1859 Oregon’s Magazine Beerlandia Column Jan/ Feb 2024

If you’re reading this, then you probably already know… Oregon is the best state for beer. In every corner of our state, in every fold, every valley, and every town, we have some of the best beer in the world at our fingertips.

But there’s a time and a place for everything. Sometimes we have to boldly choose to give ourselves a break from alcohol for the sake of safety, health, and even sanity. But that doesn’t mean we have to forego the flavor and the experience we’ve grown to love.

I’m not into diets or even Dry January. Giving up something I love for a time is one of my personal definitions of madness. Rather, I advocate for a mindful and sustainable lifestyle. A good meal is balanced by exercise and portion control. A good beer is balanced by Non-alcohol alternatives. For every action, there must be an equal and opposite reaction. Screw the diets, this is the way.

No alcohol, or NA beers, are defined as having less than .5% alcohol. Zero alcohol is self-explanatory. Modern technology has not only allowed brewers to make damn tasty NA beer, but it also helped this segment grow to a $17.5 Billion industry in 2020. For reference, that’s way bigger than Taylor Swift.

Big brands have created some great NA options, but so have some of our favorite local Oregon Breweries. We can now drink good Oregon beer without worrying about driving, who’s watching the kids, or excess calories. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to go dry for life, for a month, or for a moment, the choice is yours, and all are welcome to this party.