When it comes to enjoying a refreshing beer without the negative effects of alcohol, Lagunitas IPNA Non-alcoholic beer has you covered. This 0.5% ABV beer uses the same core ingredients as traditional IPAs, including hops, malt, yeast, and water, creating an enjoyable and familiar taste experience without the alcohol content that typically comes with it.
The familiar flavors and smooth texture of the beer provide a satisfying experience that doesn’t compromise on taste – a key factor in making non-alcoholic options more appealing and enjoyable.
Lagunitas Non-Alcoholic Beer Overview
History and Background
As you explore the world of non-alcoholic beers, you might come across Lagunitas IPNA – a non-alcoholic version of India Pale Ale.
With a strong focus on the use of real hops, IPNA offers you an herbal tea-like taste accompanied by lemon zest notes. This non-alcoholic beer doesn’t have an overly hoppy character, but rather features pine needle and a mild soapy taste. Despite some mixed reviews, IPNA has managed to provide a decent alcohol-free alternative to traditional IPAs.
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lagunitas Brewing Company, the creator of IPNA, is an established brewery with a passion for innovating diverse beer offerings. As the demand for non-alcoholic beers has surged in recent years, Lagunitas saw the opportunity to cater to both IPA enthusiasts and those seeking a healthier alternative to conventional beers.
Within the competitive beer industry, IPAs account for over 5.5% of the overall market. Lagunitas saw the potential of combining the popularity of IPAs with the rising trend of non-alcoholic beers. By opting for alternative microbes for fermentation, the brewing company is able to produce a near beer with a rich array of flavor-active compounds without compromising on taste.
As you explore the variety of non-alcoholic beer options, be sure to consider Lagunitas IPNA as a unique and flavorful alternative. Keep in mind that preferences may vary, and it’s always good to try different options to find your favorite non-alcoholic beer.
Key Features and Varieties
IPNA
If you are a fan of Lagunitas IPA but prefer a non-alcoholic option, try their IPNA. This Non-alcoholic IPA uses the same ingredients—hops, malt, yeast, and water—resulting in a similar taste without the alcohol content.
It contains just .5% ABV and features Mosaic, Citra, and Columbus hops, giving it a flavorful and hoppy profile. With 80 calories per 12 oz bottle, you can enjoy this beverage without worrying about excess calories.
Hoppy Refresher
Another non-alcoholic option from Lagunitas is the Hoppy Refresher. This beverage is a hoppy, non-alcoholic alternative to their traditional beers.
Although it does not contain the typical ingredients of a beer, its hoppy character makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy the taste of hops without the effects of alcohol.
The Hoppy Refresher has a hint of lemon, providing a refreshing and light experience that can quench your thirst on a warm day.
A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Non-Alcoholic
If you appreciate the taste of A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ but prefer to avoid alcohol, consider trying the non-alcoholic version.
This Wheat IPA features a similar profile to the original, using the same type of Mosaic and Citra hops. However, it is brewed without the fermentation process that produces alcohol, leaving the drink with a lower-ABV content.
The Brewing Process
Ingredients
When it comes to Lagunitas’ non-alcoholic beer, the ingredients used are quite similar to those found in traditional beer recipes. You can expect to find an assortment of hops, malt, water, and yeast in the mix. This ensures that the final product retains the taste and aroma that you would typically associate with a quality beer, without the negative effects.
Among the hops used in the non-alcoholic IPA, you will find popular varieties that contribute to the recognizable bitterness and aroma of the brew. The malt used generally consists of a blend of barley and wheat, providing the essential foundation for the beer’s body and color.
Brewing Techniques
Brewing non-alcoholic beer requires some unique techniques to keep the final product below 0.5% alcohol content. One essential aspect of this process is the introduction of alternative microbes for fermentation. These microbes focus on fermenting simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, and produce a high amount of flavor-active compounds, contributing to the beer’s taste without increasing its alcohol content.
Another method that Lagunitas employs for their non-alcoholic IPNA is dealcoholization, a process that involves heating the finished beer to remove alcohol content. This preserves the essential flavors derived from the hops, malt, wheat, and other ingredients while meeting the requirements for a low-alcohol beer.
