Dry January will be over before we know it, but Massachusetts breweries give people options for moderation year-round. Across the Commonwealth, taprooms and craft beer retailers are welcoming to the wellness-minded by offering plenty of low-calorie beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and even fitness experiences.
This isn’t just trend-chasing—although globally, health and wellness is a $1.5 trillion industry and growing. Craft beer has always played a role in the healthy, active lifestyle, from the marathoner who replenishes with a cold one post-run, to the very existence of a recreational beer league.
If you’ve resolved to drink less or exercise more in 2023, you don’t have to give up craft beer. Members of the MBG responded to our call to highlight low-alcohol beers and taproom fitness events, so you can get off to a healthy start this year. Cheers!
Non-Alcoholic Beers
Lord Hobo
Life is a hazy IPA from Woburn brewer Lord Hobo. It has a tropical nose and big citrus flavor with just a hint of bitterness—and no threat of a hangover the next day. Look for the sub-.5% Life Non-Alcoholic on tap at Lord Hobo’s Woburn, Cambridge, and Seaport taprooms and at local restaurants, as well as for sale in cans.
It's a taste test, with a twist. For #dryjanuary, we invited Beer Lovers and experts to try our Gold Medal-winning non-alcoholic Just the Haze. Choose which beer is our non-alc, or get tanked.
Samuel Adams
Just the Haze packs in the juicy flavors of Citra, Mosaic, Sabro, and Cascade hops that beer fans love at less than .5% ABV. And we do mean “love:” Samuel Adams won the Gold Medal for Best Non-Alcoholic at the Great American Beer Fest with this one. Several local beer experts who tried it this month couldn’t even pick it from a lineup of full-alcohol brews. Look for Just the Haze at package stores for sale in cans.
Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company
Connecticut-born Athletic Non-Alcoholic Beer is the category’s most recognizable craft brand, and you can find it on the menu at Lost Shoe’s Marlborough taproom. As befits a brewery/specialty coffee bar, Lost Shoe also serves a lineup of coffee and tea drinks on-site.
Low Alcohol Beers
Barrel House Z
Better Half Grapefruit Radler blends fresh juice with crisp, crushable Pilsner. A “dry-ish January” beer release from Barrel House Z, it boasts a 3.6% ABV and a non-zero amount of Vitamin C. Find it on tap at the Weymouth taproom, as well as available by the four-pack to-go.
Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
Another green banner rising to the rafters of the Garden would be satisfying for Boston basketball fans. Raising a mug of Jack’s Abby Banner City Light Lager, meanwhile, is satisfying for beer fans. The latest release from the official craft brewery of the Boston Celtics, this 3.8% offering doesn’t hold back on flavor, despite just 96 calories per 12 ounces. Find it on tap at the Framingham beer hall, at local restaurants, for sale in stores, and in game-ready cans at the Garden.
Mayflower Brewing Company
Easy-drinking Leisure Mode could become your go-to this year: The 4.5% New England IPA is newly available year-round from Mayflower Brewing Company. The refreshing, dry, hazy IPA has become a taproom favorite with aromas of citrus, herbs, and tropical fruit. Find it on tap in Plymouth, at local restaurants, and at package stores for sale in cans.
Night Shift Brewing
Craft beer fans looking for sessionable alternatives will find a lot to love from Night Shift Brewing. Day Lite is a 4%, 100-calorie wheat lager scented with orange peel. Nite Lite and Lime Lite take cues from American light lagers with just 120 calories and 4.3% ABV. And Whirlpool hits the hazy spot at 4.5%, generously dry-hopped with Mosaic and Ella for ripe peach and clementine notes. Find all four labels available throughout Massachusetts.
Fitness Events
Barrel House Z
Find a run club that meets twice per week and more fitness goals at Barrel House Z. BHZ’s Run Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. All levels are welcome and runners receive taproom discounts. The Weymouth brewery also regularly organizes 5K races, with one coming up in February. If running isn’t your favorite form of activity, BHZ has other ways to get physical: Check out a cardio class called Pound and Pour at the taproom on Sunday, Jan. 15.
Castle Island Brewing Company (Norwood)
Run a 5K loop around the Norwood area with Castle Island’s weekly run club. It meets Sundays at noon and reconvenes at the taproom.
Idle Hands Craft Ales
With multiple routes of varying distances, the run club based at Idle Hands’ Malden taproom meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Kicking off January 10, the group plans to run all winter long. Idle Hands also hosts pop-up workouts indoors, such as Taproom Yoga on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10:30 a.m. One hour of flow-based vinyasa yoga, designed for new and experienced students alike, is followed by a half-pour of beer post-class.
Lamplighter Brewing Co.
Taking advantage of the sun-filled second floor at its Cambridge Crossing taproom, Lamplighter hosts a guided flow of yoga every other Saturday. Beginning January 15, the 12:30 p.m. class is led by certified yoga instructor (and Lamplighter bartender) Christina Grassie, and focuses on stretching, breathing, and light activity. All levels are welcome. Registration includes the 1-hour class plus a token for a beer, kombucha, or seltzer.
Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company
Runners around the Marlborough area, lace up and meet fellow beer and jogging enthusiasts at Lost Shoe. The Monday Night Run Club starts and ends at the taproom with 1, 3, and 5-mile routes. Everyone is welcome, walkers included.
