Ever gave up something that you really miss? That’s how South Hills native Mike Poggi felt when giving up drinking altogether nine years ago. The hangovers and lost productivity wasn’t worth bringing back over his favorite drinks, especially craft beer.
So this craft brew aficionado decided it was time to reignite his passion for craft beers with a healthier alternative—by creating his own non-alcoholic (NA) beers, Virtue Signal Brewing Co. After several years of research and collaboration with brew experts, Mike was out to prove that NA beer could be as flavorful and satisfying as its alcoholic counterpart.
See our conversation below!
When did you start to find your passion for craft NA beer?
When I stopped drinking, I kept my taste and enjoyment for craft beer (but in the NA sense). My discerning palate and well-seasoned and traveled taste buds remained intact. What was missing was genuine craft NA beer.
What’s the difference in your opinion between a good NA beer and a great NA beer?
A good NA beer checks some of but not all of the boxes. A great NA beer, however, captures the essence of the genuine craft beer drinking experience—all of the alluring smell, dynamic taste, bountiful head, complex palate, solid mouthfeel, robust full body, satisfying finish and overall enjoyment of the best craft beers regardless of alcohol content.
What inspired you to create Virtue Signal beers?
For the longest time I did not drink anything approaching NA—beer or otherwise. I went old-school cold turkey. However, as I began to see NA beers emerge outside of the O’Doul’s/Sharp’s legacy style, I eventually tried some of these newer offerings.
While they were better than your grandfather’s O’Doul’s, I found them lacking on any number of fronts, from disappointing flavor to body and off-putting aftertastes. None of the brands made me want to really lean in and get excited about them.
So, I thought, “If I’m unsatisfied, others likely are too.” I believed there was a thirst for what we at Virtue Signal Brewing Co. call “Indulgently NA” craft beers—NA brews that are all about the taste and drinking experience. Everything you love about craft beer, just without the alcohol. All upside, no downside.
What’s your favorite beer from the lineup?
Presumed Innocent West Coast IPA. When I was drinking, West Coast IPAs were my jam. So when I decided to start Virtue Signal Brewing, that was the first beer on the drawing board. I love the big, hoppy, citrusy, floral tastes and deep copper color of a great West Coast IPA.
Although I am a huge hop head, we did back off the hops a bit and made our West Coast a little less bitter so it would be more approachable. I think it looks and smells great and is pretty damn tasty (AND it leaves room to make a Double IPA in the future…).
Another favorite from the lineup is the in-your-face aromatic Valencia orange smell and refreshing citrus tongue of the Boujee Bliss Belgian Wheat; it’s really bucking for promotion!
Where can we find your beers around Pittsburgh?
Virtue Signal Brewing Co. beers can be found at local beer distributors and select restaurants. Check out the website for where to buy.
Anything else we should know?
Virtue Signal Brewing Co. beers are for drinkers and non-drinkers alike. If NA is important to you, it checks that box (less than 0.5 % ABV, half the calories, half the carbs). Otherwise it just tastes GREAT! It is genuine craft beer just without the alcohol.
Virtue Signal also plans to offer canned mocktails and alcohol-free (AF) spirits in the future to their portfolio of indulgently NA beverages.
We can’t wait to see (and taste!) more! Follow Virtue Signal Brewing on Instagram for updates.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
