Ghost Hops (Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA)

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

Malts: Pilsner, Vienna, Acid, Flaked Rice

Hops: Citra Lupomax, Columbus Lupomax, Simcoe Cryo

Ghost NA is our nonalcoholic line. Can you talk a little bit about the genesis of this project?

Non-alcoholic beer has grown in popularity in recent years. The obvious reason is that people are choosing to decrease their alcohol intake, but the development of processes and technologies that greatly increased the quality of NA beer has facilitated this rise in popularity. Breweries can now produce NA beers that are nearly indistinguishable from their alcoholic counterparts, without any of the cloying sweetness and heavy body that previously plagued nonalc brews.  

Ghost Hops is a nonalcoholic West Coast IPA. What makes a beer a “West Coast IPA”?

IPAs in general are known for their massive hop additions. The subsets within the IPA category itself are distinguished by the different ways they utilize these massive hop additions in their recipes and brewing processes. West Coast IPAs feature massive loads of hops grown in the Pacific Northwest, near the coast. Aside from using hops grown in the area, West Coast breweries created and refined the style, which is characteristically dry, aggressively bitter, and bursting with resinous hop flavors. 

What are the notable characteristics of Ghost Hops?

This NA West Coast IPA is bursting with New World hop flavor and aroma. Fresh hop-derived notes of tangerine and orange lead the aroma, backed by hints of dank tropical fruit. The body is thin, dry and effervescent, enhancing its refreshing drinkability, with the proper bitterness to back all those intense hop notes.

What makes you want to drink Ghost Hops?

Brewing a non-alcoholic West Coast IPA that hits the correct flavor profile is difficult, but Ghost Hops nails it. By combining a variety of new brewing techniques, we’re able to create a brew that more closely resembles the full alcohol versions, separating it from the plethora of alcohol-free lagers and light beers.

What are some other nonalc IPAs that you really enjoy?

Deschutes Non-Alcoholic Fresh Squeezed IPA, Best Day Non-Alcoholic West Coast IPA, and Tucker’s West Coast IPA by Athletic are all great NA West Coast IPAs.  

Appearance: Light gold with slight haze and fluffy white foam.

Aroma: Hop derived citrus and tropical notes, with plenty of tangerine and mango.

Taste: Medium bitterness and a dry, crisp finish emphasize the hop derived citrus and tropical flavors. 

Mouthfeel: Light and effervescent with a crisp, dry finish.

Overall: This 

What foods would pair well with Ghost Hops?

Instead of a meal, I think Ghost Hops pairs perfectly with recreational activity- with it’s dry refreshing finish and lack of alcohol, Ghost Hops is the perfect hydration beverage during or after a long ride or run.

Ideal glassware for Ghost Hops?

A glass with an inward curved rim will help capture and release all those intense hop aromas.