Free Kittens

Fat Orange Cat started out of a barn in East Hampton, CT in 2016, founded by Mike Klucznik and Sheila Mullen and named after their cat Brewmaster Billy. They were one of the early movers in Connecticut's hazy IPA scene, running the place seasonally with goats and dogs wandering around the property. The taproom closed in 2021, and the brand now contract brews through Twelve Percent Beer Project in North Haven.

Free Kittens is their first NA, a lightly-hopped pilsner coming in under 0.5% ABV. The brewery isn't publishing an IBU or hop bill, but the goal here is clearly to deliver continental pils character with a bright hop lift and no alcohol attached.

This one drinks hop-forward but light, with surprisingly full body for a pils that carries the flavor well. There's no NA tell anywhere in the can, which is impressive for a small brewer's first NA. These guys are tiny and this is a strong effort, definitely do pick this up if you happen across it.