Our top zero and low-alcohol beers

‘There has been a notable increase in the quality and variety of alcohol-free beers, as well as those with 2.5% ABV or less. These are my favourites.’

Rothaus Tannenzäpfle

This vegan-friendly pils is impeccable. It has a rich, bready nose and a light, herbal hop counternote. The malt is pleasing, with a light sweetness, delicate hop flavour and clean bitterness. £12.99 for six 330ml bottles (0.4% ABV), drydrinker.com

Brekeriet picnic sour ale

This tart (rather than bitter) beer with rhubarb has a subtle flavour and surprisingly full mouthfeel, plus a sharp, pleasing acidity. £4 per bottle (330ml, 2.2% ABV), beermerchants.com

Ramsgate Brewery Gadds’ No.11

An easy pale gold beer with a lovely, light nose that showcases the hops. It also feels a bit heftier than 1.2% ABV would normally suggest. £1.60 per can (330ml), eebria.com

Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5%

With a great malt character – something like digestive biscuits – this is citrussy and grassy on the palate. It tastes like a regular Adnams pale ale – a friend didn’t even realise it was alcohol-free. £12.49 for eight 500ml bottles, adnams.co.uk

Maisel’s Weisse alkoholfrei

With a pillowy head that fades fairly quickly, this wheat beer has a sweet aroma with wheat-malt notes, plus banana, clove, and a touch of nutmeg. It has a full, slick mouthfeel and good carbonation with small, gentle bubbles. £1.49 per bottle (500ml, 0.5%), beerhawk.co.uk

Harvey’s Old Ale low alcohol

This 0.5% ABV version of the brewery’s dark old ale has a rich malt nose, plus hints of dried fruit, an impressive body, and caramel-malt sweetness that’s balanced by hoppy bitterness. £1.29 per bottle (275ml), beerhawk.co.uk, or £28.40 for 24 x 275ml bottles, shop.harveys. org.uk