Unwind IPA: A Refreshing Way to Decompress

1 comment by Upside Drinks

I love when a product meets the moment and right now, relaxation and stress reduction are absolutely driving the beverage conversation.

Unwind IPA isn’t just removing alcohol. It’s reframing why you drink in the first place.

This isn’t about getting buzzed. It’s about coming down.

And that is a powerful shift!

Pairing an IPA format with magnesium for stress support is genuinely smart. You keep the ritual people love, the crack of the can, the hop aroma, that first sip at the end of the day, but now it’s actually supporting how you want to feel. Calm. Grounded. Clear.

That’s not a small tweak. That’s a mindset move.

First Impression

Right away, the branding feels calm and intentional. That deep teal with gold accents sets the tone immediately, and I mean immediately. It feels elevated.

It doesn’t scream wellness drink. It doesn’t try too hard to be a hardcore craft IPA either.

It sits confidently in the middle, and that balance feels deliberate.

And the 75mg magnesium callout front and center? I like that. It gives the functional promise real weight. They’re not dancing around it. They’re owning it!

Flavor & Mouthfeel

Now here’s where this either works or falls apart.

It drinks like a legitimate non-alcoholic IPA - crisp, hop-forward, refreshing, with citrus and light tropical notes that pop right away.

You still get bitterness. You still get structure. There’s actual backbone here.

It feels like beer!

Is it competing with elite craft IPAs? No.

But in the NA space, it absolutely holds its own. And that matters, because this category can get thin and watery fast.

What really impressed me is the magnesium integration. There’s no overwhelming mineral note. No strange aftertaste creeping in on the finish. That’s huge.

It tastes like an IPA first. Functional beverage second.

That balance is what makes this work.

Functionality

75mg of magnesium isn’t dramatic. It’s supportive.

You’re not getting knocked out. You’re getting a gentle nudge toward calm. And as a replacement for an alcoholic wind-down drink, that subtle shift feels intentional and realistic.

It aligns with how people are actually drinking right now. Less escape. More control. More intention.

Final Thoughts

This is a well-positioned non-alcoholic beer in a growing category, and it feels thoughtfully built from top to bottom. It respects flavor. It respects function. And it respects the ritual.

That earns it a strong 8 out of 10!

• Score: 8/10
Verdict: A smart, well-executed functional IPA that delivers real ritual with subtle relaxation support
Best served: Well chilled, early evening wind-down
Best with: Post-work decompression, light dinners, or a quiet night in

Marc Bennett

Marc Bennett

Non-Alcoholic Beer & Spirits Expert

Hey! I'm Marc. I used to drink a lot, until I had to stop for health reasons. That's what pushed me into the non-alcoholic beer and spirits world , testing, tasting, and figuring out what actually works. Let's dive in! Feel free to reach out at marc@upsidedrinks.ca if you want to connect.


1 comment


  • Glen McBride

    Hey Mark. I am a lead pastor of a church in the west. I can tell you that as a recovered alcoholic that in many ways I was nervous about trying flavors that reminded me of the old days. However, since becoming a Upside customer, I have been very happy with the flavors, texture and all things NA. I wanted to express my personal gratitude for the products along with a question … Is there a product now or maybe one in the future that may follow along the lines of Sambuka? I’m a licorise fan and thought … hmmm that might be nice.
    ———
    Upside Drinks replied:
    Hey Glen, I really appreciate you sharing that. It takes real intention to navigate those flavor memories, and I’m honestly glad this space has felt steady and positive for you.

    And Sambuca style? Now we’re talking. That bold licorice punch is not shy! I haven’t reviewed anything in that lane yet, but I’d absolutely be curious to try a well done NA anise profile.

    Really appreciate you sharing your journey and the idea, stay tuned!

    >


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