Brew reviews
Hoplark Brewery
Citra 0.0 NA Beer
The History
“We’re what happens when you brew tea like a craft beer. Unexpected, yet surprisingly familiar. A new way to experience hops. We’re bold, refreshing and a bit unusual. Precisely how we like it.” – Hoplark.com
Hoplark Brewery has a fun history, and you should really check out their website here to read the full story. In a nutshell, they knew hops could be applied to other things and started HopTea in 2018. This quickly expanded with award winning non-alcoholic libations, and they now offer tea, seltzers and beer!
According to an article from the Denver Gazette in 2022, “If Hoplark was a craft brewery, it’d be the state’s fifth largest based on production, according to John Damiano, president.”
The Details
From Hoplark Brewery:
- Type: NA (non-alcoholic) double dry hopped beer
- ABV: 0.0%
- IBU: N/A
- Hops: Citra
- Locations: Boulder, CO
- Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Citra Hops, Citra Acid
- 0 Calories, sugar, carbs or alcohol
- Available year round
The Label
The labeling on this can looked fun and inviting! Originally I thought the bird was an odd-looking road runner. It turns out that the creators of HopTea and Brewing were inspired by the meadowlark birds of Colorado. From the FAQ page on their website: “We gave it ridiculously long legs to signify breaking the mold of normal, extract ladened beverages and a movement forward towards health.” It was clear from the label what I was drinking, and what was in it which is very much appreciated.
The Pour
There really wasn’t much of a head/foam with this as one might expect. There was plenty of carbonation though this was definitely not flat! The color was rather light, almost reminding me of a lemonade with club soda in a way.
The Taste Test
A flavor unlike any other I’ve experienced, and the more I drank it the more I enjoyed it. Amazing to taste the hops itself, without everything else!
Aroma: Light, naturally a citrus like smell
Mouthfeel: Almost like a seltzer, but with more flavor – skunky in a good way
The Overall
My eyes (and tastebuds) are opened
I originally picked this up since I was writing an article on non-alcoholic beer and wanted to find a local Colorado brewery. I was really pleased to not only find one, but one so close! After having truly enjoyed writing my article and learning about the many health benefits of non-alcoholic brews, I was able to learn even more from Hoplark’s own website.
It is clear they are passionate about bringing high quality ingredients to the brewery world and offering teas, seltzers and beers without the booze is a welcome addition to those wanting to still enjoy the wonders of hops. They offer a wide and ever-growing selection of award winning flavorful delights to try! I will absolutely be adding this to my regular line-up for home and gatherings.
Check out their website here: Hoplark HopTea & Brewing