Non-alcoholic Beers
There used to be just one or two options when it came to nonalcoholic beers, and by most accounts, you were just better off having a soda instead. But more options are coming soon, some from familiar craft-brewing names. Senior Editor John
Holl tried some of the new low-to-no-alcohol offerings (less than 0.5 percent ABV) entering the beer space.
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects
The brewery calls Special Effects a hoppy lager, and there’s no mistaking the hops content—it’s packed with Mosaic, Citra, and Amarillo. But rather than the crispness of a lager, it comes off more as cider (that was the first thing many blind tasters said). Slightly rubbery mixed with sweet wort. ABV: 0.4% IBUS: N/A Loc: Brooklyn, New York Style: American Amber Lager
Heineken 0.0
Heineken 0.0 has all of the charm of Heineken Light, but none of the alcohol. Still, there’s something familiar in the glass, from the vaguely skunky hops to the European lager character. Well-carbonated and in the familiar green-bottle packaging, it’s a better alternative to any of the other larger-brewery options we tried. ABV: 0.05% IBUS: N/A Loc: Amsterdam, Netherlands Style: American Light Lager
Clausthaler Dry Hopped
Clausthaler Dry Hopped pours an inviting light chestnut color, and a dusting of Cascade hops arrives with the first sniff. The hops are herbal on the palate, but it’s mixed with a sarsaparilla-like character that imparts significant sweetness. A slight pop of candied ginger on the finish keeps it interesting between sips, and the lingering hops bitterness reminds you that this has the soul of beer. ABV: 0.5% IBUS: N/A Loc: Frankfurt, Germany Style: Low Alcohol Beer
Surreal brewing company 17 Mile Porter
17 Mile Porter is roasty and toasty with an unsweetened powdered-cocoa aroma that follows through with a chalky taste on the finish. Flavors of instant coffee and a candy malted thread weave in and out of the other flavors. It’s reminiscent of a lightly carbonated Ovaltine minus the sugar. ABV: 0.5% IBUS: N/A Loc: Campbell, California Style: Porter
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild
The brewery calls this a sessionable IPA, but those looking for the American-level of hops will leave disappointed. However, if you took it as a light session golden ale, you’d be happier. Orange and lime peel on the aroma and flavor give this a sprightly effervescent quality that lends itself to an afternoon at the beach or pool.
ABV: 0.5% IBUS: N/A Loc: Stratford, Connecticut Style: IPA