Three Men and Their Baby

Plus Three Wine Alternatives from the North Star State

In partnership with

MODSUB#55

Wotcha!

Welcome to all the new readers this week. Thank you signing up and I’m very glad you are here.

Also many thanks to friend of the ModSub, Ashley Sutherland, for bringing us her piece on three wine alternatives from Dry Wit for this edition.

Okay let’s dive in!

In this week’s edition:

NAN
New NA Drink News

BEER
Ted Segers

APERITIF
Dry Wit - Pippi, Salinger and Bruce

Read time: 6 minutes 7 seconds

From our sponsor:

My go to holiday drink!

The holidays are filled with delicious indulgences that often lead to digestive discomfort. If you’re seeking a natural remedy, matcha is the answer! Did you know matcha green tea has 30 times the antioxidant activity of blueberries? One cup is like drinking 10 cups of regular green tea, packed with benefits like catechin antioxidants for recovery and L-theanine for calm energy. Gift wellness this season with Pique’s Sun Goddess Matcha, which is organic and quadruple toxin-screened. Enjoy 15% off plus free shipping! Cheers to better health!

NAN
New NA Drink News

NORTH AMERICA

Muri’s The Four Horseman is a new collaboration with the renowned New York restaurant by the same name. (More)

• FRE have added a Pinot Grigio to their expansive line of wines. (More)

• Staying with wines, Society De La Rassi have burst onto the scene with a $70 bottle of dealcoholized sparkling wine. (More

Partake Brewing have teamed up with Canada’s National Music Centre to launch the limited edition Sonic Intuition, a Blonde Lager, with proceeds benefitting emerging artist programs. (More)

WORLDWIDE

• Heaps Normal have a new West Coast IPA called Third IPA - Australia (More)

BEER

Origin: Michigan
Calories: Unknown
Sugar: Unknown

Serving: 12 fl.oz.
ABV: 0.5%
Price: $11.99 (6)

ModSub: FINALLY, I got my hands on some Ted Segers. To be honest, I had been waiting such a long time, I wasn't sure they were real, but as I’m now holding one in my hand, I know it to be true.

Ted Segers is the brainchild of actor Dax Shepard and his two childhood friends, Aaron Healey and Aaron Tyrell. All three have lived similar, difficult lives—growing up with strained paternal relationships and struggles with alcoholism and addiction.

Hanging out with each other one day, they came up with the idea to create their own NA beer. "What else would you expect from more than 60 years of combined alcoholism?"

What started as a personal project—the three friends commissioned a brewery out of Chicago to create the beer just for themselves—has turned into a nationwide success. Encouraged by the public’s enthusiastic response to the brand's collection of t-shirts, which showcase the trio's shared sense of humor about the challenges they've faced, they decided it might be time to brew their beer for others to enjoy!

And so, Ted Segers was born. "Ted" from Nugent, "Seger" from Bob, and plural because that's apparently a Michigan thing. The can’s “dad” art was fashioned after Healey’s own father, who boasted “a moustache that just didn’t stop.” The three friends even created a persona for Ted—a father figure, loyal to his family and no longer drinking alcohol. Oh, and one who doesn’t drink and drive. I shouldn’t forget that.

The beer itself is a tasty, crisp golden lager with a lingering malty finish that barely hints at a little citrus as it winds down. It’s a thirst-quenching light beer worthy of some real estate in your refrigerator—a reward for a long, hard day. Their marketing highlights the fact that if you crack open one of these, you’ll probably make short work of the other five while you're at it. And they aren’t wrong.

But what the beer really is, is a collaboration of three friends who’ve faced similar uphill battles, come out the other side, and can now laugh about it—without ever losing sight of the serious nature of their stories.

You could laugh or cry. They chose to laugh. I’ll raise a Ted Segers to that any day of the week.

How does Ted Segers describe their Unleaded Regal Brew: Ted Segers, the beer made by alcoholics, for alcoholics, is a regal, non-alcoholic brew for serious drinkers. Ted hits a light, crisp flavor profile that will have you slamming beers well into the night and remembering the whole damn thing. So when you’re done wrapping cars around trees, Ted Segers has a beer for you. 

From our friends at Mock The Toast:

Looking to make a career move? Explore Mock the Toast's curated job board featuring exciting opportunities from top non-alc brands!

