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5 LOW-CALORIE BEERS TO KEEP AT THE READY FOR LOW-REGRET DRINKING

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It’s the New Year, which means resolutions abound, making it tough to enjoy a night out and a few craft brews without that little asshole on your shoulder giving you the stink eye. For you: these five local beers. They’re your best (and best-tasting) options for low-cal, low-regret imbibing, all big on flavor but relatively low on calories, booze, and judgment.

 

LOW-CAL BEER: Jack’s Abby Jabby Brau

 

ESTIMATED CALORIES: 135

 

ABV: 4.5%

 

This is probably how most beers tasted 100 years ago: a delicious, no-fuss golden lager with crisp flavors of hops and malt. Nothing over the top, but certainly not lacking in taste. And at 4.5 percent alcohol-by-volume, this beer won’t make you overdo it in the calorie department. (A brew’s calories generally come from its alcohol content.)

 

LOW-CAL BEER: Notch Left of the Dial IPA

 

ESTIMATED CALORIES: 140

 

ABV: 4.3%

 

You won’t find many India Pale Ales that qualify as “low-cal.” But at just 4.3 percent ABV, this option from the first-ever session-focused brewery, Notch Brewing in Mass, is a guilt-free swill that packs lots of hops flavor and soft bitterness, alongside lighter citrus notes and an aroma of pine and resin.

 

LOW-CAL BEER: Peak Organic Winter Session Ale

 

ESTIMATED CALORIES: 150

 

ABV: 5%

 

This seasonal wheat beer brewed by Maine’s Peak Organic Brewing uses dark malt to provide subtle toasty notes, plus the hoppy kick reminds you that you’re drinking a real beer, not some watered-down imposter. At 5 percent ABV—but only 150 calories per bottle—it’s refreshing and flavor-jammed, but without the pangs of conscience.

 

LOW-CAL BEER: Rapscallion Honey Ale

 

ESTIMATED CALORIES: 135

 

ABV: 4.5%

 

The flagship brew of Mass-based Rapscallion is a pale ale infused with native wildflower honey from area farmers, which balances the hop bite with a kiss of sweetness. It’s crisp, clean, refreshing, and at a 4.5 percent ABV, it’s a sessionable brew that will keep you in check. At least until you say, “The hell with it!”

 

LOW-CAL BEER: Otter Creek Hop Session Ale

 

ESTIMATED CALORIES: 126

 

ABV: 4.2%

 

If you want something lighter, but still with a good hops kick, grab this. This easy sipper, crafted by Vermont’s Otter Creek Brewing, lies somewhere between a pale ale and an IPA, with a delightful punch of hops and aroma paired with a rich blend of malt. This is your reward for (kind of) sticking with your New Year’s resolution of health and wellness, by way of beer in this case.

KAREN CINPINSKI

KAREN CINPINSKI

Karen Cinpinski is DigBoston's "Honest Pint" columnist. She originally hails from Milwaukee (aka: "Brew City"). Challenge her to a chugging contest at your own peril.

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