Dry Run Diaries: One For the Road Brewing’s Got Hops? IPA

I cracked open a cold can of Got Hops? after some much-needed time in the mountains. This award-winning craft brew really hit the spot.

One For The Road Brewing has been on the non-alcoholic beer scene since 2016. A Calgary physiotherapist Graham Matheos started the company with a friend after a year of sobriety. He gave up drinking to support a friend. Long story short, he didn’t miss the effects of alcohol but still wanted to enjoy a beer with friends. So he began making his own beer because what was out in the market didn’t fit the bill.

Today One For The Road Brewing offers eight non-alcoholic beers. There’s everything from a blonde ale and Kolsch to a red ale and expresso stout. My no booze beer of choice for this week’s Dry Run Diaries challenge is Got Hops? IPA.

My Review – One For The Road Brewing’s Got Hops? IPA (473 ml, 48 calories, 05.% ABV)

Name Bling (name creativity) – I love the clever company name – One For The Road. It’s funny because how often have you heard the expression, I will have one more for the road before leaving. Great grasp of common everyday expressions linking to beer. Got Hops? is not bad either. I want to try a few others because of their name alone – Proceed with Caution (Amber) and What’s the Point (Wheat ale). ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sip n’ Savour (Taste) – Here’s a beer fact for you. Hops reduce sweetness and add flavours like citrus and pine in the brewing. They also affect how bitter the beer tastes. Got Hops? is described as “zesty, juicy, fresh.” I find this IPA refreshing and easy to drink. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wallet Wellness Index (Value for Money) – I don’t hate this price of $13.99 for a four-pack. ⭐⭐⭐

Label Love (Packaging/ Presentation) – The green can displays a skier’s photo with the company logo, featuring its name, a mountain and a bike above the beer name. I appreciate the emphasis on physical activity across most of the beer cans. I like the copy: “There is nothing better than taking off your ski boots at the end of the day and grabbing a cold IPA with your buddies …… So next time your buddy tells you that story where the …..” Clever. Smart. Fun. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall – Got Hops? is definitely a new favourite. I like the company vibe. I will be reaching for another one very soon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where to buy: Order from One For The Road Brewing online here. They ship within Canada. You can also find them almost anywhere in Calgary that sells beer. I found mine at Co-op.