Non-alcoholic beer the best varieties

Connoisseurs of aromatic foam are familiar with the situation when they really want to taste their favorite intoxicating drink, but the state of affairs is not conducive to intoxication. Non-alcoholic beer comes to the aid of beer lovers, which a few decades ago caused one bewilderment among the inhabitants. What kind of foam is it if there are no hops? It can't even be attributed to a beer drink, it's just lemonade.

But in fact, all of the foundational beer parts are contained in a non-alcoholic. It contains hops, malt and other ingredients necessary for your favorite drink. By the way, the taste of such a product is identical to the usual hop one. The only thing left is to learn to understand the varieties and identify the best non-alcoholic beer, the rating of which is better to be made individually, but based on the advice of experienced ones.

Non-alcoholic beer can be a worthy alternative to regular beer

Why "non-alcoholic"

Before figuring out which non-alcoholic beer is better, it should be clarified that, in fact, the percentage of ethyl alcohol in such a drink is still present. But its content is minimal and usually does not exceed 1.5%.... Whereas in the usual foam degree, the degree fits into the readings of 4-11%.

In non-alcoholic foam, alcohol is present due to fermentation processes, without which the foam is not prepared. It is not possible to completely remove the degree from this type of drink.

Manufacturers, in order to achieve the title of "non-alcoholic", are only working to reduce the volume of ethanol emitted during technological processes. And this is achieved in the following ways:

1. Applying a reduced temperature. Moreover, below the level at which alcohol boils (+ 78.3⁰С).
2. Using dialysis. Dialysis is a process in which solutions are purified from low molecular weight compounds using a special membrane. This technique is also called "membrane".
3. By inhibiting the fermentation process. Here, technologists use two methods: the use of special yeast, which prevents the conversion of maltose (malt sugar) into ethanol, and by lowering the temperature conditions.

According to experts, the membrane method for preparing non-alcoholic hop is the most reliable and widespread. This is evidenced by the taste of such foam.

The difference between non-alcoholic beer and regular beer

In principle, considering the technological nuances of making a foamy drink in which ethanol is absent, it becomes clear that such a beer should not differ much from ordinary one. After all, the same ingredients are used. But, given the methods that are used to remove excess ethanol from the hoppy, it can be assumed that some additional components are present in non-alcoholic foam..

Non-alcoholic beer consists of the same ingredients as regular beer

Harm and benefit

Artificially obtained compounds (as a result of technological processes) with regular and prolonged use of this drink can harm human health. According to experts, non-alcoholic intoxicating is no less harmful than the usual one. Of course, one should not talk about some benefits of non-alcoholic beer, but such a drink will not bring much harm either.

But do not forget that beer of any kind (and low-degree also) is very well absorbed by the body, which leads to rapid weight gain. According to doctors, an excessive passion for non-alcoholic foam leads to the development of such troubles as:

• varicose veins;
• hormonal problems;
• disorders of the digestive tract;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Organoleptic properties

Usually a light lager is used as the basis for the production of non-alcoholic foam. This is a bottom fermentation foam (during the production of which the yeast settles to the bottom as a result of exposure to a low temperature). A light lager must meet the following standards:

1. Color: light straw or golden.
2. Transparency: minimal sediment allowed.
3. Foam: must be high (about 2–3 cm) and firm (holding time from 2 minutes).

Foam is an important indicator of foam quality. It is by its appearance that one can judge the aroma and freshness of the drink.

Depending on the raw material used for the preparation of such a drink and the technology used, the characteristic hop aroma can be diluted with additional notes - honey or apple. This is a good indicator of the drink.... But if the frothy smells like a caramel, the technologists are smart with the temperature regime, and the excess yeast aroma speaks of gross violations of the recipe.

Some non-alcoholic beers can have citrus notes

Considering the taste of non-alcoholic intoxicating, it is worth knowing some nuance. The hoppy bitterness characteristic of the drink should not be harsh and rude. With a good foam, it will be soft and felt immediately after a sip, and then disappear after 1-2 minutes. Also, in high-quality foam, additional taste sensations (sweetness, sourness, astringency) will not become dominants.

