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A longtime craft-beer fan breaks down his go-to zero-proof choices for game days, from sturdy stouts to hoppy hazy IPA
Thinking about Dry January? Now might be the time to start sampling non-alcoholic beers, such as Guinness 0, Partake Brewing’s range of different styles (upper right) or Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass options (lower right). (Photos: Guinness from Shutterstock; Partake and Sierra Nevada courtesy of those companies)
by Jay Ahuja
The holidays are here, New Year’s Eve is coming fast, and if you’re like me, you might be eyeing Dry January. I first tried it in 2023. I went cold turkey — not easy during NFL playoff season, when weekends with friends and a drink in hand had been a lifelong ritual.
For years, I’d traveled to craft breweries around the country — Rogue in Oregon, Russian River and Lagunitas in California, 3 Floyds in Indiana. But when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the calories and carbs in craft beer made giving it up a no-brainer.
So Dry January wasn’t as tough as I expected. What I missed wasn’t alcohol — it was the routine of holding a cold drink while watching a game. That first year, I swapped in ice water. And I did notice a difference: better sleep, a few pounds lost, less fog on Monday mornings. I celebrated a successful month by returning to bourbon on the rocks for the Super Bowl.
The next year, I experimented. I tried a non-alcoholic bourbon — a bust. Then a former boss suggested Guinness 0, Guinness’ non-alcoholic beer. I doubted it but picked up a four-pack. To my surprise, it tasted like a stout, was filling and scratched the itch on game days. I stocked up, and January flew by.
This year, I branched out. Guinness 0 remains my benchmark — 60 calories, 13.5 carbs — but I found other NA options that actually taste like beer and satisfy like craft brews, all with less than 0.5% alcohol.
A few standouts:
◼️ Athletic Brewing
Upside Dawn Golden: 45 calories, 10 carbs. Smooth, hoppy, wheat-like.
Free Wave Hazy IPA: 70 calories, 16 carbs. A nice bite; my favorite of the three.
Athletic Lite: 25 calories, 5 carbs — bland but serviceable, especially after a workout.
◼️ Sierra Nevada
Trail Pass IPA: Citrus and pine, 95 calories, 20 carbs. Higher-cal, but a solid IPA.
Trail Pass Golden: Malty with a fruity aroma. Similar nutrition numbers, plus a surprising 1g fat. I preferred the IPA.
◼️ Partake Brewing
I first tried a Partake Blonde last summer on Bald Head Island — the only NA option at the bar. Light but flavorful for a 15-calorie beer. Partake brews exclusively NA beers, all under 30 calories, with styles ranging from Pilsner to Hazy IPA. Worth exploring.
◼️ Resident Culture
If you are regular at local microbreweries, fear not. There are options available. Resident Culture offers at least three nonalcoholic options, all labeled N.A.R.C. for Non Alcoholic Resident Culture. Their Hop Water is a sparkling mineral water, hopped with Citra, Mosaic and Centennial hops. It’s more like a seltzer water than a beer. Very refreshing Lime and Sea Salt is a non alcoholic malt beverage. Light, but tastes like a Mexican beer. Their IPA is non-alcoholic IPA hopped with Citra and Mosaic hops. Of the three Resident Culture NA beers I tasted, this is my favorite.
Taste is personal, of course. If stouts aren’t your thing, start with a Golden or an IPA. But for my money, Guinness 0 is still the standard — great taste, reasonable calories, and often reasonably priced.
The good news: Breweries big and small have stepped up their NA game. Just in time for the playoffs.
Jay Ahuja has lived, worked and played in Charlotte since 1986. He has one wife, two stepsons and one dog. He’s had two sports travel guidebooks published and produced a documentary film, “Live From The Double Door Inn.” He serves on the Charlotte advisory Board of North Carolina Outward Bound School and recently retired from WDAV 89.9FM, the region’s classical public radio station.
Today’s supporting sponsor is Dye Culik, a corporate and litigation law firm based in Charlotte, NC representing businesses and franchises in NC, SC, MA, and MI.
This week in Charlotte: USMNT coming ahead of World Cup; Hemp growers brace for ban; Farewell to Charlotte magazine; Conflicting arrest totals on border patrol operation
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Local news
Person stabbed on light rail train: (WSOC) Police arrested a suspect in connection with a stabbing on a light rail train near NoDa on Friday just before 5 p.m. The victim was taken to the hospital with critical injuries, and the train was seen stopped near the 25th Street Station. Authorities have released few details about the circumstances of the stabbing, which comes amid transit security concerns since August’s fatal light-rail attack on Iryna Zarutska.
