I have a confession to make...

Why I started Buzz Free Brews

I am not sober.

Well, right now I am technically sober. But, I don’t abstain from all mind-altering substances all the time. Just most of the time.

Many people come to discover non-alcoholic (NA) brews because they’re going through recovery from alcohol addiction. I’ve encountered many content creators who are bravely sharing how they’re fighting their demons on a quest to overcome destructive patterns—with alcohol playing a lead villain role. They’ve landed in the NA world to live a healthier, happier, sober life.

If that’s you or someone you know: I support you. I commend you. I want to cheer you on! Please consider me an ally.

That’s not my story.

I have been drinking alcoholic beers for more than 20 years and I continue to enjoy them. I grew up in a culture where beer is hailed as a food staple, often called “fluessiges Brot,” which means liquid bread. Germany has a vibrant and historically rich beer culture and I am proud to be a product of it.

In Germany, it’s not uncommon to see children take a sip of their parents’ beer at family and friends’ gatherings where few would bat an eye over it. When I was growing up, my grandmother would let me have trace amounts of beer in a glass of lemonade (she’d also let me have trace amounts of coffee dispersed in lots of milk), making me feel like an adult and expecting me to act the part.

Beer is a celebration. It’s part of German history. It’s a bonding tool.

And it doesn’t have to be alcoholic. The German Brewers' Association (Deutsche Brauer-Bund, or DBB) reports that non-alcoholic beer is the fastest growing category in the German beer market, with consumption increasing by 53% over the past decade. In a related consumer survey 1 out of every 2 Germans now drink non-alcoholic beers regularly.

1 out of every 2 Germans now drink non-alcoholic beers regularly

I didn’t start Buzz Free Brews because I am giving up drinking alcohol. I recognize that this might mean that some in the NA scene will be disappointed and a few others will perhaps even scorn me. But many more are welcoming me with open arms because the more people that appreciate NA options, the better for everyone in this community.

I started Buzz Free Brews because until recently I was oddly unaware of the thriving NA brew scene. I was startled to learn that there are more than just a few breweries out there now that make actually good beer, that just happens to be non-alcoholic. I am absolutely thrilled to discover this (to me and many other regular drinkers like me) underground brew scene!

Buzz Free Brews is my attempt to learn more about this underrated beverage universe of NA drinks and to share it with you—whether you’re living the sober life or you’re just looking for more brews you can enjoy when you’re not looking for a buzz.

• Buzz Free Brews is for brew lovers who want to socialize without the hangover.

• It’s for the outdoor enthusiast who craves a cold beer after a long hike, mountain bike, or climbing sesh.

• It’s for the warrior who has been struggling with alcohol addiction, looking to experience all of the taste of beer with none of the guilt.

• It’s for the designated driver who’ll get everyone home safely at the end of the night.

• It’s for you if you enjoy beers, seltzers, and kombuchas but don’t want a buzz every time you open a cold one.

It is my hope that together we’ll make abstaining from alcohol (whether every day or for just right now) 100% acceptable and easy to do in every social setting. Through learning more about and promoting the NA brew scene, I hope to do my part to spread alternative drink options in bars, restaurants, at conferences, and festivals. And in your fridge, too!

Let’s make abstaining from alcohol (whether every day or for just right now) 100% acceptable and easy to do in every social setting.

In the process, I plan to have a lot of fun, learn a lot, connect with the NA community, and give my taste buds a thrilling experience each time I try a new NA brew. And I will tell you all (well, a lot!) about it. You can count on me to give you my raw, unfiltered opinions about the brews I review, informed by more than two decades of drinking beer in different parts of the world.

Will you join me on this journey?