Dealing with varieties

What types of non-alcoholic beer deserve attention? First of all, the huge and motley army of such foam can be divided into several categories. And already focusing on such a classification, choose your favorite drink for yourself.

Russian brands

Considering the beer brands that are engaged in the production of this drink, you can distinguish all varieties into two types:

1. Non-alcoholic beer produced by western technologies.
2. Low-degree foam, which is brewed in the regions (local, regional production).

Beer brands produced in Russia:

Baltika 0... This is the first non-alcoholic beer to be produced in Russia. They have been producing it since 2001. In technological production, the dialysis method is used. Zero Baltika are manufactured at a large plant in St. Petersburg. The Baltika trademark belongs to the Scandinavian holding Baltic Beverages-Holding.

The Baltika brand was included in the list of the 100 largest trade marks in 2007, sanctified by the Financial Times (England).

Zero Baltika is an unfiltered non-alcoholic beer, which is the most widespread foam in our country. For the convenience of consumers, it is produced in glass containers and tin packaging..

Baltika 0 is produced in glass and tin packaging

Bavaria 0. This, no less popular brand of non-alcoholic beer, is produced using Dutch technology. Zero Bavaria is distinguished by its taste - its taste and aroma nuances are as close as possible to traditional European ones. According to experts, the taste of Bavaria 0 is an order of magnitude higher than that of other non-alcoholic counterparts.

In addition to the two most common brands of non-alcoholic beer, we can mention such brands as:

• Zlatý Bažant-Nealko, technology of Czech brewers;
• Stella Artois, manufactured using Belgian technology;
• Bud Alcohol-Free, also known under the popular brand of Budweiser (USA).

Regional beer brands:

Separately, it is necessary to say about such brands of "beer for teetotalers", which are produced in Russia not using foreign technologies, but by the efforts of our local breweries. There are quite a few decent varieties among them.For example:

• Legend of the Siberian brewery Pikra;
• Beliy Medved, a product produced by a Moscow brewery;
• Foam, the fruit of the work of brewers from Chuvashia (Cheboksary);
• Bezzer, beer produced in Barnaul, filtered and pasteurized beer;
• Sibirskaya Korona, a premium segment of beer production, produced by the efforts of the Omsk brewery.

Foreign varieties

Non-alcoholic beers are much more common among residents of European countries than among Russians... Therefore, this segment of the market is more saturated with foreign varieties of non-alcoholic foam. Among the most successful varieties of low-degree hop, one can note such brands as:

• Buckler;
• Mikkeller;
• Paulaner;
• Jever Fun;
• FAXE Free;
• Clausthaler;
• Samichlaus Classic;
• Schloss Eggenberg;
• Beck's non-alcoholic;
• Maisel's Weisse-Alkoholfrei.

The most popular non-alcoholic foam

Now it's the turn to get acquainted with the rating of such a drink in popularity among true connoisseurs of foam. So, here's a list of the most popular types of non-alcoholic foam:

A place	Beer name	Peculiarities
1	Jever Fun (Germany)	it is distinguished by a particularly delicate and refined taste; beer lovers note its rare and memorable aroma
2	Schloss Eggenberg (Austria)	has a slightly sour aftertaste with a hint of pine sawdust and wort
3	Bayern Munich (Holland)	especially popular with football fans, although it does not stand out among other non-alcoholic brethren
4	Maisel's Weisse (Germany)	has a surprisingly pleasant, slightly tart taste and specific aroma
5	Stella Artois (Belgium)	this hop beer is famous for its mild and at the same time rich aroma and hoppy taste, as close as possible to ordinary beer
6	Buckler non-alcoholic (Netherlands)	beer connoisseurs advise to consume this exquisite drink in chilled form, in their opinion, this is the only way to feel all the specific aroma of the drink
7	Baltika 0 (Russia)	the most widespread non-alcoholic hop in Russia got into the rating of "world celebrities" due to the refined taste that wheat malt gives to the drink
8	Clausthaler Classic (Germany)	belongs to the middle price segment and is one of the best representatives of non-alcoholic beer among the middle class
9	Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier non-alcoholic (Germany)	this wheat hop belongs to unfiltered beer, this drink will be an excellent addition to friendly gatherings while watching football matches
10	Bezzer (Russia)	Barnaul brewers are not in vain in the rating of the most popular non-alcoholic beer and all thanks to the unique, slightly tart and pleasant taste of this drink

