We recently had the incredible opportunity to connect with Deschutes Brewery and dive into their exciting ventures in the non-alcoholic (NA) beer space.
Through this conversation, we gained valuable insights into their journey, their beer, and the meticulous process that led to their impressive new line of NA beers.
One thing stood out above all else: Deschutes Brewing is deeply passionate about beer—especially their non-alcoholic creations.
A Virtual Tasting hosted by Deschutes
First, we have to applaud Deschutes for organizing an innovative and engaging virtual NA beer-tasting event.
Ahead of the event, they sent us 6-packs featuring four of their newly launched NA beers. This thoughtful touch allowed us to experience the flavors firsthand during the video conference.
During the session, the Deschutes team, led by Peter Skrbek (CEO) and Ben Kehs (Innovation Brewing Manager), guided us through every detail, from the flavor profiles and ingredients to the unique stories behind each beer. It was an interactive, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable experience—one that showcased their dedication to crafting exceptional beer for every palate.
We’re already looking forward to their next virtual tasting, where we hope to explore even more exciting NA offerings as they expand their lineup.
Highlights of what we learned about Deschutes Brewing’s Non-Alcoholic Beer
We learned a ton about Deschutes’ NA beer, but here are a few important highlights we wanted to call out specifically. We’ll expand upon each of these later in the article.
- Non-alcoholic beer is their #1 Proirity
Deschutes Brewing is all-in on NA beer. In fact, they’ve made it their primary strategic focus for 2025—a bold and inspiring move for a brewery with such a rich tradition in craft beer. - They value transparency
Unlike many other big names in the NA beer space, Deschutes is refreshingly open about their brewing process. While some brands keep their methods closely guarded, Deschutes shared every detail, providing an in-depth look at how their non-alcoholic beers are crafted. - It took them years to get where they are today
Deschutes’ journey to creating some of the finest NA beers on the market began over five years ago, back when non-alcoholic craft beer was still a niche concept in the U.S. This long-term commitment is a testament to their passion for innovation and quality. - “Sober” people are just a small fraction of their NA beer drinkers
Over 94% of people who drink Deschutes NA beer also consume regular, full-strength beer. This statistic highlights a significant shift in the NA beer market. No longer seen as just a substitute, NA beer is now a complementary choice for health-conscious consumers seeking variety in their beer-drinking habits.
The Journey to Deschutes’ Non-Alcoholic Beer
Deschutes Brewing embarked on its journey into non-alcoholic beer over five years ago, well before most of the NA beer brands we see today.
Their commitment to excellence drove them to explore countless techniques and technologies, refusing to settle for anything less than perfection.
Despite their early start, Deschutes didn’t officially launch their NA beer line until early 2024.
The reason? They were determined to create the ideal NA beer—a product that truly delivers on flavor, body, and quality.
Their breakthrough came with Sustainable Beverage Technologies, a key partner in their NA brewing operations.
Deschutes was impressed by this technology’s ability to de-alcoholize beer while maintaining—and even enhancing—the body and character of the brew.
This collaboration became a cornerstone of their success, helping them achieve their vision of creating exceptional non-alcoholic beers.
Insights into Deschutes’ NA Beer Brewing Process
Deschutes Brewing, in partnership with Sustainable Beverage Technologies, uses an innovative method to de-alcoholize beer through reverse osmosis membranes.
Imagine it as an ultra-fine filtering system: progressively smaller membranes remove the alcohol while preserving the beer’s full flavor profile.
Interestingly, Sustainable Beverage Technologies originally developed this patented reverse osmosis process for a completely different purpose.
Their goal was to create a concentrated “syrup” for beer that could be combined with carbonated water—similar to how soda fountains mix flavored syrup with sparkling water to produce soda.
However, they discovered that this same process could be applied to craft non-alcoholic beer.
Leveraging this technology, they began brewing NA beer for other companies before collaborating with Deschutes Brewing.
Through this partnership, Deschutes has launched an impressive portfolio of four distinct non-alcoholic craft beers, all of which we had the pleasure of tasting during the event.
