KE5BM
Pre-takeoff checklist
OK, the title is clickbait. 
In following a different thread about a pilot's path to sobriety I got to thinking...non-alcoholic beer and spirit options are quickly becoming more commonplace. This is a great thing as I'm certainly one who enjoys beers to a high degree. NAs used to be hard to find, and when you did find them you were relegated to Busch NA or O'Doul's. With the new age flood of NAs hitting the shelves, I figure we can save each other some time and money if we start chatting about what we've found and like or hate. Much like a sister post down the forum about barbecue.
I'll start by saying I've dabbled so far in the more mainstream American-styles that are out there. Busch NA so far has been my favorite as it still tastes like a basic beer with little of the syrupy finish. It's a bit high on the carbs, though. The Budweiser Zero...best way I can describe it is that it tastes to me what you would expect from 90s sitcom beer. A white can that just says "Beer" and tastes like you would expect. I know a bunch of people who HATE Coors Edge. I don't mind it. I like Heineken 0.0 because to me, it tastes like a Heineken is SUPPOSED to taste before American hands touch it. I tried one of the Athletic varieties...don't remember which but didn't like it. It would appear they're the gold standard for NAs, though so I'm going to have to start going through them. They have a club you can join on their site to get them delivered to your house for less than what it normally costs off the shelf. I've also noticed a couple local micros are getting on the bandwagon (see what I did there?) with reasonable success. One that surprised me was Sam Adams Nothing But The Haze. It tastes good but has a thick, syrupy finish that I don't particularly care for.
Back when I first discovered beers beyond Miller-Coors, there was a local beer shop that allowed you to make your own 6-pack. That's how I got my beer education. I recently learned there's a local chain on Cape Cod that sells NAs in singles. Looks like I have some tasting parties in my future. A couple guys I work with are making the switch so we compare notes. My dad had a heart attack last year and has since gone all NA (as in Busch NA). My maternal grandfather was an alcoholic...He would have appreciated the new NA options out there.
I'd like to think a thread such as this could provide healthier options for someone like me but more importantly, could provide the much more critical path to sobriety for pre-alcoholics or someone attempting to make a lane change. Or maybe I'm completely off base. Only PoA will decide. Cheers, aviators! Can't wait to see what y'all have in mind!
One last thing...finding "nutrition" facts for beers can be difficult. AI tools have been very helpful for me when comparing different varieties regarding the carbs, ABV, and calories.
Edit to add this: ***DISCLAIMER*** I am in no way advocating the consumption of any alcoholic or near zero alcoholic beverage (as is the case with most NAs) while acting as PIC. Doing so is a direct violation of FAA regulations.
In following a different thread about a pilot's path to sobriety I got to thinking...non-alcoholic beer and spirit options are quickly becoming more commonplace. This is a great thing as I'm certainly one who enjoys beers to a high degree. NAs used to be hard to find, and when you did find them you were relegated to Busch NA or O'Doul's. With the new age flood of NAs hitting the shelves, I figure we can save each other some time and money if we start chatting about what we've found and like or hate. Much like a sister post down the forum about barbecue.
I'll start by saying I've dabbled so far in the more mainstream American-styles that are out there. Busch NA so far has been my favorite as it still tastes like a basic beer with little of the syrupy finish. It's a bit high on the carbs, though. The Budweiser Zero...best way I can describe it is that it tastes to me what you would expect from 90s sitcom beer. A white can that just says "Beer" and tastes like you would expect. I know a bunch of people who HATE Coors Edge. I don't mind it. I like Heineken 0.0 because to me, it tastes like a Heineken is SUPPOSED to taste before American hands touch it. I tried one of the Athletic varieties...don't remember which but didn't like it. It would appear they're the gold standard for NAs, though so I'm going to have to start going through them. They have a club you can join on their site to get them delivered to your house for less than what it normally costs off the shelf. I've also noticed a couple local micros are getting on the bandwagon (see what I did there?) with reasonable success. One that surprised me was Sam Adams Nothing But The Haze. It tastes good but has a thick, syrupy finish that I don't particularly care for.
Back when I first discovered beers beyond Miller-Coors, there was a local beer shop that allowed you to make your own 6-pack. That's how I got my beer education. I recently learned there's a local chain on Cape Cod that sells NAs in singles. Looks like I have some tasting parties in my future. A couple guys I work with are making the switch so we compare notes. My dad had a heart attack last year and has since gone all NA (as in Busch NA). My maternal grandfather was an alcoholic...He would have appreciated the new NA options out there.
I'd like to think a thread such as this could provide healthier options for someone like me but more importantly, could provide the much more critical path to sobriety for pre-alcoholics or someone attempting to make a lane change. Or maybe I'm completely off base. Only PoA will decide. Cheers, aviators! Can't wait to see what y'all have in mind!
One last thing...finding "nutrition" facts for beers can be difficult. AI tools have been very helpful for me when comparing different varieties regarding the carbs, ABV, and calories.
Edit to add this: ***DISCLAIMER*** I am in no way advocating the consumption of any alcoholic or near zero alcoholic beverage (as is the case with most NAs) while acting as PIC. Doing so is a direct violation of FAA regulations.
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