The 5 Best Non Alcoholic Beers
Welcome, fellow beer enthusiasts! Today, we’ll journey into the exciting world of the best non alcoholic beers, everything that goes into making them, how they taste, and everything in between.
Whether you’re looking to cut back on your alcohol intake, want a refreshing beverage without the buzz, or simply want to explore new taste territories, non-alcoholic beers offer a fascinating and tasty alternative.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Non-Alcoholic Beers
Non-alcoholic beers, as their name suggests, are beers that contain very little to no alcohol. They are brewed almost exactly the same way as regular beers; the difference comes in at the end of the brewing process, where the alcohol is removed or reduced to less than 0.5% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). These beers come in a variety of styles, from IPAs to stouts, meaning there’s a non-alcoholic beer for every beer lover out there!
The Brewing Process of Non-Alcoholic Beers
If you’re wondering how brewers get all the flavor of beer into a beverage that’s non-alcoholic, you’re not alone. It’s a question I get asked all the time. It may sound like magic, but it’s actually a careful, delicate process. Let’s break it down.
1. Traditional Brewing Methods
The brewing process for non-alcoholic beer isn’t drastically different from that of regular beer. It starts the same way: with water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. The malted barley is steeped in hot water to release its sugars, creating a sweet liquid known as wort. This is then boiled with hops for bitterness and flavor. After cooling, yeast is added to ferment the sugar in the wort into alcohol.
2. Removing the Alcohol
Now, here’s where the process deviates. To remove the alcohol, brewers use one of two methods:
a. Distillation: After the beer is fermented, it’s heated, and since alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, it turns into vapor first. This alcohol vapor is then separated from the rest of the beer. However, because some flavors can also be lost during this process, they’re often added back in afterwards.
b. Vacuum Distillation: This is a gentler way to remove alcohol. By lowering the pressure inside the distillation vessel, alcohol can be boiled off at a lower temperature, which helps to preserve more of the beer’s original flavors.
c. Reverse Osmosis: This involves filtering the beer through a semi-permeable membrane to remove the alcohol. The alcohol-free beer is then combined with the remaining flavors and aromas that were separated during the process.
3. Low-Temperature Fermentation
An alternative method to create non-alcoholic beer is to limit the alcohol creation in the first place. This is done by using specific yeast strains or fermentation conditions (like low temperatures) that inhibit the production of alcohol while still allowing the beer to develop other flavors.
4. Stop Fermentation Early
Brewers can also halt fermentation prematurely, keeping the alcohol content low. The yeast doesn’t have the chance to convert all the sugar into alcohol, resulting in a sweeter, low-alcohol beer.
5. Use of Special Yeast Strains
Some brewers use special yeast strains that produce less alcohol during fermentation but still contribute to the flavor profile of the beer.
Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Beers
The biggest benefit of is obvious: they allow you to enjoy the taste of beer without the intoxicating effects of alcohol. This makes them a great choice for designated drivers, pregnant women, and those who want to live a healthier lifestyle. They are also typically lower in calories than regular beers, which can be beneficial for those watching their caloric intake.
1. Reduced Alcohol Consumption
This is an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning. If you’re trying to cut down on alcohol, non-alcoholic beers provide a way for you to still enjoy the ritual of drinking beer without the alcohol content. This can be especially helpful for social situations where you might feel pressured to drink.
2. Lower Caloric Intake
Generally, non-alcoholic beers contain fewer calories than their alcoholic counterparts. This is due to the lower alcohol content—alcohol has about seven calories per gram, so removing it from the equation results in a lighter beverage. If you’re watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle, these alcohol-free beers can be a good choice.
3. Stay Hydrated
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can lead to dehydration. Non-alcoholic beers, on the other hand, can help you stay hydrated, especially during hot summer months or at a long party.
4. Better Sleep
While many people believe that alcohol helps them sleep, it actually interferes with the sleep cycle and can lead to lower quality sleep. By choosing alcohol free beers, you might find that you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.
5. Safe to Drive
Drinking non-alcoholic beer means you won’t have to worry about driving home or designating a driver. It’s a safe option that allows you to enjoy the social aspect of drinking without putting yourself or others at risk.
6. Potential Health Benefits
Some studies suggest that non-alcoholic beers can have health benefits, similar to those of regular beers, but without the risks associated with alcohol. For instance, non-alcoholic beers contain polyphenols, natural compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
7. Enjoy Anytime
One of the best things about alcohol free beer is that you can enjoy them anytime. Since they don’t contain alcohol, you can have one with lunch, while you’re working, or even at breakfast if you’re feeling adventurous.
5 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers
There’s an impressive range of non-alcoholic beers available today. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
1) Clausthaler Original
This is a classic when it comes to non-alcoholic beers. The German brand has been perfecting its brew for years, resulting in a beer that’s crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor. Its slightly malty taste and aroma make it a fantastic choice for beer purists.
2) Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
For those who love their hops, this non-alcoholic IPA is a game changer. It’s brewed with a blend of five different types of hops, giving it a robust and complex flavor profile. It’s also surprisingly light, making it a perfect thirst quencher.