Non-alcoholic beer and drivers

By the way, this is one of the reasons for the popularity of such beer products in our country - the opportunity to have a drink before the trip. The minimum level of ethanol and the maximum proximity in sensations to real foam make this drink one of the most favorite among car owners.

True, experts still do not advise to relax in this way immediately before driving a car. After all, the smell of hops after drinking non-alcoholic foam will remain, which may arouse suspicion among traffic police (when stopping)... Therefore, there is a great chance of sending the driver for a medical examination (after all, the breathalyzer will not reveal intoxication).

The driver cannot refuse a medical examination; by refusing, he automatically agrees that he was driving drunk. Therefore, you will have to waste time and go to prove your innocence to the narcologists.

Non-alcoholic beer and pregnancy

Mom-to-be is another category of non-alcoholic foam fans. These include lactating women. It is thanks to such a foam invention that this category of women may not feel cut off from the general fun at the festive table. But doctors categorically do not recommend consuming non-alcoholic beer in this state.

It must be remembered that ethanol in non-alcoholic beer contains, albeit in low concentration, this drink also contains a lot of additives (flavors, preservatives, flavor enhancers, sweeteners) that can harm and negatively affect the development of the fetus. So for expectant mothers, the consumption of non-alcoholic beer becomes no less harmful than the use of regular alcohol.

conclusions

Non-alcoholic beer is gradually gaining its niche in Russia, breweries are opening, new brands are being produced. Whether to use such a variety of foam or stop at the already familiar alcoholic types is a personal matter. But, in any case, you should consciously choose non-alcoholic intoxicating, and choosing the best brand is a difficult matter..

After all, non-alcoholic beer is famous for its exquisite notes. His drinking is all about savoring taste nuances and aromatic combinations. Therefore, it is worth dwelling on proven varieties of such foam from reputable experienced manufacturers.

A couple of decades ago, when non-alcoholic beer just appeared on the shelves of our stores, this drink caused bewilderment and jokes. Say, is this beer without hops? But in fact, both hops, and malt, and all the other components necessary for a foamy drink are there. And it should taste the same as regular beer. Therefore, choosing the best brand is not an easy task, because drinking a soft drink is nothing but savoring the taste and aroma.

How and from what non-alcoholic beer is brewed

In fact, this is exactly the same drink as regular beer. They are cooked in exactly the same way, from the same ingredients. Only the brewers have to reduce the turnover at the very end, that is, the strength, in order to get a non-alcoholic beer; 0 degrees, however, in fact, rarely occurs - as a rule, the fortress fluctuates within one. But still, this percentage is too small to be intoxicated, so all these products are classified as non-alcoholic. For comparison: even in good kvass or stale kefir there is more "degree" than in such beer.

To remove excess strength, the finished drink can be filtered, this is the so-called dialysis process - the most optimal way to preserve all other characteristics of the product. The meaning of the technology is that the molecules of water and alcohol are of different sizes, so they are separated from each other through a special membrane filter. This method is used, for example, in the production of beer "Baltika 0".

There is also a technology in which the finished product is heated to high temperatures in order to evaporate alcohol. There is also a technology for suppressing fermentation. The process does not affect the final result too much - the output is an ordinary beer, but with a minimum strength.

Taste, color and aroma: how non-alcoholic differs from usual

Since non-alcoholic beer was originally the most common, their organoleptic properties should not differ. A light lager (bottom-fermented beer, in which yeast settles to the bottom at low temperatures - usually it is from the lager that non-alcoholic counterparts are made) should have a light straw or golden color and transparency with minimal sediment (and even then in rare cases).

