With the Christmas period now over, people up and down the country have made new year’s resolutions to start 2025 in a healthier way. For many, after a festive period of over-indulgence, this includes having a break from booze.
Millions are again expected to embark on Dry January. A public health campaign first started by the charity Alcohol Change in 2013, and now in its 12th year, it sees people abstain from alcohol for the entire calendar month.
Organisers say a month without alcohol can help boost sleep and promote better mental wellbeing, amongst a host of other benefits. However for many, enjoying a beer is one of life’s great pleasures.
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Zero and low alcohol beers are now big business all year round with virutally ever major brand having its own version. But with January upon us, supermarkets have started dedicating entire aisles to them.
In the UK, beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 0.05 percent or less is classed as alcohol free. Those with 0.5pc or less are classed as dealcoholised. Whilst those with under 1.2pc ABV are considered low-alcohol.
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We tried 12 different zero or low alcohol beers from some of the leading brands and gave them a score out of five…
Heineken 0.0
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Initially fizzy and refreshing. But a bit like its boozy big brother, overall it isn’t the best. After a few swigs my bottle began to give off a weird, slightly bitter, aftertaste. Unfortunately, it reminded me of when you have a pint in a pub from a pump that hasn’t been used, or cleaned, in a while. Pretty disappointing. Score: 1.5
Corona Cero
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In theory this should work really well and was one of the first ones in my trolley. But for me it was just all wrong. Very gassy and with a strange taste that was unpleasant for a reason I can’t quite put my finger on. Not at all like regular Corona. Poor. Score: 1
San Miguel 0.0
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I’ve always been a fan of San Miguel and their zero percent effort was more than creditable. Although there was an ever so slight, understandable, sense of something being missing you could hardly tell the difference. I could certainly imagine happily drinking that on a warm summer’s day. Whether it will hit the spot on a cold evening in January is perhaps another discussion. Score: 3.5
Brewdog Punk AF
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This is the alcohol free version of Brewdog’s iconic Punk IPA, but it doesn’t taste like it.
Out of all the beers we tried, this is the one that probably tasted the most authentic. Of course IPAs often feel heavier than lagers, but this was really enjoyable. Score: 4
Wingman Alcohol Free Session IPA
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Another from Brewdog’s range of alcohol-free beers, of which there are four. This Session IPA is lighter than Punk AF and has fruity vibes. Very decent. Score: 3
Brewdog Hazy AF
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Brewdog seem to have mastered the art of masking the fact their alcohol free beers have no booze. This version of their New England IPA is a another very creditable effort with some enjoyable fruity notes. Score: 3
Brewdog Lost AF
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Lost Lager is an underrated member of the Brewdog stable. But this version is a bit of a let down. Tasted almost sour at times. Score: 2
Erdinger Alkohol Frei
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This version of the popular German wheat beer claims that alongside being booze-free it is ‘isotonic’ and contains vitamins such as B9 and B12 which ‘reduce tiredness and promote the normal functioning of the body’s immune system.’ It also claims to have ‘reduced calories.’ Given that, it was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting. It became quite hard work towards end of the large 500ml bottle, but was fairly enjoyable up to that point. Score: 3
Guinness 0.0
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The popularity of Guinness is booming at the minute, with many places selling out in the run-up to Christmas. I became a covert after a recent trip to Ireland. And I would expect their zero percent version to be a January bestseller as well.
Of course, out of a can isn’t the best way to enjoy Guinness and they don’t sell the 0.0 version in cans that can be used with their Nitrosurge pouring device. That being said, it still produced a more than satisfactory creamy head, and was all-in-all top quality.
Maybe its just that stout lends itself better to being alcohol free, but I bet a fair chunk of people would struggle to pick it out in a blind taste test with the regular stuff. Perfect for a cosy winter’s night by the telly. Would recommend. Score: 5
Adnams Ghost Ship Beyond the Pale Ale
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Being a pale ale, you’re expecting to be fairly bitter, but this was so bitter it was virtually undrinkable. Very heavy and for me it gave off an almost sour aftertaste that lingered after each sip. Probably the worst of the bunch I tried. Score: 1
Lucky Saint
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This brand who specialise in alcohol free beer claim they have a ‘clear head and a bold ambition – to finally reward those who aren’t drinking with the beer they deserve.’ And it has to be said, they’re not far off the mark. It might benefit from the fact there isn’t a boozy version to compare it to, but this was really enjoyable. Definitely a winner. Score: 4.5
Peroni Nastro Azzuro 0.0
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No where near hitting the heights of the regular version of this Italian classic. But it it is decent enough and very drinkable. Score: 2.5