WINE ALTERNATIVE

Origin: Minnesota
Calories: 15/15/10
Sugar: 2g

Size: 25 fl.oz.
ABV: 0%
Price: $30.00 (1)

Ashley Sutherland: I'm delighted to introduce Dry Wit, a distinguished brand in the realm of refined, alcohol-free libations. This Minnesota-born marvel has not only captivated my taste buds but also ignited my imagination, presenting a lineup that stands unrivaled in the industry.

The Story of Dry Wit

Megan Dayton and Peder Schweigert's personal journeys and professional experiences illuminated a glaring void in the market for premium, non-alcoholic beverages. Megan's decision to quit drinking on March 9, 2017, propelled her to seek sophisticated, alcohol-free alternatives that could deliver the same enjoyment and complexity as traditional wines. This quest led her to create a product for others who, like her, choose to abstain from alcohol for health reasons, personal choice, or preference.

Peder Schweigert, with his extensive background from Marvel Bar, had already begun pioneering non-alcoholic cocktails. His dedication to crafting comprehensive beverage programs that bridge the gap between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options was instrumental in Dry Wit's development. Schweigert's innovative use of unique botanicals and his commitment to creating complex flavors without relying on alcohol removal processes or added sugars set Dry Wit apart in the non-alcoholic beverage market.

Together, Dayton and Schweigert aimed to elevate the non-alcoholic drinking experience, offering sophisticated, flavorful alternatives that could stand on their own as premium beverages. Their combined vision and expertise have resulted in a brand that not only meets the needs of those abstaining from alcohol but also enriches the overall beverage landscape with its innovative approach and high-quality offerings. Dry Wit’s mission is to create celebratory experiences for everyone!

The Lineup: Unique Botanicals & Ingredients

PIPPI
Light, effervescent, and utterly delightful.

Pine Tea (White Pine Needles): Adds a distinctive, refreshing note that is rarely found in beverages.
Verjus: Provides acidity and complexity, commonly used in gourmet cooking but less so in beverages.
Rice Vinegar and Salt: Enhances the drink’s body and mouthfeel, contributing to a balanced flavor profile.

SALINGER
A more complex offering that showcases the true potential of NA beverages. With its heavier body, tannic structure, Salinger is a conversation starter that holds its own against traditional wines. Perfect pairing partner for cheese, salami and crackers, Korean takeout, roast chicken, and cold pizza.

• Linden Flowers: Known for their delicate, floral aroma, linden flowers add a unique botanical element.
• Clarified Pear Juice: Offers a clean, crisp sweetness without the need for added sugars.
• Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt: Adds depth and a slight tang, enhancing the overall complexity of the beverage.

BRUCE
A light-bodied red that defies expectations. The innovative use of bay leaf creates a unique flavor profile that's both familiar and excitingly novel.

• Bay Leaf: An unconventional choice for beverages, bay leaf imparts a subtle herbal note.
• Cherry Juice: Provides a rich, fruity base that complements the other ingredients.
• Red Grape Verjus: Adds acidity and a wine-like quality, enhancing the drink’s sophistication.

Dry Wit is truly unique, presenting a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate and redefine our expectations of alcohol-free libations. Megan Dayton and Peder Schweigert’s creations transcend mere beverage production, embodying the essence of innovation and the artistry of crafting intricate, satisfying drinks without a hint of alcohol.

When we lift a glass of Pippi, Salinger or Bruce, we are not merely savoring a drink–we are engaging in a revolution. Dry Wit's scrupulous attention to ingredient selection, from white pine needles to linden flowers, underscores a dedication to quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest wineries. However, it is the brand's distinctive botanicals and commitment to pioneering techniques that truly distinguish it, offering a refined drinking experience accessible to all, regardless of their stance on alcohol.

In a new social drinking era where wellness-focused and mindful consumption are gaining prominence, Dry Wit serves as a reminder that eschewing alcohol need not come at the expense of flavor, complexity, or the pleasure of toasting. Keep your spirits high and your wits sharper!

How does Dry Wit describe:

Pippi - Light, playful and bright with acidity. Buoyant and headstrong. Spunky and effervescent. A perfect companion to any adventure.

Salinger - Comfortable and complex. Sassy, but you could still bring home to meet your parents. Generous acidity to stimulate the appetite and cleanse the palate.

Bruce - The red one. Pompous and loveable. Drink with bunny slippers in front of a fire. Peppery ripe fruit has a lingering dry finish with persistent familiarity.

Ashley Sutherland ia a contributor to The Sober Curator. You can follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

First time reading The Modern Substitute? Why not subscribe?

GOOD READS
Last Week’s Edition + Other Suggestions

Reply

or to participate.