What is Beer Soda? Sierra Nevada Brewing introduces new low ABV innovations
One of the more surprising developments in the craft beer industry is the re-introduction of low ABV “session” beer category that seemed dead after the rise of craft Non-Alcoholic beers. Sierra Nevada Brewing is jumping into this space that exists somewhere in-between sober and full-strength beers with Go-Two IPA, and Shred Beer Sodas.
California breweries helped pioneer the low abv category starting in 2006 with 21st Amendment Brewery's Bitter American, a 4.4% ABV "hop session ale." In 2010 Founders Brewing introduced All-Day Session IPA as the first widely marketed and branded session IPA. By 2011 the 21st Amendment Bitter American followed suit in 12oz cans.
In 2020 the category evolved into low-calorie, low-gluten, active lifestyle beers with entries like Stone Brewing’s 4% abv Features & Benefits IPA, and Firestone Walker Brewing released Flyjack, a low-calorie, low-alcohol hazy session IPA. In Oregon, Deschutes Brewery had WOWZA!, a hazy pale ale with only 100-calories, and Da Shootz! a 4% abv Pilsner.
The Conneticut founded and San Diego, California-based Athletic Brewing changed the game with the first widely available packaged non-alcoholic craft beers and all but killed the low-abv category, atleast in terms of growth and expansion. Athletic Brewing was born in 2018, but it wasn’t until the pandemic kick-started the trend of sobriety and fueled the Dry January trend that the brand really took off. In 2022 Athletic Brewing was responsible for half the N/A craft beer sold in the U.S.
Frankly, I thought the low-alcohol “light” craft beer lifestyle beers were all but dead, but perhaps should have seen the backlash to going alcohol-free was inevitable. Welcome back small beers, micro IPA, radlers, and tiny format beers for those who want to partake responsibly.
Go-Two IPA 2.8% Launches in Select Markets
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is releasing an innovation beer, Go-Two IPA, to select markets starting in August 2026. The new, full-flavored IPA is just 2.8% ABV and will release in 6-packs of 12-ounce cans (MSRP $12.99). Drinkers can expect classic IPA flavors and aromas of Cascade, Chinook, and Mosaic hops balanced with smooth malt character – exactly the type of high-quality beer experience Sierra Nevada beers are known for, just at a new ABV.
“Go-Two is designed for craft beer drinkers who, above all, want a full-flavored IPA and at the same time want more control in how they moderate,” says Ellie Preslar, Chief Growth Officer at Sierra Nevada. “It broadens the field of occasions for craft beer, and no compromises have to be made in the process.”
Select markets that will see Go-Two in late summer include: AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, KS, MA, MD, MI, NC, NY, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA
Shred Beer Soda Variety Pack Launches in Very Select Markets
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s new innovation, Shred Beer Soda, will begin appearing in a four-flavor variety pack of 12-ounce cans (MSRP $21.99) in very limited markets in California and North Carolina, shipping from the brewery this week. New flavors being introduced in this pack include Lemon, Orange, and Lime Ginger, alongside the original Grapefruit which launched exclusively at Sierra Nevada brewery locations earlier this summer.
What is Beer Soda? Shred Beer Soda is beer brewed for a new generation of flavor-first drinkers, with bright, citrus-forward taste, low bitterness and easy-going 4.5% ABV. It is a modern take on a classic beer-soda-fruit combination, akin to a Radler.
“Shred is an entirely new drinking experience,” says Ellie Preslar, Chief Growth Officer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “It’s bold, it’s flavor-forward, it drinks like a beer, yet tastes like a soda – and we know it’s going to turn heads in the aisle. This is why we’re being thoughtful with how we introduce it and look forward to taking feedback from drinkers.”
This latest distribution expansion and introduction of a variety 12-pack will take place only in limited markets in parts of California and North Carolina, including:
Chico, CA
Metro markets in Southern CA
Greater Asheville area in NC
Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area in NC