Odds are when you think of nonalcoholic beer, flashbacks of that one time you tried O’Douls triggers an immediate fight or flight response that rejects any concept of a beer with zero alcohol. Hairless Dog aims to change that, as one of the only breweries in the country that exclusively brews nonalcoholic beer. Unlike other brewers who remove alcohol during the distillation process, Hairless Dod developed a new brewing process that doesn't produce alcohol, making them the first 0.0% craft beer in the USA.
Co-founders Jeff Hollander and Paul Pirner wanted to enjoy the flavors and experience of craft beer but wanted to obtain from alcohol, prompting them to brew a better beer. If the concept of no hangover drinking is appealing, or you just love the rich flavors that come with craft brews but need to operate heavy machinery, Hairless Dog might be a solution.
I don't know what I was expecting but, Hairless Dog looks and smells like beer, pours with a head, and unless someone told you it was nonalcoholic, you would think you had developed an immunity to getting drunk. Currently, Hairless Dog is offering an IPA, Citra Lager, Coffee Stout, and Black Ale, I tried all of them except the Coffee Stout, and at no point did I think I was drinking a nonalcoholic beer.
If you are looking to enjoy craft beers without the alcohol, Hairless Dog is as close as you can get. You can learn more at drinkhairlessdog.com or buy it at your local Total Wine & More.
*Hairless Dog did sent out samples for review, this is not a paid promotion and all opinions are my own.