3) Heineken 0.0
Heineken 0.0 delivers the same fruity notes and soft malty body of regular Heineken, but without the alcohol. It’s a well-balanced, refreshing beer that’s great for any occasion.
4) Brewdog Nanny State
Nanny State is a low-alcohol beer that certainly doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s loaded with hops and malted barley and delivers an impressive depth of flavor. You’ll forget it’s non-alcoholic!
5) Erdinger Weissbier
This non-alcoholic beer retains the fruity, yeasty flavors of its alcoholic sibling. It’s a great wheat beer option for those cutting back on alcohol.
The Taste Profile of Non-Alcoholic Beers
One of the main concerns I hear from beer lovers when I suggest non-alcoholic beers is, “But how do they taste?”
Well, let me put those fears to rest.
Nowadays, non-alcoholic beers can taste pretty darn good, and they’ve come a long way from their earlier, often bland, counterparts.
1. Range of Flavors
Non-alcoholic beers come in a wide variety of flavors and styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers. There’s a world of taste to explore! Many craft breweries have started producing non-alcoholic versions of their popular brews, which means you can enjoy the same distinct flavors you love—minus the alcohol.
2. Maltiness
Many of these drinks have a pronounced malt flavor, as brewers often use malts to provide body and balance the lack of alcohol. Expect to taste notes of grains, biscuits, and sometimes caramel or toffee, especially in non-alcoholic versions of darker beers like stouts and porters.
3. Hoppiness
For those of you who love a good hoppy beer, don’t despair! There are plenty of non-alcoholic beers out there that still pack a punch when it comes to hops. From piney and floral to citrusy and tropical, the hop profiles in non-alcoholic IPAs can be as diverse as in their alcoholic counterparts.
4. Fruit and Spice Notes
Many brewers of non-alcoholic beers use additional ingredients to enhance the flavor and complexity of their brews. Don’t be surprised to find non-alcoholic beers that feature notes of citrus, berries, spices, and more.
5. Body and Mouthfeel
Non-alcoholic beers can sometimes be lighter in body compared to alcoholic beers. This is due to the lack of alcohol, which contributes to the mouthfeel of a beer. That said, many non-alcoholic beers manage to maintain a good body and mouthfeel, especially those that use additional ingredients or brewing techniques to compensate.
6. Carbonation
Lastly, you can expect a good level of carbonation in beers that contain no alcohol. This not only contributes to the mouthfeel but also delivers aromas to your nose and can make the beer more refreshing.
Pairing Alcohol Free Beers with Food
Just like beers that contain alcohol, non-alcoholic beers also bring unique flavors that can complement a wide range of meals wonderfully. The key to pairing non-alcoholic beers with food lies in understanding the beer’s individual flavor profile and matching it with meals that either contrast or complement those flavors.
For instance, non-alcoholic wheat beers, which are often characterized by fruity and spicy notes, go well with light dishes like salads, seafood, or mild cheeses. Their crisp and refreshing character balances out the lightness of these meals, making the whole eating experience more satisfying.
Non-alcoholic stouts, on the other hand, are usually rich with coffee or chocolate undertones. They make an excellent companion for hearty meals such as roasts, stews, or even desserts like brownies or chocolate cake. The rich flavors of the stout enhance the robustness of these dishes.
Lighter non-alcoholic lagers are incredibly versatile and can pair well with a variety of foods. They are especially well-suited to spicy foods, as their crispness can help balance out and manage the heat. So, next time you’re enjoying a spicy curry or fiery tacos, consider reaching for a non-alcoholic lager.
How to Properly Serve and Enjoy
Non-alcoholic beers should be served cold, just like regular beers. The serving temperature will depend on the style of the beer. For example, lagers are best served at 4-7°C while ales should be a bit warmer, around 7-10°C.
Where to Buy Non-Alcoholic Beers
Non-alcoholic beers are becoming increasingly popular, and you can now find them in most grocery stores and online retailers. Some specialty beer stores also carry a selection.
Conclusion
So there you have it, fellow beer enthusiasts – a guide to navigating the world of non-alcoholic beers. Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or simply curious, these beers offer a unique experience that’s well worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-alcoholic beer get you drunk? No, these drinks contain very little to no alcohol and cannot get you drunk. They can be a great option for people who want to play drinking games like beer pong or beer ball without getting drunk. Likewise, they can also be enjoyed on National Beer Day for non-alcohol drinkers.
Does non-alcoholic beer taste like regular beer? While alcohol free beers try to replicate the flavor of regular beers, there can be slight differences in taste due to the removal of alcohol.
Is non-alcoholic beer healthier than regular beer? Non-alcoholic beer is lower in calories and doesn’t have the side effects of alcohol, making it a healthier option for many people.
Can pregnant women drink non-alcoholic beer? While non-alcoholic beer is much safer than regular beer, it’s always best for pregnant women to consult with a doctor before consuming any.
Does non-alcoholic beer contain any alcohol at all? Some contain up to 0.5% ABV, which is a very small amount. There are also beers available that contain 0% alcohol.
