The heart of craft brewing has always been about flavor—pushing boundaries, experimenting with ingredients, and creating something truly memorable. So, what happens when that same spirit is applied to non-alcoholic drinks? You get a revolution in taste. Forget the bland, watery NA beers of the past. Today’s brewers are using high-quality hops, local ingredients, and innovative techniques to craft beverages that are complex and deeply satisfying, with or without the alcohol. Finding a brewery with non-alcoholic options Portland ME that takes its NA game seriously is easier than ever. We’ll show you where to find everything from crisp, aromatic hop waters to full-bodied NA ales that stand proudly alongside their alcoholic counterparts.

Key Takeaways

• Explore a World Beyond Soda: Portland’s breweries craft a diverse lineup of non-alcoholic options, from full-flavored NA beers to refreshing hop waters, ensuring there’s a sophisticated choice for every palate.
• Expect True Craft Quality: Non-alcoholic doesn’t mean lower quality. Brewers use top-tier local ingredients and innovative techniques to create NA drinks that are just as complex and satisfying as their traditional beers.
• Enjoy the Social Scene, Alcohol Optional: The focus on great NA drinks makes Portland breweries more welcoming than ever, allowing you to fully participate in the community and enjoy the taproom experience, no matter your drink preference.

Which Portland Breweries Have Non-Alcoholic Options?

The Portland brewery scene is all about community, and that means having something for everyone. Whether you’re the designated driver, taking a break from alcohol, or just curious about non-alcoholic (NA) craft beverages, you’ll find some incredible options around town. Gone are the days of settling for plain soda water. Local breweries are putting the same passion and creativity into their NA drinks as they do their flagship ales. From hoppy seltzers to full-bodied NA beers, here are some of the best spots in Portland to find a delicious non-alcoholic drink.

Bissell Brothers Brewing Co.

Here at Bissell Brothers, we believe a great drink is all about flavor, with or without the alcohol. That’s why we created Bissell Bubbles, our crisp and refreshing non-alcoholic seltzer. We make it with just two simple ingredients: hops and some of America’s cleanest drinking water, sourced directly from Maine’s Sebago Lake. It’s the perfect choice when you want a flavorful, hop-forward beverage that’s light, bubbly, and completely alcohol-free. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the craft experience and stay refreshed, no matter the occasion.

Allagash Brewing Company

A true giant in the Maine beer world, Allagash Brewing Company is celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation, especially with its Belgian-style beers. While they are best known for their classic Allagash White, they have also begun exploring the non-alcoholic space. As they continue to experiment and push boundaries, it’s worth keeping an eye on their tap list for new NA releases. Their dedication to craft ensures that whatever they create will be thoughtfully made and delicious.

KitNA Brewing Company

If you’re looking for a brewery that puts non-alcoholic beer front and center, KitNA Brewing is your destination. They specialize exclusively in NA craft beer, and their passion shows. A standout is their “On Your Mark American Blonde,” a brew that’s incredibly refreshing and easy to drink. As a bonus, it’s also gluten-removed, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities. KitNA is proving that you don’t need alcohol to create a complex and satisfying beer.

1820 Brewing

Located in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood, 1820 Brewing offers a welcoming taproom with options for every palate. For those seeking a non-alcoholic beer, their “Vienna Suite Golden Ale” is a fantastic pick. This traditional German-style lager is smooth, clean, and very easy to drink, capturing the classic lager experience without the alcohol. It’s a great example of how traditional brewing styles can be adapted beautifully into the NA format, offering a familiar taste for seasoned beer lovers.

Woodland Farms Brewery

Woodland Farms Brewery in Kittery is worth the short drive for its diverse lineup, which includes a standout non-alcoholic option. Their NA beer, “Witty,” is a classic Belgian-style wheat beer that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It’s known for its full, creamy mouthfeel and subtle spice notes, providing a truly satisfying alternative for anyone skipping alcohol. It’s a perfect pour for a warm day and showcases the brewery’s skill in crafting balanced and enjoyable beverages for all.