The foam in the glass should be high (2-3 centimeters) and stable (should hold for at least 2 minutes). Good foam is not only beautiful, it is also an indicator of freshness and fullness of taste.

A good drink should have a full, rich flavor. Depending on the raw materials used and the production technology, notes of apple or honey can be mixed with the smell of hops - these are good additives. If the beer smells like caramel, it means that you overdid it with the temperature, and if with yeast, you violated the recipe.

And finally, taste. The bitterness from the hops should be soft, not harsh, felt only after a sip, and go away within a couple of minutes. At the same time, tart, sweet or sour tastes will not dominate.

Non-alcoholic beer: Russian brands

So, which Russian brands deserve attention? First of all, we would like to note the zero "Baltika" - this is the first non-alcoholic beer that appeared from Russia in 2001. It is brewed in our large factory using modern dialysis, and is sold everywhere. Perhaps that is why Baltika 0 is the most popular among Russian consumers. In addition, this variety is sold in a glass bottle and in a tin can.

Also in Russia beer "Bavaria 0" is brewed under the Dutch license. Its flavor is closer to a traditional European lager and is rated higher than similar types. The Stella Artois version is similar in characteristics - it is also Russian, but it is brewed using Belgian technology. What other brands offer non-alcoholic beer?

The brands produced at the Heiniken plant in St. Petersburg are diverse; there are also non-alcoholic drinks among their products, for example, Zlatý Bažant Nealko. According to experts, the drink does not differ in high taste, as testimonials testify, it is drunk well, but does not stand out in anything. There are notes of wet grass, sawdust, wet bread, which is often inherent in non-alcoholic samples.

In addition to Europeans, beer is loved and can be brewed in the States. The American brand “Budweiser” also produces the popular Bud Alcohol Free in Russia using its own technologies.

Regional brands

Separately, it is worth noting those brands of non-alcoholic beer (in Russia), which are brewed not according to Western technologies and at large enterprises, but in the regions. There are many worthy examples among them. For example, pasteurized filtered Besser from the Barnaul brewery. A local brewery in Altai Krai has a long history of brewing, and their non-alcoholic version is quite good.

In Siberia, good non-alcoholic beer is also brewed, as in Krasnoyarsk. For example, "Legend" from the "Pikra" plant. There are samples in Chuvashia - "Pennoe" from the Cheboksary brewing company.

Foreign varieties

In Europe, non-alcoholic varieties are more widespread and in demand than in Russia, and in this sense, the European and American markets are saturated with interesting products in this segment. In Russia, you can buy a predominantly German product.

• Non-alcoholic beer of the Jever Fun brand is practically not inferior in taste to traditional varieties with a strong bitterness.
• Maisel's Weisse Alkoholfrei is a wheat beer.
• Paulaner - for lovers of wheat varieties, it is a good thirst quencher.

Other geographical points are represented, for example, by Austria, which produces very good and tasty non-alcoholic Schloss Eggenberg, or the Netherlands with the Buckler brand (it is at the Heiniken foreign brewery that this non-alcoholic beer is brewed).

Brands not sold in Russia

The very first “zero” beer, which is called the best in the European market in Russia, is Clausthaler. It is produced in Germany at the Binding-Brauerei plant, and we can only buy the usual Classic variety. However, the brand produces several different types of Clausthaler that we cannot taste - lemon, ginger, herbal beer.

The Belgian craft beer Mikkeller is also highly regarded. Its hoppy notes are on par with the finest examples of brewing in the alcoholic segment.

Harm and benefit

Of course, there is no particular benefit from beer, since the fermentation product, albeit with a minimum amount of alcohol, will not bring health to the body, as well as harm. However, it is worth remembering that any beer is absorbed too quickly by the body, which leads to the appearance of excess weight. Excessive enthusiasm even for a non-alcoholic product can lead to varicose veins, hormonal imbalance.

However, scientific studies were carried out, during which the anticarcinogenic properties of non-alcoholic beverages were revealed, but it is too early to talk about the real help of this product in the fight, say, with tumors.