No Lovin’ Life in 2026: (Instagram) After two years in uptown Charlotte, the Lovin’ Life Music Fest announced on Instagram Friday that it will take “a short pause” next year “due to circumstances outside of our control.” The post also noted the festival was recently named one of USA Today’s “10 Best New Festivals in the Country.”
Readers spotlight local charities: (Ledger) The Ledger’s sixth annual Charity Shout-Out highlights 88 nonprofits recommended by members, ranging from arts groups to housing, health care and youth services.
Protesters pack Atrium board meeting: (Ledger 🔒) Activists from Redress Charlotte and union hospital workers disrupted a normally quiet Atrium Health authority meeting, urging the system to honor its affordable housing commitments tied to The Pearl and raising concerns about working conditions at Advocate-owned hospitals.
Inconsistent arrest numbers: (Observer) Federal officials have offered conflicting totals for arrests made during last month’s Border Patrol operation in Charlotte. The Department of Homeland Security now says more than 425 people were detained, after earlier figures ranged from 274 to more than 370.
Education
Two teachers injured in reported assault: (WCNC) A Parkwood High School student was taken into custody Thursday after allegedly attacking a teacher and injuring a second who tried to intervene.
Politics
County names six to new transit board: (WFAE) Mecklenburg commissioners appointed six members to the new 27-member Metropolitan Public Transit Authority after voters approved a transit sales tax last month. The board’s composition is almost complete, with 25 of the members appointed.
NC DOJ challenges rate hike: (WCNC) North Carolina’s Department of Justice is intervening to oppose Duke Energy’s proposed 15% rate increase over two years, saying the plan needs closer scrutiny as families face rising costs.
Another county commissioner to step aside: (WSOC) Mecklenburg County Commissioner Elaine Powell says she will not seek a fifth term, becoming the second board member in recent weeks to announce plans to leave office.
Business
New EV makers face old sales barriers: (Ledger 🔒) Even as companies like Scout and Rivian expand in North Carolina, state law still blocks them from selling vehicles directly to consumers. Advocates say the rules favor traditional dealerships and stifle competition, but any change would require action by the General Assembly.
2nd & Charles to close South Blvd. store: (Ledger 🔒) The city’s only 2nd & Charles location will shut down Jan. 17, and Friday is the last day it will buy back items. The company hasn’t said why it’s leaving the Tyvola Square site, but its email to customers hinted at plans for a new Charlotte location.
AI tops priorities for Charlotte CEOs: (Charlotte Business Journal, subscriber-only) Leaders from Bank of America, Advocate Health and Compass Group said artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping their industries, from hospital care to customer service. Speaking at the 2025 Alliance Economic Outlook, they stressed AI’s potential but warned that strong oversight is needed to prevent errors.
Sports
USMNT coming to Charlotte ahead of World Cup: (Axios) The U.S. Men’s National Team will play a FIFA World Cup sendoff match at Bank of America Stadium on May 31.
Jordan’s NASCAR suit goes to trial: (Associated Press) A federal jury trial started Monday in the antitrust case filed by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, accusing NASCAR of operating as a monopoly and imposing unfair charter terms.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
N.C. hemp growers brace for devastating ban. Plus: CPI Security sues opposing lawyer; Closer look at CEO pay; ‘Magicians Table’ review; Charlotte City Council swears in 3 new members; ‘Iryna’s Law’ could fill Mecklenburg jail
Wednesday (🔒)
New EV makers are hitting old N.C. roadblocks. Plus: Protestors pile into Atrium meeting; RenFest organizers Huzzah near-record crowds; Will CLT ever get Clear?; City Council members sworn in; U.S. men’s soccer team to play at the Bank
Friday (🔒)
Farewell to Charlotte magazine. Plus: WBT to boost its reach; 2nd & Charles will close Charlotte store; What ‘smart’ means in building tech; Conflicting numbers for Border Patrol arrests; What’s on Charlotte’s Spotify Wrapped
Ways of Life (🔒)
In memoriam: Mary Hopper, a champion for University City. Also remembered: A junior tennis champion at Charlotte Latin; general manager at Victory Chevrolet; a chemicals executive; founder of what is now Party Reflections; a top producer in real estate
Charlotte’s most intelligent office building. Plus: Is The Park Expo site about to see changes?; Council members exchange fiery remarks during vote on community land-use plans; South of the Border is for sale; Rage room heading to University area
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