Urban Farm Fermentory

For a different kind of non-alcoholic experience, check out Urban Farm Fermentory. While they offer a range of alcoholic ciders, meads, and beers, they also specialize in fermented drinks like kombucha and jun. These beverages typically contain very low levels of alcohol (around 1%) and are packed with complex, tangy flavors. It’s a vibrant and versatile spot where you can explore a whole different world of fermentation, making it a great destination for a group with varied tastes.

What Kinds of Non-Alcoholic Drinks Can You Find?

If you think non-alcoholic options at a brewery are limited to a dusty can of soda or plain tap water, Portland’s craft scene is here to change your mind. The same creativity and dedication that goes into brewing a world-class IPA is now being poured into an incredible variety of NA drinks. It’s not just about providing an alternative; it’s about creating a genuinely exciting beverage experience for everyone who walks through the door.

Whether you’re the designated driver, taking a break from alcohol, or simply curious, you’ll find something that hits the spot. The options go far beyond what you might expect. We’re talking about complex, flavorful non-alcoholic beers that stand up to their alcoholic counterparts, house-made sodas with unique flavor profiles, and refreshing hop waters that deliver all the aromatic character of your favorite hops without the buzz. You can even find fermented drinks like kombucha that offer a different kind of fizz. The NA scene here is thriving, ensuring no one feels left out of the craft experience.

Non-Alcoholic Craft Beers

Let’s be honest: non-alcoholic beer used to have a pretty bad reputation. Thankfully, those days are long gone. Maine brewers have been hard at work perfecting their NA craft, and the results are seriously impressive. You can now find rich stouts, crisp lagers, and even hoppy IPAs, all without the alcohol. Many Portland breweries now proudly feature at least one NA beer on their tap list, giving you a way to enjoy the complex flavors of a craft brew any time. It’s the perfect choice when you want the full brewery experience, from the aroma to the taste, just without the alcohol content.

House-Made Craft Sodas and Bubbles

Forget generic fountain sodas. Portland’s breweries are crafting their own unique sodas and sparkling beverages in-house, and the results are delicious. Here at Bissell Brothers, we developed our own line of Bissell Bubbles, a non-alcoholic seltzer made with nothing but hops and some of America’s cleanest water. It’s our answer for anyone seeking a flavorful, crisp, and completely original NA drink. You’ll find this commitment to quality across the city, with breweries creating sodas featuring local ingredients and inventive flavors like ginger, hibiscus, or seasonal fruits. It’s a fun and refreshing way to try something new.

Hop Waters and Sparkling Beverages

If you love the aroma of a freshly poured IPA, hop water is for you. This fast-growing category offers the best of both worlds: the bubbly, zero-calorie refreshment of a seltzer and the bright, aromatic character of hops. Our Bissell Bubbles is a perfect example, delivering a burst of flavor from Mosaic and Citra hops against a sparkling, clean backdrop. It’s a far cry from a beer, but its piney, citrusy profile is incredibly satisfying and a fantastic palate cleanser. Hop water is an amazing choice for hop heads looking for a light, hydrating, and alcohol-free option.

Kombucha and Fermented Drinks

For those who enjoy a bit of tang and complexity, kombucha is another fantastic option you can find around town. This fizzy, fermented tea is celebrated for its unique, slightly sour flavor profile and natural effervescence. While it’s a great non-alcoholic alternative, it’s worth noting that most kombuchas contain trace amounts of alcohol (typically under 1%) as a natural byproduct of fermentation. You can often find it on tap at breweries and dedicated fermentories, sometimes infused with local fruits and herbs for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a lively and interesting choice for an adventurous palate.

Do Any Portland Breweries Specialize in NA Drinks?

Absolutely. While many local spots now offer a non-alcoholic option or two, some Portland breweries are making NA drinks a core part of their identity. This is great news for anyone looking for a thoughtful, well-crafted beverage without the buzz. Whether it’s a brewery dedicated entirely to NA beer or a local favorite creating unique hop-infused seltzers, you have some fantastic choices. These breweries aren’t just adding an afterthought to the menu; they’re putting real creativity and care into their non-alcoholic offerings, making the Portland beer scene more inclusive and exciting for everyone.

