Good Time Brewing has released a new Non-Alcoholic Wheat, marking the latest addition to its growing lineup of non-alcoholic beers brewed in New York. The release expands the brand’s range beyond its IPA and Pils, introducing a Belgian-inspired style aimed at drinkers looking for a lighter, more refreshing option within the non-alcoholic category.
The Wheat arrives as Good Time Brewing continues to build momentum in bars, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels. Rather than pushing experimental flavors, the brewery has focused on recognizable styles, and the Wheat follows that approach closely, offering a profile designed to feel familiar and sessionable in social settings where traditional wheat beers are often favored.
Product Overview and Style
The Non-Alcoholic Wheat is brewed with Pilsner malt and a substantial portion of both raw and malted wheat, giving it a soft grain character and a lively, effervescent finish. A touch of acidity and bright carbonation help keep the beer crisp, aligning with the expectations of Belgian-inspired Witbier-style beers.
The overall profile is built for easy drinking. It is intended to be refreshing rather than heavy, making it suitable for warm-weather occasions, casual gatherings, or as a low-commitment option on a bar menu. The beer is a straightforward non-alcoholic take on a classic wheat style rather than a reimagined or novelty product.
Company Background and Mission
Good Time Brewing was founded by Michael McFerran, a longtime New York City bar owner with deep ties to hospitality and bar culture. That background continues to shape the company’s approach, with beers developed to fit naturally into existing bar programs instead of feeling like separate or secondary offerings.
The company’s non-alcoholic focus is also informed by McFerran’s personal experience. In 2020, he learned that his son would be born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect. That moment helped define the brewery’s mission to create beers that can be shared in social settings without alcohol, allowing more people to participate regardless of circumstance.
Brewing and Product Development
All Good Time Brewing beers are brewed and canned in Upstate New York. The brewing team includes Dylan Collins, a graduate of the Siebel Doemens World Brewing Academy Master Brewer Program. The company’s product development began with a pilot non-alcoholic IPA brewed in summer 2023, which served as its initial test in the market.
That pilot IPA was placed in more than 40 New York City bars and restaurants in fall 2023 and sold out in under a month. The response helped validate demand and informed the expansion into additional styles, first with the Pils and now with the Wheat, rounding out a core lineup built around familiar beer categories.
Distribution and Availability
Good Time Brewing partnered with Union Beer in spring 2024 to support regional distribution, allowing the brand to expand beyond New York into Massachusetts and Maryland. Its beers are now available across bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and select retail outlets, in addition to nationwide direct-to-consumer shipping through the company’s website.
The release of the Non-Alcoholic Wheat reflects Good Time Brewing’s measured approach to growth, adding styles deliberately as it builds presence in the non-alcoholic beer market. For drinkers tracking new NA releases, the Wheat represents a lighter, classic-style option that complements the brand’s existing lineup while broadening how and when its beers can be enjoyed.