Behind the wheel

One of the reasons for the popularity of non-alcoholic beer lies in the ability to drink a bottle or two while driving. The minimum percentage of alcohol in this drink will not cloud the mind and will not show up in the blood during the test.To get drunk, you need to drink several tens of liters. But remember about the smell - if you are stopped, you will have to prove that you are not drunk.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Another category of non-alcoholic beer connoisseurs is pregnant and lactating women. So they can feel on the same wavelength as the rest in a cheerful company or at a festive table. However, unlike drivers, it is not a harmless product for moms. It still contains alcohol, albeit in small quantities, and this may be enough to harm the child. In addition to alcohol, various harmful additives and preservatives may be present in the composition, and they may be even worse than degrees.

Table of contents:

1. Elite beers
2. Non-alcoholic beer varieties
3. The strongest beers
4. The best beers in the world

Beer is not only the most popular low-alcohol drink, but also one of the most delicious drinks in the world. At least, this is exactly what his huge army of fans claims. The taste and other qualities of this product strongly depend on the variety, brand, preparation and storage conditions.

Elite beers

As a rule, elite beers are produced by small breweries, whose products are not exported. Such beer should be brewed by masters with knowledge of ancient traditions. Elite beers include the following:

• Nail Brewing's Antarctic Nail Ale is an Australian beer, the proceeds of which go to the needs of the rarest marine animals. This drink was brewed in very limited quantities. The finished product was enough for only 30 bottles. The cost of one bottle is from 800 to 1900 dollars. For its production, the Nail Brewing brewery brought a batch of the purest ice from the Arctic. After it was kindled, the resulting water was used to create beer. This beer is rightfully called the oldest and purest in the world, because it contains 90% of the water that has been in its original form for several millennia in a row.
• Vielle Bon Secours is one of the most expensive in the world. One bottle of beer costs $ 1,000. It is brewed only by one London mini-brewery - Bierdrome. It is considered by the people of Great Britain to be the finest work of humanity. The recipe for this drink is kept in the strictest confidence. Despite the fact that the whole world considers the population of London a bit stingy, the city annually receives solid revenue from the sale of this particular beer.
• Samuel Adams ’Utopias - beer with the original name“ Utopia ”can also be safely ranked among the most expensive and elite beers in the world. The drink sells for $ 100 per bottle. However, such a rather big price also includes the design of this unusually strong beer. The strength of the beer is about 25 percent. Therefore, despite the high cost, fans of softer tastes may not like it.
• Beer of Tutankhamun. Beer names very often originate from the place where it was first brewed or in honor of the person who brewed it. Tutankhamen Brew is prepared according to the recipe of the ancient inhabitants of Egypt, which reached our masters through many centuries. The recipe was deciphered by scientists from Cambridge. The most famous brewers of Scotland and Newcastle were invited to brew the drink. One bottle goes for $ 75-275.

• Hacker-Pschorr Weisse Dark and Hacker-Pschorr Weisse Kristall, both produced by Hacker-Pschorr Brauerei. This famous Bavarian brand was founded in 1417. Weisse Kristall is called a white wheat beer with a characteristic weak fruity aroma, while Weisse Dark is a dark wheat beer with a classic taste familiar to many.
• Beren-Weizen is a German beer that is produced at the BARENBRAU Herborn brewery. It is an unfiltered beverage with a light banana flavor.
• Beren-Radler is a light refreshing drink that consists of half of the famous Pilsner and half of regular lemonade.
• Burragorang Bock Beer - Bock is an Australian beer that has a mild aroma characterized by notes of sweet toffee.
• Coopers Best Extra Food Stout is an Australian stout drink. This is a strong, buttery and slightly stringy type of beer.
• Saku Originaal is an Estonian beer that has been produced here since 1993. This drink is characterized by a classic mild taste and amber color.
• Kilikia is an Armenian beer, which is also called elite by the residents of Russia. This beer is distinguished by a special bitterness, as well as fragrant aroma and high hop content.
• Bouquet of Chuvashia is another Russian elite beer that has become the hallmark of the Chuvash brewery. This transparent-looking beer has a unique bouquet of flavors and aromas.

