The 2023 Great American Beer Festival saw non-alcoholic beers shooting for the stars, winning over the discerning palates of the fest’s professional judge panel.
These are the best non-alcoholic beers that took home the medals, earning their place in the booming market of no-booze brews.
Great American Beer Festival: An Overview
Beginning as a small gathering of brewers in 1982, the Great American Beer Festival has grown to be not just a venue for beer sampling but also a renowned beer competition where breweries from around the globe compete to be the best in their respective beer-style categories.
The festival’s professional judge panel tastes beers without knowing the brand name, making this competition one of the most impartial and coveted in the brewing industry.
Non-Alcoholic Oasis at the GABF
In addition to the competition, the 2023 Great American Beer Festival featured a Non-Alcoholic Oasis, an area dedicated to non-alcoholic, alcohol-free, and low-alcohol beers, allowing attendees to sample a variety of low-alcohol, non-alcohol, and alcohol-free drinks.
A dedicated area for NA/AF/LA beers signify the growing interest and innovation in non-alcoholic brews. As more breweries embrace this trend, the arena for non-alcoholic beers is set to expand, providing beer lovers with even more options.
Non-Alcoholic Medals Winners
The 2023 festival, held in Denver, Colorado, saw several breweries showcase their non-alcoholic beer offerings. However, the golden spoils went to Karbach Brewing Co.’s “Free & Easy Belgian-Style White.” Two Roads Brewing bagged silver for their “Juicy NA IPA,” while Leader Brewing’s “Night Strike” stout claimed bronze.
Bronze Medal Winner: Night Strike by Leader Brewing
Taking home Bronze was Night Strike. Leader Brewing‘s Night Strike is an Irish-style stout with coffee and chocolate notes.
This rich, deep-brown brew offers a smooth pour and rich mouthfeel, making it a must-have for those looking for robust, alcohol-free options.
Leader Brewing believes in providing high-quality craft brews that don’t compromise on taste while allowing individuals to stay focused, embodying their motto ‘Cause You Got S#!t To Do.’
Learn more about Night Strike by Leader Brewing.
Silver Medal Winner: Juicy NA IPA by Two Roads Brewing Co.
Taking home Silver is one of our favorites, the Juicy NA IPA. The Juicy NA IPA by Two Roads Brewing is full of flavor and offers a unique combination of tropical and citrusy hop aroma.
With less than 0.5% ABV and just 70 calories per can, this NA beer makes no sacrifices when it comes to offering a balanced and excellent taste.
Bound by their philosophy of taking the road less traveled, Two Roads delivers unique twists on classic beer styles.
Learn more about Juicy NA IPA by Two Roads Brewing.
Gold Medal Winner: Free & Easy Belgian-Style White by Karbach Brewing Co.
Taking home the Gold Medal was Free & Easy by Karbach Brewing, a new player in the non-alcoholic game.
Free & Easy Belgian Style White offers a refreshing and zesty non-alcoholic twist to the Belgian style White.
Spiced with orange peel and lightly toasted coriander, this non-alcoholic beer provides a subtle sweetness, making it a perfect leisure beverage.
With a mission to make craft beer for everyone, Karbach believes in inclusiveness and fun, producing beers that people love.
Learn more about Free & Easy Belgian Style White by Karbach Brewing.
The Great American Beer Festival’s recognition of non-alcoholic beers is an encouraging sign for those seeking quality beverages without the buzz.
The winning beers in the non-alcoholic category demonstrate that you don’t have to sacrifice taste and complexity just because you’re skipping the alcohol.
So, whether you’re a dedicated craft beer enthusiast or a curious beginner, it might be time to explore these innovative non-alcoholic beers.
If you’re interested in tasting the wonderful new world of NA beers, we highly recommend signing up for our monthly variety pack of non-alcoholic beers. Each month is a surprising experience of great-tasting, hard-to-find NA beers. Or you can check out some articles of ours featuring the best non-alcoholic IPAs, Ambers, Stouts, Lagers, Sours, and more!
Craft beer is truly for everyone – and these award-winning non-alcoholic brews are sure to leave you asking for more.
