Summary: When Fremont Brewing introduced the beer in January it did not claim its Non-Aloholic IPA was Washington’s first non-alcoholic beer. I’ve also found no statement from the brewery claiming it was Washington-brewed. Do not blame the brewery for inaccurate reporting.
A local media outlet (not this one) recently published a story introducing Fremont Brewing’s Non-Alcoholic IPA as the first Washington-brewed NA beer. That story created quite a kerfuffle on social media, where folks were quick to point out the mistruth. Some even blamed Fremont Brewing, which is what prompted me to post this story in the brewery’s defense. (They did not ask me to do this, btw.) I’ve chosen not to mention the outlet by name because it made the corrections and an apology.
It isn’t new. It wasn’t the first. Seattle’s Fremont Brewing introduced its Non-Alcoholic IPA at the end of January 2023, as we reported at that time. In doing so, Fremont made no claim suggesting that it was Washington’s first N-A beer. At least not according to the press release I received (below) or the conversations that I had with the people at the brewery back in February.
Furthermore, I received no information from Fremont Brewing suggesting the beer was actually brewed in Washington. The packaging very clearly states that it was brewed and canned for Fremont Brewing by Octopi Brewing of Waunakee, Wisconsin.
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Drink Self Care was first. Three Magnets Brewing of Olympia, Washington did a spin-off project back in 2020, introducing its Drink Self Care line of non-alcoholic beers. In 2021, the company announced that the Drink Self Care beers would become a permanent part of the brewery’s lineup.
Here is Fremont Brewing’s official announcement from late January, which makes no false or misleading claims.
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Fremont Brewing Announces New, Non-Alcoholic IPA, Providing a Refreshing Craft IPA for Health-Conscious Consumers
[Seattle, WA] – Fremont Brewing has a new Non-Alcoholic IPA beer that is hitting store shelves and is poised to be a game-changer for those seeking a refreshing alternative to traditional beers. The brewery’s Urban Beer Garden will also be stocking the Non-Alcoholic IPA starting January 31, 2023.
This IPA, crafted with the finest barley and hops, provides a delicious and non-alcoholic option for those who are health-conscious and looking for an alternative to traditional beer. With its crisp, clean flavor and light body, it is also a great option for those with an active lifestyle.
“We set out to brew a killer beer that we could enjoy during the day and
not be slowed down. When we finally rang that bell, we put it in a can. Basically, it’s just good beer,” said Matt Lincecum, Fremont’s Founder.
Fremont Brewing’s Non-Alcoholic IPA is made with the same passion and attention to detail as our traditional beers, making it a truly premium product. Fremont’s Non-Alcoholic IPA, joins Hoppy Spritz, a hop-infused sparkling water with a proprietary production process, in the craft brewer’s growing non-alcoholic offerings. So, whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a delicious and non-alcoholic alternative, Fremont Brewing’s Non-Alcoholic IPA is a must-try.
Fremont’s Non-Alcoholic IPA is on store shelves alongside other Fremont Brewing craft beer along the West Coast and the Mountain West, and at the brewery’s Urban Beer Garden located at 1050 N. 34 th St, Seattle, WA 98103.
Fremont Brewing is dedicated to producing the finest craft beer experience, with the finest ingredients, and an eye for relaxing with friends whenever possible.
