Until not long ago, ordering a non-alcoholic beer at the bar was a thing for pregnant women, the elderly or men of little virility. Customs were changing and many signed up for this type of beer to enjoy a night of beers without the risk of a fine or accident. Now however, the consumption of non-alcoholic varieties is increasing among ‘normals’ and the market is offering more and more brands with more authentic flavours.
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One of the conclusions of the latest socioeconomic report on the beer sector in Spain – prepared by Cerveceros de España together with the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Spanish Federation of Catering and Malt Stewards of Spain – reveals that this country is the leader in production and consumption of non-alcoholic beer within the European Union. In fact, in 2016, more than 14% of beer consumption by Spaniards was of the non-alcoholic variety and 33% of beer consumers consumed non-alcoholic beer outside the home on some occasion.
These national data have their correspondence at the international level. While traditional beer consumption fell in 2015 and 2016, the non-alcoholic market grew 5% in 2016, according to research firm Euromonitor International. For its part, Belgian multinational Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the world’s largest brewers, launched non-alcoholic versions of Budweiser and Corona in 2016 and predicts that low-alcohol or alcohol-free beer will make up 20% of its production volume by 2025.
A paradigmatic case has also been that of craft beer fanatic Steve Dass who, after abandoning alcohol for health reasons, began to produce his own non-alcoholic beer, Nirvana Brewery, because he had not found a quality non-alcoholic substitute on the market. Dass currently produces 3,200 liters of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beer a week, and it is sold in stores such as Whole Foods.
The truth is that the greater variety of non-alcoholic beer brands and their higher quality is one of the reasons that explains the increase in their consumption, as well as a society more committed to health and responsible alcohol consumption.
Five non-alcoholic beers to consider
Heineken 0.0 (33 cl can: 0.69 euros)
The Dutch brewing giant promises that it is possible to brew great tasting lager 0.0: “Our brewmasters started from scratch and spent years exploring, brewing and testing countless recipes until they found one that is defined by its refreshing fruity notes and smooth malt flavored body, perfectly balanced”.
Clausthaler (33 cl bottle: 1.01 euros)
The creators of Clausthaler beer, belonging to the German group Dr. Oetker, define themselves as a generation of change that in the seventies, instead of betting on low-calorie beers, worked to make the world’s first beer without alcohol but with an excellent flavor. “In 1972, Clausthaler began the process that would change the world of beer forever,” says the company.
The success of this beer was to produce its non-alcoholic variety in a different way. While the competition was trying to remove the alcohol from regular beer, the Clausthaler brewmasters managed to come up with an innovative brewing process in which fermentation was stopped just before the alcohol began to develop. This process entered brewing history as Clausthaler’s Controlled Fermentation.
Aigua de Moritz (33 cl bottle: 1.10 euros)
Born in 1856, the Barcelona brewing company Moritz is sure that its 0.0 Aigua de Moritz beer “makes anyone who says that ‘0.0 beer doesn’t taste like anything’ remain speechless after trying it”. It is a healthy drink that stands out for its aroma thanks to the Saaz hop flower.
Aigua de Moritz is the only non-alcoholic beer made entirely with natural mineral water from the Montseny Font d’Or spring, and it is the perfect ally as a refreshing drink on hot days or even as the ideal hydration after an entertainment session.
Mahou 0.0 Toast (33 cl can: 0.55 euros)
Mahou’s new 0.0 is committed to all the flavor of roasted malt, its main ingredient and the one responsible for its golden color, flavor, aroma and body that characterize it. Mahou assures that this beer is made for the most brewing palates.
Super Bock Without Alcohol Black (33 cl bottle: 0.69 euros)
The non-alcoholic Portuguese black beer is gaining more and more followers. Packed with flavor and full of body, it has a generous and long-lasting foam, “maintaining the character of an authentic dark beer,” explains the company. It has an obvious bitter taste with sweet notes and a slightly toasted and bitter finish.
Red Courtesy, the Spanish premium beer you don’t know
The young Valencian company Hidden ICE, SL, born in 2014, is one of these manufacturers that has launched itself into the beer sector and also with a unique commitment: Red Courtesy. A premium range beer that has “a flavor unlike any other”, they explain from the company in an interview with Evasión. Click here to know more about the
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