Video about the best beers

Non-alcoholic beer varieties

Non-alcoholic beers are also very popular. Not everyone and not always are allowed to drink alcohol. Thanks to the quality beers, beer aficionados can indulge in their favorite drink anytime, anywhere. By the way, non-alcoholic beer also contains alcohol residues, which the producers still have not been able to get rid of. So, traces of alcohol in such drinks can range from 0.2 to 1.5 percent of the volume. The best varieties of non-alcoholic include:

• Jever - Fun. Produced by the German brewery Jever. Due to the malt content and correct carbonation, the taste profile of this drink is very close to the alcoholic taste. Only those who do not like excessive bitterness need to be more careful.
• Bavaria Malt. This non-alcoholic beer is produced under a Dutch license. The peculiarity of this drink is that the producers position it as the only completely non-alcoholic beer, in confirmation of which there are all the necessary certificates. People who drink alcoholic draft beer just because of their taste claim that this is a good alternative to their favorite intoxicated drinks.
• Maisel's Weisse - Alkoholfrei. Another German "non-alcoholic wheat" produced by the Gebr brewery.

• Stella Artois - Non Alcohol. This is the Russian version of non-alcoholic beer. Belongs to European lagers, it is drunk easily and without extraneous aftertastes.
• Bayern Munich Premium Malta. This non-alcoholic beer has a sweet aroma, distinct notes of malt and apples, as well as a delicate and subtle aftertaste.
• Siberian crown. It also produces non-alcoholic beer, which is made according to old technologies that allow preserving the taste of the brand and its aroma.

The strongest beers

While some prefer lighter beers such as ales and lagers, others are looking for spirits. The strongest beers included the following:

• Armageddon. Brewmeister's beer is intimidating by its name alone. It contains 65% alcohol by volume. This drink can easily compete in its strength with real Scotch whiskey (for example, "Edradours" (about 65%) or "Laphroaig's Quarter Cask" (about 62%)). Incredibly, this beer is both soft and bitter, without a pronounced alcoholic aftertaste.
• Start The Future produced a brewery from Holland called T'koelschip. Beer "Beginning of the Future" is distinguished by 60% alcohol by volume. It has a pale amber color and a rather strong alcoholic aroma. If we talk about the aftertaste, it is viscous, with characteristic fruity notes and a floral aftertaste.
• "Schorschbräu". Produced by Germany. 57% alcohol by volume. This drink resembles German bitumen - bitter, tart and, most likely, not useful for internal organs. Beer burns your mouth like a good peaty whiskey. Beer immediately overloads all 5 senses, which is why connoisseurs of something new and original like it.
• Scottish beer "Brew Dog". 55% alcohol by volume. This beer is not only one of the strongest in the world, but also one of the most expensive. One bottle can cost £ 500. Not only the price and strength of the beer amazes, but also the design. The bottles were completely devoid of stickers. Instead, they began to be inserted into stuffed animals.
• "Schorschbräu". German beer. 43% alcohol by volume. The beer is poured without the formation of at least some foam. The shade of the drink ranges from light brown to extra dark. The beer itself is oily, viscous, like an excellent wine, dripping down the edges of the glass for an extremely long time if you shake it. The strong taste has notes of caramel and woody malt. If we talk about the aftertaste, it is bittersweet and strong.

Videos about the best beers in the world

The best beers in the world

The best beer in the world is a relative concept that is based on personal taste and preferences. However, which beers are better than others? What breweries and beers do beer fans prefer? So, the most popular varieties include:

• Aphrodisiaque. Produced in the Canadian town of Montreal. The beer is distinguished by the taste and aroma of vanilla, Bourbon whiskey, dark chocolate, and roasted malt. Beer connoisseurs and brewers claim that this beer is very soft, with a slightly increased strength (6.5%).
• Saison Bernice. The California version of the finest varieties in the world. The drink is dry and refreshing. It included many yeast additives, with which the beer matured longer in the container. Additives give the drink a slightly bitter tint. Fortress - 6.5%.
• Beer Geek Breakfast. The best beer in all of Denmark. This beer is classified as dark. A quarter of its ingredients are oat-based products. Tastes good, reminiscent of coffee. The manufacturer recommends drinking it for breakfast, as its strength (7.5%) and coffee taste make the morning especially pleasant and cheerful.

