I had high hopes earlier this year for a monthly series of posts about the best non-alcoholic beers I had tried in the previous month, but like a lot of things I think are a good idea, I get in my own way and somehow talk my way out of it. So we are back after an 8 month hiatus with a Top 5 must try and 2 to give a pass to when it comes to NA beers.
Up first, in chronological order of when I tried them, the Top 5 for September 2025
1. Nickel Brook Brewing Wicked Tame NA Hazy IPA (Sept 1st to 21st, inclusive)
I drank one of these a day for 21 days and let me say that I always looked forward to cracking on open when it was time for a little refreshment. It has a great, full-bodied feel and it hits like a full on IPA. Full video here.
2. Tool Shed Brewing Zero Red Rage Red Ale (September 2nd)
This one captured my attention with it's malt forward toasty malt body and caramel notes. It felt like I was drinking a full test Red Ale, no hint of NA aftertaste. Picked up from Designated Drinks. Full video here.
3. Guinness 0.0% (September 4th)
An easy pick-up for my fridge, I revisited it after 9 months to see if I still felt it was as good as I did way back when I first started trying NA beers. It did not disappoint from pour to last sip. Slightly sweeter than regular Guinness, but it's almost imperceptible. Full Video here.
4. Sober Carpenter Oktoberfest Lager (September 21st)
Another great offering from this Quebec brewer, their limited edition pints seem to really be what I am finding as their best. This one brought light dried fruit and toffee with a firm bitterness and a touch of noble hop spice. Felt like Germany. Found at Designated Drinks Full video here.
5. Partake Pale Ale (September 23rd)
I've enjoyed Partake's offerings so far, but this west leaning, English inspired Pale Ale was a clear favourite for me. Malt forward with orange citrus pith and a solid bitterness. Reminds me of when I first tried Pompous Ass from GLB. Full video here.
And as with life, not everything is Guns 'n Roses...
Time for two to avoid.
1. Brulo 7 Grain 7 Malt IPA (September 12th)
It was a mess from first sniff to garden pour. Off flavoured and muted with nothing much to say about the kitchen sink of hop additions. Full video here.
2. Busch Lager (September 26th)
Best thing I can say about this one is that it was ice cold. When temperature is your number one thing and I'm the one doing that to the beer, it's really not much of anything happening. Also, one of the ingredients is beer flavour...what the hell would it taste like without that? Meh. Full video here.
All in all, a good month of pretty solid NA beers. 16 different ones and only a couple that fell into the never buy again category. Obviously a few of the best are repeat tries, but I likes what I likes and there she is...
Cheers!
Polk
October 1st, 2025