KitNA Brewing: An Exclusive Focus

If you’re looking for a brewery that lives and breathes non-alcoholic beer, KitNA Brewing is your spot. They are one of the few breweries in the area dedicated exclusively to crafting NA beers. This singular focus means they pour all their energy and expertise into creating complex, flavorful brews that stand up to their alcoholic counterparts. You won’t find their NA options tucked away at the bottom of the menu—they are the menu. This makes KitNA a perfect destination for anyone who wants to explore the full potential of non-alcoholic craft beer without any compromises.

Bissell Brothers: Craft Soda Innovations

We’ve always believed that everyone should have something delicious to drink at our brewery, which is why we got creative with our non-alcoholic options. Enter Bissell Bubbles, our hop-infused seltzer. We use the same high-quality hops that go into our beers to create a crisp, aromatic, and incredibly refreshing beverage that’s completely alcohol-free. It’s the perfect choice when you want the bright, citrusy character of a great IPA without the alcohol. It’s our way of sharing our passion for hops with every single person who walks through our doors, no matter what they’re drinking.

Hybrid Breweries: Expanding Their Offerings

Beyond the specialists, you’ll find that most breweries in Portland have embraced the NA movement. It’s becoming standard practice for taprooms to offer at least one non-alcoholic beer, house-made soda, or kombucha. This shift reflects a growing understanding that a great brewery experience should be open to everyone. This trend makes it easier than ever to plan a group outing where everyone can find something they love. It’s a clear sign of how Portland’s vibrant food and drink scene continues to evolve, ensuring there’s a seat at the table for every kind of drinker.

What Makes Portland’s NA Drinks Stand Out?

Portland’s craft beverage scene is built on a foundation of creativity, quality, and a fierce independent spirit. It’s no surprise that brewers are bringing that same energy to their non-alcoholic offerings. These aren’t your average grocery store NA beers; they are thoughtfully crafted beverages designed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their alcoholic counterparts. What truly sets them apart is a dedication to the entire drinking experience, from the brewing process to the final flavor profile.

Local brewers are treating non-alcoholic drinks as a genuine extension of their craft, not an afterthought. They’re applying sophisticated techniques, experimenting with unique flavor combinations, and sourcing high-quality local ingredients to create something genuinely special. This commitment means you can find an NA drink that is just as complex, refreshing, and satisfying as any traditional craft beer. It’s about providing a fantastic option for everyone, ensuring that choosing a non-alcoholic beverage doesn’t mean compromising on taste or quality. The result is a vibrant and diverse NA scene that reflects the very best of Portland’s innovative culture.

Traditional German Brewing Techniques

Many Portland breweries are leaning on time-honored methods to build the foundation of their non-alcoholic beers. By using traditional German brewing techniques, they focus on precision, balance, and craftsmanship. This approach often results in exceptionally smooth and drinkable lagers and ales that prioritize clean flavors and a satisfying finish. Instead of trying to mask the absence of alcohol, these brewers are building complex flavor from the ground up, using high-quality malts and hops. This dedication to classic methods ensures a product that feels familiar and expertly made, proving that a great beer doesn’t necessarily need alcohol to be great.

Unique Citrus and Coriander Flavors

Portland’s brewers are known for pushing boundaries, and their NA creations are no exception. You’ll find drinks that move far beyond the expected, featuring unique flavor profiles with notes of sweet citrus and aromatic coriander. These thoughtful additions create a layered and refreshing experience that keeps you coming back for another sip. This creative approach is a hallmark of the local scene, where brewers aren’t afraid to experiment to find the perfect balance. It’s this kind of innovation that makes exploring Portland’s NA options so exciting—you never know what delicious combination you’ll discover next.

Local Maine Ingredients

One of the best parts of Maine’s craft beverage scene is the commitment to local sourcing, and that extends to non-alcoholic drinks. Here at Bissell Brothers, we use pristine water from Sebago Lake as the base for our refreshing hop waters, like Bissell Breeze. Using incredible local resources isn’t just about supporting our community; it’s about making a better product. When you start with the best ingredients, you get the best results. This focus on locality gives Portland’s NA drinks a distinct sense of place and a freshness you can taste.

