From citrusy IPAs to rich dark brews, Seattle’s beloved brewery brings craft quality to a growing category
When Fremont Brewing first opened in Seattle, it quickly became a neighborhood anchor, known as much for its welcoming taproom as for its hop-driven beers and sustainability ethos. Over the years, the brewery built trust with drinkers who saw Fremont not just as a producer of beer but as a community presence. That trust is now carrying Fremont into a new frontier: non-alcoholic beer designed to feel just as satisfying as the originals.
For Fremont’s leadership, this step was less about chasing trends and more about living up to what beer has always meant for the brand: connection, joy and shared moments. The idea was simple: if a runner finishes a loop around Green Lake, a parent settles in at a backyard cookout, or a friend volunteers to be the designated driver, they should still have a Fremont beer in hand. Expanding into non-alcoholic options was about widening the circle so everyone could join in.
“Our NA beers widen the circle so everyone can raise a glass together,” says Andy Fogarty, president of Fremont Brewing.
The result is a full NA portfolio built with the same philosophy as Fremont’s core lineup. There’s a citrusy, guava-noted IPA; a Dark that leans into chocolate, coffee and molasses; a crisp and bready Lite; an Orange Wit layered with spice and zest; and Hoppy Spritz, a sparkling refresher brightened with lime and tropical fruit. These beers aren’t treated as an afterthought — they sit alongside Interurban IPA, Lush, Summer Ale and the other year-round staples as part of the Fremont family.
The decision to brew NA beer began in 2021, when Fremont’s team saw more drinkers seeking moderation without losing the craft beer experience. “If Fremont didn’t create a beer worthy of these moments, our fans would be left with subpar craft NA choices,” Fogarty explains. “That wasn’t acceptable.”
The move reflects both cultural and market shifts. The U.S. non-alcohol beer category is no longer niche. Volumes jumped roughly 30% in a recent year in key retail channels and industry analytics forecast sustained double-digit growth ahead. Globally, the market is projected to reach the mid-$30- to $40 billion range by 2032. In that landscape, a brewery like Fremont, already trusted by loyal fans, has a powerful advantage: existing credibility that can carry over into new, non-alcoholic offerings.
For director of brewery operations, Matt Lincoln, the challenge was both technical and creative. “It starts as a real Fremont beer,” he says. “We brew it just like we would any of our core beers, and only then remove the alcohol. That’s what makes it taste like the Fremont people already know and love.”
Lincoln added that alcohol carries flavor and body, which meant the recipes had to be rebuilt from the ground up. “We had to rethink hopping techniques, malt structure and fermentation management. It took a lot of trial and error, but the goal was always to ensure you couldn’t tell you were drinking NA unless you looked at the label.”
Unlike many producers who halt fermentation early or use shortcuts that strip character, Fremont invested in technology to preserve the beer’s integrity. “We design recipes so the beer feels alive — with the right carbonation, mouthfeel and finish,” Fogarty says. “That’s what sets ours apart.”
The results speak for themselves. Fans have described the NA lineup as indistinguishable from Fremont’s traditional beers in flavor and balance. Fogarty said the feedback has been immediate and heartfelt: “Longtime fans are telling us, ‘Now I can have Fremont on weeknights,’ or ‘I finally have something for my friends who don’t drink.’”
The expansion isn’t limited to Seattle. Fremont now ships NA beers nationwide, allowing someone in Kansas or Florida to try them without waiting for distribution to catch up. “We ship our NA beers nationwide, direct to consumers,” Fogarty said. “That’s huge, because it means someone who’s never visited our taproom can still share in the Fremont experience.”
The brewery views this as just the start. Seasonal NA releases, new formats and broader distribution are already in the works. “The fun part is we’re still in the early chapters of this story,” Fogarty says. “We’re listening to our fans and brewing toward where their lives are headed.”
In many ways, Fremont’s foray into non-alcoholic beer carries forward the spirit that has defined it from the beginning. From the beginning, the brewery has believed that beer is about people first. Whether it’s a pint of Interurban IPA or a can of NA Dark, the message remains the same: everyone has a place at the table.
In Partnership with Fremont Brewing.
