic can make for a refreshing, flavorful, non-alcoholic refreshment.