By combining these techniques and using the same quality ingredients as their traditional beers, Lagunitas has succeeded in creating a non-alcoholic brew that delivers a satisfying India Pale Ale drinking experience, without sacrificing taste or depth of flavor. Keep in mind that it is important to enjoy Lagunitas non-alcoholic beer in moderation and be mindful of your consumption.
Taste and Flavor Profiles
In this section, we will explore the taste and flavor profiles of Lagunitas IPNA non-alcoholic beer. Let’s dive into the various characteristics that make up its unique taste.
Bitter and Herbal Notes
The bitterness of Lagunitas IPNA comes through at a moderate level, registering at 28.32 IBUs (International Bittering Units). This is a measurement of the perceived bitterness contributed by the hops. In this beer, the bitterness is accompanied by herbal flavors, which can be attributed to the use of specific hop varieties in the brewing process.
Furthermore, you might notice a slight hint of pine in the flavor profile. This can also be attributed to the hops used in the recipe, which are known for their pine-like characteristics. Overall, the bitter and herbal notes in Lagunitas IPNA work in harmony to balance the maltiness of the beer, giving it a pleasant and refreshing taste.
Fruit and Citrus Flavors
As you sip on Lagunitas IPNA, you’ll find flavors reminiscent of fruit and citrus. Specifically, you may taste notes of grapefruit and lemon, which lend a bright, refreshing element to the beer. These flavors can be attributed to the use of popular hop varieties, such as Citra and Mosaic, which are known for their fruit-forward profiles.
The presence of these fruit and citrus flavors helps to contribute to the overall refreshment of the beer, making it an enjoyable choice for those seeking a non-alcoholic option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Hop Characteristics
The hop profile of Lagunitas IPNA is an essential aspect of the beer’s flavor profile. It features a variety of hops that contribute to its unique characteristics. As mentioned earlier, Citra and Mosaic hops are responsible for the fruit and citrus notes found in the beer. But don’t be mistaken, the hop presence doesn’t stop there.
The beer also offers a subtle herbal and pine presence, which can be attributed to the careful selection of hop varieties in the brewing process. Overall, the characteristic hop flavors found in Lagunitas IPNA make it a well-rounded non-alcoholic beer option for those who appreciate the taste of hops without the negative effects of alcohol.
Alcohol Content and Nutrition Facts
Lagunitas IPNA Non-alcoholic IPA features an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of just 0.50%. This means it has a minimal alcohol content and is suitable for those looking to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol. With this low level of alcohol, it’s perfect for hop heads who want a refreshing yet alcohol-free option.
No need to worry about excessive calories, carbs, or alcohol while enjoying Lagunitas IPNA. A 12 fl oz bottle contains 80 calories and 18g of carbs. This makes it a healthier choice compared to more potent options such as double IPAs or triple IPAs.
Furthermore, the nutritional content of this non-alcoholic IPA is quite reasonable. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition facts for a serving of Lagunitas IPNA:
- Total Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 15mg (1% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 18g (6% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 2g (0% Daily Value)
Please note that Lagunitas IPNA is not gluten-free, as it is made with malt. For those with gluten sensitivities, it’s essential to find an alternative that fits your dietary requirements.
In addition to their IPNA, Lagunitas also offers a Hoppy Refresher, a zero alcohol, zero carb, and zero calorie sparkling hop water. This option is perfect for those looking for an even lighter beverage while still enjoying the hop flavor.
In Summary: Lagunitas Non-Alcoholic Beer
Lagunitas IPNA is a non-alcoholic beer that offers you the opportunity to enjoy the craft beer experience without the negative consequences of alcohol. With its herbal and lemon zest notes, this beverage presents a unique take on the popular IPA style.
Though some reviews suggest that it may not be as hoppy as traditional IPAs, it is definitely a solid option for those looking to explore non-alcoholic alternatives.
As the popularity of non-alcoholic beers and IPAs continues to grow, Lagunitas IPNA brings together these two trends, offering a quality option for those who want to enjoy a beer without the alcohol content.
