ZERO HEROES
We test the rise of non-boozy beers
YOU’D think taking booze out of beer might lead to boos of another kind right now.
But when Guinness announced its first non-alcoholic stout this week, it was following a trend.
Plenty of other brewers have also hit the zero/ low- alcohol bandwagon – with Stella Artois vowing sobering products would be 20 per cent of its output by 2025.
It comes as a Tesco study claims that half of young people aged 18 to 34 will be going zero to low at Christmas. Unbeerlievable or hopping mad? We’ve tested a round of top names’ beers that will leave you, if not merry, at least able to drive.
Before taking a sip, the first thing that struck me was it barely smelt like booze at all. Luckily the taste was stronger than the smell. And, while it wasn’t as delicious as a normal ice-cold Moretti, the Italian lager company’s 0.05% alcohol version was still easy to drink.
When pouring this into a glass, the smell and appearance of the 0.05% beer seemed practically indistinguishable from the real deal, with its deep amber hue. However the taste was very hoppy and a little bit too bitter for my liking. Hop-fully they can improve on this.
This is the zero version of trendy Brewdog’s flagship IPA. Deep colour and an intense woody smell recreated the atmosphere of being in a pub. When poured into a glass, however, there was plenty of fizz but it failed to produce a head. Slightly watery in texture, but otherwise ale-right.
COAST BEER CO DDH IPA
This Edinburghbrewed non-boozy beer is double dry-hopped, meaning is has a fantastic fruity flavour. The only downsides were a slightly foamy texture and a cloudy tinge when poured in a glass – maybe off-putting for some. Loved the blue can.
Heineken’s 0.0% alcohol version of its popular lager maintains its reputation. The beer has a mild smell to it with an amber shade. The taste was a lot weaker than normal. But that being said, I actually preferred it to the original. Cheers to that.
PINTS OUT OF 5:
PERONI LIBERA
Pouring this 0.0% number, it was hard to ignore it was a little flat. The Italian brewer promises a crisp and refreshing taste, with a delicate fruity aroma. I found the smell a bit off-putting and synthetic. And while the initial taste was very mellow, it had a strong aftertaste that lingered in the throat. No thank brew.