NYC Beer Expert Shares Picks For NA Brews

As one of New York City’s few female certified Cicerones and the general manager of the Treadwell Park beer hall and sports bar, Katherine Benecke has built her career around celebrating exceptional brews. She’s also seen the rise in nonalcoholic beers, not only for Dry January and Sober October but throughout the year.

“NA beers have been taking off, with more people opting for mindful consumption and healthier lifestyle habits,” Benecke says. “Subsequently, NA beers have become a go-to choice as more people seek moderation without sacrifice.”

Hops are actually great for gut macrobiotics, she adds, “and the rise in NA beer is directly in line with functional beverages made with adaptogens and probiotics.”

What NA brews has Benecke been recommending for January? One of her top picks is Athletic Brewing’s Free Wave. It’s a hazy IPA with the bold, juicy hop flavors that beer enthusiasts crave, she notes.

Another is Bitburger Drive N/A, “a crisp, clean German pilsner with smooth drinkability and rich heritage.” And Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild is a balanced and refreshing craft ale with wide appeal.

How does she approach pairing food with NA beers? One example is Treadwell Park’s Gringo Loco spicy steak blend burger with pepper jack, candied bacon, crispy onions and jalapeno poppers, which pairs beautifully with the Athletic Run Wild, Benecke says. “The tropical and citrusy notes of the beer complement the spice driven flavors while also helping to tamper the heat down.”

The Bitburger N/A is a fun choice to serve with German fare for a traditional pub hall type of experience, Benecke says. “I would pair it with any of our bratwursts, but my personal favorite is our cheddar jalapeno. The dry and refreshing qualities of the beer pair nicely with the richness from the sausage.”

The NA beer industry will only going to keep growing, she says, “and I expect over the next year we’ll only continue to see increased traction and increased celebrity endorsement.” For example, the actor Tom Holland just released a line of NA beers called BERO.

This signals a larger trend, where alcohol-free products are no longer seen as niche and are becoming more accessible for anyone looking to make more mindful choices, says Benecke. “As more people focus on wellness, NA beers are set for long-term growth.”

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