Creative Spice and Fruit Infusions

Innovation is key in the craft world, and brewers are getting creative with spice and fruit infusions to make their NA drinks truly memorable. They’re also using ingredients like wheat and certain malts to improve the body and mouthfeel, creating a richer, more satisfying texture that mimics traditional beer. This attention to detail ensures the final product has a stable, appealing foam and a pleasant weight on the palate. It’s a testament to how seriously Portland brewers take their craft, applying the same level of artistry and technical skill to their non-alcoholic beers as they do to everything else they produce.

How Does NA Beer Compare to Traditional Craft Beer?

If you’re a craft beer fan, you might be a little skeptical about non-alcoholic options. We get it. For a long time, NA beer was a flavorless imitation of the real thing. But that’s changing, fast. Brewers are now applying the same passion for quality ingredients and innovative techniques to their NA creations as they do to their traditional beers. The goal is the same: to create a complex, satisfying, and delicious drink. The main difference lies in the science of how it’s made.

While a traditional IPA and an NA IPA might share many of the same ingredients, the process is tweaked to keep the alcohol content at or below 0.5% ABV. This requires a ton of skill and precision. It’s not just about removing something; it’s about carefully crafting a beverage that stands on its own. From hoppy sparkling waters to full-bodied NA stouts, the non-alcoholic aisle is starting to look just as exciting as the beer fridge, and we’re thrilled to be part of it with our own creations like Bissell Bubbles.

The Difference in Brewing Processes

At the start, the brewing process for both traditional and NA beer looks almost identical. It all begins with high-quality water, malted grains, and hops. The grains are mashed to extract sugars, and the resulting sweet liquid, called wort, is boiled with hops to add bitterness, flavor, and aroma.

This is where the paths diverge. In traditional brewing, yeast is added to the cooled wort to begin fermentation, where it happily eats the sugars and produces alcohol and carbonation. For NA beer, the brewer has to stop or severely limit this process. They might use special yeasts that produce very little alcohol or halt fermentation early to keep the alcohol from developing.

Methods for Removing Alcohol

Another popular approach is to brew a fully alcoholic beer first and then remove the alcohol. This is a delicate process, as the brewer wants to take out the alcohol while leaving all the complex flavors behind. There are a few common ways to make non-alcoholic beer, including vacuum distillation, where the beer is heated at a low temperature to evaporate the alcohol without cooking the flavor out.

Another advanced method is reverse osmosis, which uses fine filters to separate the beer into water, alcohol, and concentrated beer flavor. The alcohol is removed, and then the water and concentrate are blended back together. Each method has its own impact on the final product, and brewers are constantly experimenting to find the perfect technique for each style.

Innovations in Taste and Texture

The biggest challenge in NA brewing is replicating the body and mouthfeel that alcohol provides. Brewers have found clever ways to build back that texture. Many have adopted nonalcoholic brewing best practices like using ingredients such as wheat, oats, or specific malts that contribute to a fuller, smoother feel and help with foam stability.

Flavor is another area ripe for innovation. Beyond just making NA versions of classic styles, brewers are creating entirely new beverages. Hop-infused waters, like our own Bissell Breeze, are a perfect example. They capture the bright, piney, and citrusy character of hops in a super refreshing, zero-calorie drink. It’s a whole new way to experience the flavors we love, proving that great taste doesn’t need alcohol.

Why Are More Breweries Offering NA Options?

Have you noticed more non-alcoholic (NA) options popping up on taproom menus? It’s not just your imagination. This shift is a thoughtful response from breweries that are listening to their customers and looking for new ways to innovate. The days of a single, dusty NA bottle sitting in the back of the cooler are long gone. Today, breweries are putting the same craft and care into their non-alcoholic beverages as they do their flagship ales.

