Welcome to the sixth edition of High Spirits, the Dry Atlas newsletter on all the latest happenings in booze-free!
A word from the experts
Here at Dry Atlas, we’re all about ratings and reviews from the people, but you may be curious to know what the critics like Eric Asimov and Camper English think too.
CBS News says a new trend is brewing, but if you’re reading this, you already knew that. Even if old news, this piece featuring Asimov includes a fun behind the scenes look at the Athletic brewery in Stamford as well as some tasting notes on Eins Zwei Zero’s Sparkling Rose, Muri’s Passing Clouds and a beautiful Amass Riverine + Seedlip cocktail. If you’re a New Yorker, check out Manhatta for a top-notch non-alc drinks menu and amazing views from the 60th floor.
Another seasoned spirits industry vet with strong opinions about non-alc is Camper English. His original 2021 reviews and his recent 2022 reviews are worth a read. That said, his tasting notes, especially those from 2021, are very different from my own. I wonder if some of these brands have tinkered with their formulations in the 16 months since?
New Brand X Dry Atlas happy hours
Thanks to all who joined the founders and me to sample Sovi Reserve wines from Napa this past Wednesday! The weekly Dry Atlas happy hours have been a big success so far and we’re going to keep the good times rolling every Wednesday from 5-7.
Join me from 5-7pm today, Wed, 11/23, to try Altitude’s brand new trio of brand new white tea + CBD elixirs. Swing by and grab a free can!
Next Wednesday, 11/30, get ready to sip GoodVines de-alcoholized wines from Heidelberg before you can get them anywhere else in New York.
Odds & Ends
Low-ABV pioneer Haus’ founder Helena Price Hambrecht wrote a short thread on the status of Haus’ bankruptcy. I respect and admire the beautiful brand Hambrecht and her team built for sober curious intentional drinkers like us. Sadly, the regulatory challenges of the alcohol industry, especially direct-to-consumer, finally took their toll.
Per Beernet, craft veteran Lagunitas’ head of sales says Hoppy Refresher is their big bet for 2023. No surprise, given the continued growth of adult NA overall as well as the hopped sparkling water sub-category.
Our friend Derek Brown is back at it again with more great NA drink recommendations for the holidays.
The judges have been announced for the first ever World Alcohol-Free Awards and it’s an all-star cast including our friend Laura Silverman from ZeroProofNation. If you are a non-alc brand, consider entering the competition!
