Good Time NA IPA

Good Time's NA IPA is a non-alcoholic India pale ale, so the first thing to know is that the brief lists no ABV or IBU. Expect the style's usual profile: a hop-forward nose of citrus peel, pine resin and tropical fruit, set against a lightly bready malt base. Non-alcoholic IPAs are typically brewed as full beers and then dealcoholized, or fermented in a way that leaves little alcohol. Either route leaves less body than a regular IPA. Hops tend to carry most of the flavor, so the bitterness usually reads as crisp and clean. The finish is usually dry and slightly resinous, not sweet or malty. Because there is little alcohol to add warmth or weight, the hop character is the focus. That makes freshness important. Check the packaging date, keep the beer cold and out of light, and drink it within a few months, because hop aroma fades faster here than in a stronger beer. If a bottle or can has been sitting warm, expect a duller, slightly worty character. Chilling it will not bring the aroma back. Serve it cold, around 3 to 6°C (38 to 43°F). That is a little cooler than you would pour a regular IPA. Colder temperatures keep a thinner-bodied beer tasting crisp, and the hop aromatics are still noticeable. Use a tulip glass, a shaped IPA glass or a stemmed pint with a tapered rim. These narrow at the top and hold the aroma, which matters more when there is no alcohol vapor to carry it. Pour with a firm stream down the middle of the glass to build a short head, then leave the last bit of any sediment in the bottle. For food, the bitterness and carbonation suit rich, salty or spicy dishes. Good matches include fried chicken, fish tacos with lime, smash burgers, Thai or Indian curries with moderate heat, sharp cheddar, and grilled sausages. The hops cut through fat and the carbonation resets your palate between bites. Very delicate dishes such as plain white fish or mild salads can be overwhelmed by the hop bitterness, so pair it with something that has some flavor of its own.