Deschutes Non-Alcoholic Beers We Tasted
Black Butte Non-Alcoholic
Style: Porter
Black Butte NA is a porter-style non-alcoholic beer, modeled after the iconic leaded version that put Deschutes on the map years ago.
At a time when porter-style craft beers were rare in America, Black Butte quickly became a must-try for visitors to Bend, Oregon, many of whom left with cases of it in tow.
Deschutes knew they had to create a non-alcoholic version that delivered the same “wow factor,” and they succeeded.
Black Butte NA strikes a perfect balance between a brown porter and a robust porter—neither overly toasty nor overly chocolatey, with subtle coffee notes that don’t overwhelm.
This beer earned a gold medal at the World Beer Cup, competing against all NA styles before the categories were divided.
Released just a year ago, Black Butte NA has become the highest-velocity brand in Deschutes’ portfolio. Interestingly, its launch also drove an increase in sales of the leaded Black Butte.
Learn more about the non-alcoholic Black Butte.
Fresh Squeezed Non-Alcoholic IPA
Style: IPA
Fresh Squeezed IPA has long been a game-changer for Deschutes, as the first commercially available beer to feature citra hops.
Ten years later, its non-alcoholic counterpart is proving just as revolutionary.
Deschutes conducted blind taste tests for the NA version, serving four glasses of the non-alcoholic beer alongside one glass of the leaded version.
Amazingly, participants consistently ranked the NA beer in their top four, with the alcoholic version coming in fifth.
Using a patented reverse osmosis process, Deschutes preserved the vibrant hop aromas of citra, malt, and other hops while removing the alcohol.
As a result, Fresh Squeezed NA is now the highest-velocity NA IPA in the U.S. The recipe mirrors the alcoholic version closely, with slight adjustments to minimize ethanol production for efficiency.
Learn more about Deschutes’ Fresh Squeezed NA IPA.
Kernza Non-Alcoholic Golden Brew
Style: Golden Ale
Kernza NA Golden Brew stands out for its unique flavor profile and sustainable practices. Made in partnership with Patagonia Provisions, this beer embodies Patagonia’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, an approach aimed at improving soil health, enhancing ecosystems, and sequestering carbon.
Kernza, the beer’s namesake ingredient, is a perennial root grass with deep roots that excel at carbon capture. The beer itself has a subtle spiciness, delicate floral aromas, and fruity notes that balance beautifully.
Deschutes’ Kernza Golden Brew is USDA Organic Certified, a rare distinction among breweries (less than 1% achieve this).
While there is an alcoholic version of this beer with a similar recipe, the NA version represents an ongoing experiment in pushing boundaries with Kernza as a super-unique grain.
Ultimately, Deschutes hopes this beer will serve as a model for truly regenerative agricultural brewing.
Super Stoked Golden
Style: Golden Ale
Super Stoked Golden is the only NA beer in Deschutes’ lineup without a leaded counterpart.
Designed to appeal to a range of beer drinkers—from casual Bud Light fans to craft beer enthusiasts—it strikes a delightful balance between malt sweetness and caramel notes, finishing crisp and clean.
Interestingly, this beer began as a “happy accident” during an attempt to brew a chili-infused beer.
Before the chilies were added, Deschutes realized they had stumbled upon something special.
Its impressive head retention and approachable flavor profile make it a standout addition to their non-alcoholic portfolio.
Learn more about Deschutes’ Super Stoked Golden.
What’s next with Deschutes Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Deschutes Brewing is poised to make waves in the non-alcoholic beer space over the coming years.
With NA beer as their primary strategic focus for 2025, the brewery is doubling down on innovation and quality, and we’re excited to see what they’ll brew up next.
If you spot their NA beers on shelves while out and about, we highly recommend giving them a try. Each one showcases the dedication and craftsmanship that Deschutes has become known for. You can follow them on social media via their handle @deschutesbrewery.
A big thank-you to Deschutes for inviting us to their virtual tasting event. We can’t wait to join another session soon and explore even more of their groundbreaking creations!
