Dry January: Let’s blast off with Best Day Brewing’s Galaxy Ripple non-alcoholic double IPA

Craft Brewing Business received a special gift over the holidays: Best Day Brewing’s Galaxy Ripple non-alcoholic double IPA. Let me tell you — it was the perfect companion for a long Christmas and even longer New Year’s. But don’t just take my word for it. This latest release from Best Day Brewing showcases why the non-alcoholic craft beer category is gaining traction across the country.

Galaxy Ripple is Best Day’s fifth rotational release, available for a limited time this winter. It’s a bold double IPA that packs a punch of peach, pineapple and passion fruit, with just enough pine to balance the tropical notes. Designed to capture the essence of a full-bodied IPA without the alcohol, Galaxy Ripple delivers a hoppy, satisfying experience perfect for anyone looking to start the year off on a mindful drinking journey. From the press release:

“As we head into winter, we wanted to create a beer that had wintry notes like pine but also refreshing fruity flavors to transport drinkers somewhere not-so-cold,” says Ron Lindenbusch, Chief Innovation Officer, “The Galaxy Ripple is the perfect sip for winter and beyond with its balance of malt sweetness and rich layering of hop flavors and bitterness.”

Since we enjoyed this seasonal so much, we thought we’d remind folks about the beer and business behind this growing NA brand.

The rise of Best Day Brewing

Founded in 2021, Best Day Brewing quickly made waves in the non-alcoholic beer space. The brand was founded by Tate Huffard, when his love for craft beers clashed with his active lifestyle (like his early morning surf sessions). NA beer can be created in a variety of ways. Best Day’s NA beers are first brewed to full strength, and then the alcohol is removed through a process that maintains temperatures and preserves the aromas and flavors. Based in northern California, the brand has already established a strong foothold in 35 states, with beers available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Target and Amazon.

Best Day’s core lineup includes:

• Kölsch: Crisp and refreshing with a toasty malt character.
• West Coast IPA: Classic Cascade hop aromas with a clean finish.
• Hazy IPA: Juicy tropical flavors with a round, fruity profile.
• Electro-Lime Cerca de Cerveza: A Mexican-style lager with lime and sea salt.

A $22.5 million investment fuels big moves

Last year, Best Day Brewing secured $22.5 million in funding, a testament to the explosive growth of the non-alcoholic beer category. The investment will help Best Day expand its product offerings, scale its distribution and reach even more mindful drinkers across the country. Best Day Brewing is currently available online on bestdaybrewing.com, on Amazon, and in 35 states (and growing) including major and premier partners such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, HEB, Wegmans, Target, Winco and Sprouts. From the press release:

“The non-alcoholic movement is here to stay. Best Day entered the category at the start of the surge and offered consumers a product that complemented their lifestyle,” added Jane Armstrong Hockman, President of Best Day Brewing. “With reinforced confidence from current backers, along with expanded support, our total funding in 2024 will allow us to scale exponentially – reaching new markets, introducing new products that consumers are eager for, and growing Best Day’s community of doers.”

Non-alcoholic craft beer is a growing market

The global non-alcoholic beer market was valued at $20 billion in 2023, with projections to hit $40 billion by 2033. This growth isn’t surprising, as more people are seeking to moderate their alcohol intake. Brands like Athletic Brewing, RationAle Brewing and Best Day Brewing are capitalizing on this trend. We discussed Best Day above, but Athletic Brewing recently raised $50 million in equity funding, while RationAle secured substantial seed investments. These funding rounds underscore the growing investor confidence in the non-alcoholic beer category.

According to the recent end-year recap from the Brewers Association:

Non-alcohol beer boom: With the growing demand for mindful drinking, non-alcohol beer sales soared (scan dollars up 30%+ year-over-year from January through October) as brewers refined their techniques to deliver flavor-packed options.

• According to NCSolutions Consumer Sentiment Survey, 41% of Americans actively moderated their alcohol consumption in 2024, up 7% from the previous year.
• A Beer Institute & Morning Consult Poll noted 58% of consumers say that low- and non-alcoholic beer is a good alternative for anyone looking to moderate their alcohol consumption long-term.
• YTD through 11/30/24, off-premise dollar sales of NA beer are up over 25%, totaling $646M, per NIQ.
• This Coefficient Capital / New Consumer report shows that the majority of Americans surveyed (54%) do not drink more than once per month, and 36% of Americans plan to eliminate or reduce alcohol in January (this grows to 49% for Gen Z/Millennials).

Clever business moves that set Best Day apart

Best Day Brewing’s success isn’t just about making great non-alcoholic beer. The brand excels in finding unique ways to reach consumers.

• Alaska Airlines partnership: Becoming the first NA beer in the airline’s premium beverage lineup is a smart offering. It provides passengers with an alcohol-free craft beer option, aligning with the growing trend of mindful drinking.
• Seasonal rotational releases: Best Day’s limited-time offerings, like Galaxy Ripple, keep things fresh and exciting for consumers. These special releases appeal to craft beer enthusiasts looking to try something new.
• Impressive distribution: Best Day Brewing’s presence in 5,000+ retailers across 35 states is impressive for a brand launched just a few years ago. The company’s ability to scale quickly shows the strength of its product and marketing strategies.

Galaxy Ripple is out of this world

Best Day Brewing’s latest release, Galaxy Ripple, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or someone looking to cut back on alcohol, Best Day offers a delicious alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. With big investments, clever partnerships and a growing lineup of exciting brews, Best Day Brewing is poised to have its best year yet. Keep an eye on this brand as it continues to reshape the non-alcoholic beer industry — one delicious, hop-forward sip at a time. And if you’re looking for a great beer to sip during your way-too-busy winter, I highly recommend Galaxy Ripple. Cheers to many more Best Days ahead.