Alcohol-free beers are classed as drinks with APV of 0.5% (the same roughly as a ripe banana, orange juice or rye bread). Ideal for people who are looking to reduce alcohol (it’s best to avoid alcohol completely if driving and for pregnancy/nursing and of course if you have an alcohol addiction). They are tastier than big brand no-alcohol beers, and you also help to create local artisan jobs. They are also lower in calories (look for vegan brands free from animal fining agents like fish bladder).
Never buy beers packed in plastic rings, they are choking hazards to wildlife (often invisible in water and wrap around beaks/necks of wildfowl). E6PR and Biopak both sell biodegradable beer can holders.
a German-style no-alcohol beer
Lucky Saint is a popular alcohol-free beer, which is also available on draught for pubs, restaurants and hotels. It’s also sold in many supermarkets, and tastes as good as any premium lager. Sugar-free and low in calories, the range includes Superior Hazy IPA with notes of tropical and stone fruits.
The German-inspired lager is made with 4 ingredients: Pilsner Malt, Hallertau hops, spring water and classic lager yeast. It’s not filtered, instead flavours are kept by letting sediment drop from the beer naturally over several weeks.
artisan no-alcohol beers from East London
Nirvana Brewery was founded by a woman, whose dad gave up alcohol but still wanted to enjoy a beer. She now runs the company alongside her brother, who travelled Germany testing the best beers to get the right taste inspiration. The range includes:
- Classic IPA is a classic beer with citrus, pine and spice (good cold on a hot day). Bavarian Helles Lager is a German classic with biscuit notes.
- Organic Pale Ale is made with English hops with hints of tangerine and spice and a toffee finish.
- Dark Rich Stout is a nice alternative to Guinness, with hints of vanilla. Chocolate Porter features roasted malts with coffee, caramel and dark chocolate.
deliciously different alcohol-free beers
Lo Tide is an indie low-alcohol brewing company, offering a small range. In beautifully-designed cans, these offer innovative alternatives to traditional beers from Pilsners to bitter pale ales, through to west-coast style beers and a chocolate stout. You can also buy mixed cases.
low-alcohol beers from South Bermondsey
Small Beer Brew Co (London) offers beer with half the alcohol and fewer calories, sold in cans or bottles or in kegs for parties, pubs, hotels and restaurants. Sustainably-crafted in a B-corp brewery, this is made with the finest British barley. Low-alcohol beers are classed as drinks with APV of 1.2% (compared to conventional beers that are around 4.4%).
Their brewing kit uses around an eighth of the water typically used and the brewery is cleaned with recovered heat and water, and all packaging is recycled. Spent grain is delivered to a local farm. The range includes:
- Pale ale (tropical fruits)
- Lager (citrus nose)
- Hazy (apricot & tropical fruits)
- IPA (bitter orange & biscuit)
- Stout (roasted barley & chocolate)
The company also offers beers in mini-kegs, which can be stored cold and consumed within a month of delivery. Once opened, drink within a couple of days. Storing up to 9 pints, these are ideal for parties etc, and can be recycled along with beer cans, once empty. The site has full info on how to use kegs.
