Are you participating in #DryJanuary but still want to enjoy delicious drinks even though non-alcoholic? We've got you covered! We have a great selection of alcohol-free beers that offer a variety of flavors - from fruity and hoppy to rich and creamy. These brews are carefully crafted to satisfy your cravings while you stay dry this month. We believe that balance is key, and that's why we've curated a list of our favorite alcohol-free brews. Our team member, Sandro, is currently testing all of these beers and will share his full experience report with you at the end of the month. Stay tuned!
BRULO® (Scotland) - Lust For Life DDH IPA
The Beer:
BRULO®’s flagship beer is a double dry hopped IPA that features a generous amount of Citra, Simcoe, and Mosaic hops. These hops create a ripe, juicy flavor profile with notes of mango, peach, and pine. This beer offers a perfect #balance, with just the right amount of flavor, bitterness, and drinkability. It’s also low in calories, with only 56 Kcal per can. In a market filled with sweet non-alcoholic alternatives, this beer stands out for its unique profile. It’s refreshing and has an amazing balance of flavor, bitterness, and exceptional drinkability.
The Brewery:
BRULO® (formerly known as Coast Brewing Co) is a brewery from Edinburgh, #Scotland that produces excellent alcohol-free beers. The brewing process is done in collaboration with De Proefbrouwerij in #Belgium, which ensures a perfect blend of Scottish brewing excellence and Belgian craftsmanship. As a trailblazer in the world of alcohol-free beers, BRULO® takes pride in using all-natural and vegan-friendly ingredients to create innovative brews like Lust For Life and others.
Food pairing recommendation:
Grilled mango and peach skewers
Põhjala (Estonia) - Prenzlauer 0 Sour
The Beer:
Prenzlauer 0 by Põhjala is a non-alcoholic #sour beer from #Estonia that defies traditional beer norms. It is infused with raspberries that give it a burst of fruitiness, while its rich and creamy texture complements bold flavors and reveals citrusy undertones for added complexity. Despite its richness, it remains refreshingly zesty and can be enjoyed on any occasion. What makes this beer unique is that the usual overpowering sweetness of non-alcoholic beers is perfectly balanced by its acidity. It is also available in an alcoholic version, but there is almost no difference between the two. So, the next time you don't feel like drinking alcohol, this beer is an amazing option for you.
The Brewery:
Põhjala was founded in #Tallinn, Estonia at the end of 2011 by four Estonian beer enthusiasts and home brewers. They were then later joined by #Scottish brewer Chris Pilkington and released their first beer, an Imperial Baltic #Porter with the name "Öö", in 2013. They contract-brewed their beers in other breweries until in April 2014, when they opened their brewery in Tallinn. Because of the rising demand for their fantastic beers, they had to move to a bigger facility in 2018, where they now brew on a 50hl brew system. For us, Põhjala is one the most interesting breweries in the world, especially with their cellar series beers, which never disappoint. They also have a very nice #taproom with 120 seats and 24 taps, so go and visit them as soon as you have the chance.
Food pairing recommendation:
Beer Fondue
LägereBräu (Switzerland) - Stratos Hazy IPA
The Beer:
Stratos is a non-alcoholic #HazyIPA that was created through a collaboration between LägereBräu and Drinks of the World, a well-known store for beer and other drinks in Switzerland. This brew is bursting with flavor, thanks to the #Strata & #SorachiAce hops, which give it a refreshing and aromatic taste. Strata hops are known for their clean aromas and provide fruity notes of peach and subtle sharpness for a unique flavor profile. Meanwhile, Sorachi Ace, a Japanese hop variety, adds a distinctive citrusy character with hints of lemon and lime. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy the haze craze but without alcohol, especially during dry January.
The Brewery:
LägereBräu is a #Swiss brewery located in Wettingen, Aargau. The brewery was established in 2007, and since then, it has become well-known for its high-quality beers, including the award-winning Lagerbier. In fact, the Lagerbier was named Aargauer Beer of the Year in 2022. The brewery is situated on the Klosterhalbinsel in Wettingen, where it uses local ingredients such as Wettinger water, malt, hops, and yeast to create a unique and memorable beer experience. LägereBräu is committed to producing top-quality beers, and this dedication is reflected in its status as an active company with a history dating back to its foundation in 2007.
Food pairing recommendation:
Lemon-infused grilled shrimp
We tried three alcohol-free beers during this year's Dry January. Stay tuned for Sandro's complete article on the technical aspects, variety, and personal experience with non-alcoholic brews.
We would love to hear about your favorite booze-free beers, so please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Don't forget to book your Zurich Beer Tour through the booking page, where you'll have the chance to try some great beers on the tour. And if you are interested in organizing a non-alcoholic beer experience for your friends, family, or colleagues, we are happy to assist you, just get in touch.
Cheers from your Zurich Beer Tour guides!