Love old Hank!
I tried a number of zero IPAs and Pilsners during Oktoberfest gigs and while some of them were quite good, I found that I couldn’t justify the empty calories (low as they were).
And for those who are trying to lose weight this January, I hope I can add another country song (warning: video contains attractive females having fun.
^This right here. For me, the dry aspect is always combined with a weight loss goal so adding empty calories is an immediate no-no.
Well, I’m not sure how long I’ll make it. Tea is only so interesting, but last boozin’ was a 2014 Marguet Champagne Grand Cru Trépail at midnight on NYE:
After 4 successful days, I have already entered the goalpost moving stage. I just have too many wines I want to try and learn about, and im worried abstaining all January will just make me want to “catchup” in February.
Thinking new goal is open 1 bottle per week (which means 1/2 bottle personal consumption), that must be consumed on either Friday or Saturday.
Did you jump straight to bargaining? You forgot about anger and denial. 
My wife tells me something similar about buying black pants.
This made me look up the Pilsner I had. Just 45 calories! That’s like 5 potato chips.
Suspended in a Sunbeam, from Go Brewing in Chicagoland.
You still eat potato chips? I guess we all choose our healthy choices and our vices. I’ll save room for the wine calories.
First weekend.
This is already harder than expected haha.
I will need to get some alcohol free beers. I actually drink a decent amount of alcohol free beers normally so won’t have an issue with finding something I like. The calories is not really an issue if you don’t go all crazy.
I think the danish brewery Mikkeller is available in most of US right? Anyways, they make some really good alcohol free beers.
Interestingly (to me only, of course) I am not doing fully joyless january, but more of a cutback-uary. Meaning I will have a glass (of whatever) whenever the situation absolutely demands it- i.e. a nice enough meal, dinner out, etc. I expect there will be maybe 5 or so occasions in January.
Perhaps the lowered bar helps, perhaps I am glad for the break, or just not making it a BIG DEAL, but in any case I have had zero desire for anything all week, and it hasn’t even been a thought. Water/Sparkling water/Coffee/Tea is all I have even desired. Granted the only real test has been going to a hockey game where I usually would have a beer. Will go out tonight and have a glass or two of something, or maybe not.
Wanting a drink and choosing a N/A “beer” or similar has always felt like going to a brothel for a kiss. (pardon the expression). It’s like being a vegetarian with the core focus of meals the faux meat substitutes.
N/A beers have come such a long way that I rarely care for beers with alcohol.
Interesting- The only one I have found good enough to drink is the Guinness. The others (Athletic, no-mo, etc) I have tried are OK, but off enough where I am more happy just drinking seltzer
Might be Danish thing, but I don’t think so(?). But it is a booming market here in Denmark. All high end breweries and micro breweries are making a few alcohol free beers now of real quailty. A lot of effort is being put into the “science” to get the authentic feel. Mikkeller that I mentioned earlier is putting lot of effort into the beers having the correct “body” feel which you miss without alcohol as an example.
It is not fully there yet. But atleast here in Denmark the selection and quality are so good now that Id rather not drink alcohol when the urge arrives because I don’t feel like I am really missing out.
N/A wines on the other hand…
America is late to the game on this one (surprise!). As implied above, I play a lot of Oktoberfest gigs in bars and festivals, and usually there is one or zero N/A beer available. It is a market waiting to be tapped.
Sounds like another reason to get back to Copenhagen! Mikkeller makes some good stuff (though also a bunch of over the top stuff) but would be interested to see what they have come up with. as discussed in other threads, the NA beers I have had are far better than the O’Douls and Clausthalers of yore, but are still quite a bit off- body, as you say, and the nose is off too- I spilled one, one evening and it was remarked that it smelled like I was drinking (literal) piss.
Can anyone recommend a ‘decent’ non-alcoholic wine? Thanks.
I do, but I cannot be trusted with the whole bag. I asked the Mrs. to hide them. Whenever I want a ration I have to walk outside for a couple of minutes. Sad but true. 
Sorry to judge. I must admit I am addicted to “crunchies” too even if I tell myself they are the “good stuff.” It’s all still becomes belly carbs.
It’s like we were separated at birth.
Good question. I have not been able to find any. Also, all of the non-alcoholic red wines on BOISSON.com should be labeled grape juice and not wine.