This move is about more than just adding another item to the menu. It’s about reflecting a change in how people socialize and what they want from a brewery experience. By expanding their offerings, breweries are building more welcoming spaces where everyone can find something they love. From meticulously crafted NA IPAs to house-made sodas and sparkling hop waters, the goal is to ensure no one feels left out. It’s a smart, inclusive approach that benefits both the business and the community it serves, making the local taproom a true gathering place for all.

Meeting a Health-Conscious Demand

Let’s be honest: the non-alcoholic beers of the past didn’t have the best reputation. But that has completely changed. As more people focus on their health and wellness, they’re looking for ways to enjoy the social ritual of grabbing a beer without the alcohol. And breweries have stepped up to the challenge. The new wave of Maine-brewed non-alcoholic beers is packed with the same complex flavors you’d expect from any craft brew.

This isn’t about settling for a lesser alternative. It’s about having choices that fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re the designated driver, training for a marathon, or just taking a night off, you can still enjoy a high-quality, flavorful drink that feels like a treat.

Creating an Inclusive Culture

Breweries have always been community hubs—places to connect with friends and celebrate milestones. Offering a solid lineup of non-alcoholic drinks makes these spaces even more welcoming. When a brewery provides thoughtful NA options, it sends a clear message: everyone belongs here. It ensures that every member of the group, from the person who doesn’t drink to the friend who’s simply pacing themselves, has something delicious to sip on.

This goes beyond just NA beer. Many Portland breweries now offer a variety of choices, including craft sodas, seltzers, and kombucha. Here at Bissell Brothers, we put just as much creativity into our Bissell Bubbles as we do our IPAs. This commitment to variety helps foster a truly inclusive atmosphere where the focus is on good company and great flavors for all.

Reaching a Broader Audience

When you create a more inclusive environment, you naturally attract a wider range of people. By expanding their menus with NA options, breweries are opening their doors to customers who might have previously stayed home. This includes people who abstain from alcohol for any reason, as well as those simply looking for a different kind of refreshment. It transforms the taproom from a niche spot for beer lovers into a versatile destination for all kinds of social gatherings.

This approach is part of what makes Portland’s food and drink scene so special. The city as a whole is known for having options for everyone, and breweries are a huge part of that. It’s a forward-thinking strategy that strengthens community ties and ensures the local brewery remains a central, vibrant part of the neighborhood.

What to Expect From Your Visit

Visiting a Portland brewery is about so much more than what’s in your glass. It’s about the energy, the community, and the full sensory experience. The city’s brewery scene is known for being vibrant and welcoming, making it a perfect outing whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend. You’ll find that breweries here are true gathering places, designed for connection and good times. At Bissell Brothers, we’ve built our taproom on that foundation—creating an energetic environment where everyone can find something to enjoy. It’s a place to relax, catch up with friends, and become part of the local culture.

Taproom Atmosphere and Experience

When you step into a Portland brewery, you’re walking into a space built for community. The atmosphere is typically lively and casual, inviting you to settle in and stay awhile. It’s a reflection of the city itself: creative, friendly, and passionate about quality. Many breweries, including ours, are designed to be more than just a bar; they are destinations. You can expect comfortable seating, often with views of the brewing equipment, and a staff that’s excited to share what they’ve created. The goal is to provide a memorable experience that goes beyond the drink menu, making everyone feel like a regular.

Food Pairings and Menus

Great drinks deserve great food, and Portland breweries deliver. You’ll often find thoughtfully crafted menus designed to complement the beverage offerings, from classic pub fare to more inventive dishes. At Bissell Brothers, our kitchen is an essential part of the experience. We serve up delicious food that pairs perfectly with everything from our flagship IPAs to our crisp, non-alcoholic Bissell Bubbles. Having a full menu means you can make a day or night of it without having to go anywhere else. It turns a simple drink outing into a complete dining experience for you and your crew.

A Social Spot for Everyone

The best part about Portland’s brewery scene is its inclusivity. Gone are the days when breweries only catered to beer drinkers. Now, it’s common to find a wide array of options, ensuring everyone in your group has something to sip on. This shift has made breweries the go-to social spot for all kinds of gatherings. Whether you’re catching up with a friend who prefers hop water or planning a family outing, you can count on a welcoming environment. We host a variety of events and always keep our menu diverse to make sure our space is a comfortable and fun destination for everyone.