• What Is Enlightenment. The Vermont Brewery developed this beer in honor of its second anniversary. Exquisite taste is achieved due to the presence of citrus components in the drink. Fortress 5.4%.
• Westbleteren extra. Belgian beer with a dark brown color. It is sold only in the monastery of Trappist monks, who produce the drink. The production process involves berries of currants, blackberries, as well as chocolate and malt. Fortress - 8%.

True connoisseurs can amuse themselves with these sorts of beer. As you can see, the best beers can satisfy the needs of those who prefer light, dark, strong, light, as well as non-alcoholic beer.

Do you like beer? What kind or brand of beer do you like the most, and why? Share your opinion in the comments.

Which non-alcoholic beer best suits the taste needs of the most demanding sommeliers without driving them into a state of unrestrained fun? Pros and cons of beer for non-drinkers, as well as a rating of the most favorite brands at your service.

True connoisseurs of taste are probably familiar with the situation when you really want to drink another bottle of foam, but the situation simply does not allow you to go into a drunken state. Now there is a way out - non-alcoholic beer! But is it as good at satisfying the needs of the gourmet as regular (alcoholic) beer does? It is precisely on this basis that disagreements often arise among fans of alcoholic beverages. Also, many are worried about the question: "Will the breathalyzer show a high blood alcohol content if you drink a couple of cans of non-alcoholic?" Before giving answers to these and many other questions, it is necessary to know what exactly alcohol-free beer is.

What does "non-alcoholic" mean?

To begin with, it is worth explaining that intoxicating, which is now so actively advertised before football matches, saying that it delivers maximum pleasure without any consequences, still contains alcohol. But there is not so much of it that, having emptied one bottle, you can get drunk to delirium tremens. Typically, the content of ethyl alcohol in non-alcoholic beer does not exceed one and a half percent, while in ordinary hop alcohol it is 4-11% of the total.

So why does a drink labeled "Alcohol free" still contain a small fraction of the ill-fated alcohol? The fact is that beer, if of course it is natural, is made from hops, and the brewing process itself is certainly accompanied by the natural release of ethyl alcohol. Therefore, its formation cannot be completely avoided.

But you can reduce the amount of ethanol released in three ways:

• Using a low temperature, lower than that at which alcohol boils;
• With dialysis. It is also called the membrane method;
• Oppressing the fermentation process of the product. Here, two methods are involved at once - lowering the temperature and special yeast that prevents the conversion of maltose into alcohol.

The second method is the most advanced. This can be judged by the taste of non-alcoholic beer brewed using this method. Another question is what is the benefit and what is the harm of foam without alcohol. On the one hand, the ingredients are the same as in alcoholic beer, which means that the taste and aroma should not be very different. On the other hand, a special treatment that eliminates excess ethanol can endow the drink with compounds that are deposited in the body over time and cause various diseases. Although, in terms of benefits and harms, non-alcoholic drinking is not much different from its alcoholic "brother".

back to content ↑ Non-alcoholic beer brands

In fact, people learned to get a hoppy drink with a negligible low ethanol content a long time ago, about 35 years ago. But the official one from the leading manufacturing brands took over the TV screens quite recently. Today, low-alcohol hop products are sold under dozens of different brands.

