As a beer lover and resident of Erie County, New York, I am often asked about the local brewery scene. And while there are plenty of amazing craft breweries in the area, one question that often comes up is whether any of them offer non-alcoholic options.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer
Non-alcoholic beer has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more people looking for healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. This trend has not gone unnoticed by breweries, who have started to offer non-alcoholic options to cater to a wider audience. In fact, according to a report by Grand View Research, the global non-alcoholic beer market is expected to reach $25.6 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing health consciousness, rising demand for low-calorie drinks, and the growing number of people choosing to abstain from alcohol.The Non-Alcoholic Options at Breweries in Erie County
So, back to the question at hand - do any breweries in Erie County offer non-alcoholic options? The answer is yes! While not all breweries in the county have non-alcoholic options on their menu, there are a few that have recognized the demand and have started offering non-alcoholic beers.Buffalo Brewing Company
, located in Buffalo's historic Cobblestone District, offers a non-alcoholic IPA called 'Designated Driver'. This beer is brewed with all the same ingredients as their regular IPA but without the alcohol.It has a hoppy and citrusy flavor that is sure to satisfy any beer lover's taste buds.
Big Ditch Brewing Company
, also located in Buffalo, offers a non-alcoholic beer called 'Lock IPA'. This beer is brewed with a blend of hops and has a refreshing and crisp taste. It's the perfect option for those looking for a non-alcoholic beer that still has the same hoppy flavor as a traditional IPA.Resurgence Brewing Company
, with locations in both Buffalo and Niagara Falls, offers a non-alcoholic beer called 'Seltzer City'. This beer is a hard seltzer with a 5% ABV, making it a great option for those looking for a low-alcohol alternative.It comes in various flavors such as raspberry, lemon-lime, and grapefruit.
Other Non-Alcoholic Options at Breweries
While these are the only breweries in Erie County that currently offer non-alcoholic options, there are other options for those looking for non-alcoholic drinks at breweries. Many breweries offer non-alcoholic sodas or kombucha on their menu, which can be a great alternative for those who don't want to drink alcohol. Additionally, some breweries host events or collaborate with local non-alcoholic beverage companies to offer a wider range of options. For example, Thin Man Brewery in Buffalo has collaborated with local company 'Bootleg Bucha' to offer their kombucha on tap at their brewery.The Future of Non-Alcoholic Options at Breweries
As the demand for non-alcoholic options continues to grow, it's likely that more breweries in Erie County will start offering non-alcoholic beers on their menu. In fact, some breweries have already started experimenting with non-alcoholic beers and are working on perfecting their recipes. Moreover, with the rise of non-alcoholic beer in the global market, it's safe to say that this trend is here to stay.And as more people become health-conscious and choose to limit their alcohol intake, breweries will have to adapt and offer non-alcoholic options to cater to their customers' needs.