How to Find the Latest NA Offerings

Finding the latest and greatest non-alcoholic drinks in Portland is easier than you think. Breweries are constantly innovating, and with a little know-how, you can be the first to try their new creations. Here are a few straightforward ways to stay in the loop.

Check Brewery Websites and Social Media

Your first stop should always be the brewery’s own website. This is where you’ll find the most accurate, up-to-date information on what’s available. We keep our online beer list current with everything we’re pouring, including our non-alcoholic options like Bissell Bubbles. Social media is another fantastic resource for real-time updates. Following your favorite breweries on platforms like Instagram or Facebook is a great way to see what’s new, from fresh batches of hop water to special releases you won’t want to miss. It’s the digital equivalent of peeking at the taproom chalkboard before you even leave the house.

Look for Seasonal Releases and Events

Many breweries roll out special non-alcoholic drinks to match the season or for specific events. Think refreshing, fruit-infused seltzers in the summer or spiced beverages in the fall. The best way to catch these limited-run offerings is by keeping an eye on the brewery’s event schedule. We love getting creative with our menu, and you can always check our events calendar to see what’s happening at the taproom. Whether it’s a food pairing night or a community gathering, these events are often the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite NA drink that isn’t on the regular menu.

Get in Touch Directly

When in doubt, just ask! If you’re curious about a specific drink or want to know what NA options will be available when you visit, don’t hesitate to reach out. A quick phone call or a message through a brewery’s contact page can get you all the information you need. Brewery staff are passionate about what they do and are usually more than happy to chat about their offerings. This direct approach not only gets you answers but also helps you connect with the people behind the drinks you love. It’s a simple step that ensures you’ll know exactly what to look forward to on your next visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is non-alcoholic beer really 100% free of alcohol? That’s a great question, and the short answer is that it depends on the specific product, but most contain trace amounts. In the United States, a beverage must have less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to be labeled “non-alcoholic.” This is a very small amount, similar to what you might find naturally in some fruit juices or even a ripe banana. It’s low enough that it won’t cause intoxication, but it’s good to be aware of if you need to avoid alcohol entirely for personal or health reasons.

What’s the real difference between hop water and non-alcoholic beer? Think of it this way: non-alcoholic beer is crafted to replicate the taste and feel of traditional beer, using familiar ingredients like malted grains. It goes through a brewing process to create that classic beer flavor, just without the alcohol. Hop water, on the other hand, is a completely different kind of drink. It’s essentially a crisp, bubbly seltzer that has been infused with the bright, aromatic character of hops. You get all the citrusy or piney notes you love from an IPA, but in a light, zero-calorie, and super refreshing format.

Will I still get the full brewery experience if I’m not drinking alcohol? Absolutely. The brewery experience is about so much more than just the alcohol content in your glass. It’s about the lively atmosphere, the delicious food, and the simple pleasure of sharing good conversation in a fun space. With so many incredible and flavorful non-alcoholic options available now, you can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted beverage that fits the vibe perfectly. You’re there to be part of the community, and having a great drink in hand—alcoholic or not—is all part of the experience.

Are these non-alcoholic drinks just for designated drivers? Not at all! While designated drivers are definitely appreciated, the crowd for NA drinks is much broader these days. You’ll find people from all walks of life enjoying them—from athletes and health-conscious individuals to expectant parents or someone who just has an early morning the next day. It’s really about having the freedom to choose a drink that fits your moment, your mood, or your lifestyle, without ever having to compromise on flavor or feel left out of the fun.

Can I buy these NA options to take home with me? Yes, you certainly can. Most breweries that produce their own non-alcoholic beverages, like our Bissell Bubbles, offer them in cans to-go. This is perfect for stocking your fridge at home or bringing something unique to a party. The best way to be sure is to check the brewery’s online preorder menu or simply ask the staff at the taproom. They’ll be happy to let you know what’s available to take with you.