Let's list the most famous of them:

1. Stella Artois is a popular Belgian brewing company. It is engaged in the production of both low-alcohol and conventional alcoholic beverages. A distinctive feature is the low content (0.5%) of ethanol in drinks marked "Alcohol free". Moreover, the taste and aroma remain at their best;
2. Baltika №0. Domestic brewing company. Makes intoxicated drinks without alcohol, or rather with a strength of 0.5%;
3. Beck's non alcoholic. German manufacturer of light frothy beer with a minimum degree;
4. FAXE Free. Manufacturer from Denmark. Has its own patented method of preparing non-alcoholic pleasure, which allows you to monitor the concentration of alcohol in the prepared product;
5. Samichlaus Classic - Austrian brewing corporation;
6. Another popular brand of low-alcohol hop products. Country of origin - Germany.

In part, foreign brands are represented here, but there are a decent number of lesser-known domestic producers of hop soft drinks:

1. Bavaria premium Malta.
2. Amstel non alcoholic - there is a brewery in St. Petersburg. Manufactured under the control of the Heineken joint factories.
3. Sibirskaya Korona is a Russian company specializing in the production of delicious beer for those who do not like to drink.
4. Beliy Medved is a Moscow brewery. Produces delicious low-alcohol beer, which is not inferior to its counterparts in taste and aroma.

back to content ↑ What is the most popular beer

So now it's time to find out which non-alcoholic beer is most often preferred by alcoholic drink fans around the world.

For clarity, below is a rating of ten participants:

1. First place goes to a contestant named Jever Fun. This is a real non-alcoholic beer with an exquisite and delicate taste from German brewers. One sip is enough to forever remember this rare and so pleasant taste.
2. The second place is deservedly received by the applicant of Austrian origin by the name of Schloss Eggenberg. The mild taste has a slightly sour aftertaste of wort and pine sawdust, but if you put tasting preferences out of your head, you enjoy each subsequent sip.
3. The favorite of football fans and just a good drink "Bavaria" Malta stopped in the third position. Of course, the specific flavor of non-alcoholic is present, but it does not stand out so much. In general, the drink is good, especially when something stronger cannot be drunk.
4. Maisel's Weisse is a German-made frothy wheat beer. Pleasant aroma, tart specific taste - that's why this drink took the fourth place. An excellent choice if drinking regular alcohol is not possible.
5. The Belgian brand Stella Artois, which has risen to the fifth line in the rating of the best non-intoxicating hop-based drinks, offers quite tasty non-alcoholic beer. If you haven't tried Stella Artois non alconolic yet, you should do it. Believe me, you will not regret it.
6. The sixth line of the charts is rightfully given to the Dutch Buckler - Non-Alcoholic produced by the world famous Heineken corporation. This drink is best consumed cold. Otherwise, its original taste is unlikely to please itself.
7. The seventh place is given to the domestic beer Baltika N ° 0. It should be noted that it is prepared according to the most innovative method at the moment - by dialysis, which contributes to the preservation of the taste obtained during the fermentation of wheat malt.
8. The non-alcoholic Clausthaler Classic from the German brand Binding-Brauerei was also included in the top 10 of the best alcohol-free drinks. Not expensive, with a good aftertaste, in general, excellent middle class foam.
9. Finishing the rating, one cannot fail to mention such a wonderful specimen as Paulaner - Hefe-Weißbier Non-Alcoholic. Foamy wheat will be an excellent addition during sports broadcasts, evening gatherings with friends, and simply fill life with bright colors without serious consequences.
10. Non-alcoholic beer Besser, produced by the Barnaul brewery, ends the hit parade of the most popular and proven hop products with a low and very low percentage of ethyl alcohol.

Thus, if you want to feel the unique taste and smell of foamy light, or the aroma of dark beer that will be remembered for a long time, but you do not want to spoil your health with an excessive dose of ethanol, then non-alcoholic intoxicating is for you. Moreover, now supermarket shelves provide ample opportunities for choosing the most "real" drink, almost completely similar to standard beer with a strength of 4-11%.

Some prefer varieties of only German production, considering them the best, while others stick to one favorite brand. Which of them really gives the maximum pleasure is a purely individual matter. Everyone has their own taste, so all the arguments and discussions about any drinks, from tea to vodka, do not make sense. Baltika, Amstel, Gold barrel, Heineken - what will you like the most?