Some who have discovered alcohol free beer feel that it is a safe, tasteful, and harmless alternative to its big brother. To those who prefer the older version, the brew masters’ child is an illegitimate one that lacks the full-bodied flavor and bite of regular beer. Although some of these arguments may have merit, low alcohol beers are still worth consideration by some.
What Non-Alcoholic Beer Is and Isn’t
Non-alcoholic or NA beer actually dates back to at least 1919 when it was introduced in the United States during prohibition as “near beer.” Since that time there have been many misconceptions as to what it is or isn’t.
- The term is, itself, a misnomer. It, like a nicotine free cigarette, does not really exist. All true NA beers have an alcohol content of up to 0.5 %. However, this percentage is no more than what is found in some processed foods and fruit juices.
- NA beer is not the same creature as “light beer” (3.5% - 4%), “low-alcohol” or “point beer” (3.2%), or “small beer” (2.5%).
- It is also not a brew that is 0.0% alcohol free, such as Bavaria Malt from the Netherlands and others. Such products, sometimes called “cereal brews,” never involve alcohol in their manufacturing. This is unlike NA beer which begins as regular beer.
How Non-Alcoholic Beer Is Made
In simple terms, manufacturers take regularly brewed beer and then remove as much alcohol as possible to keep it at or below 0.5 %. The easiest way is to boil the alcohol out, but, since this would entirely ruin the flavor, one of two other methods is used.
- Vacuum distillation. The beer is put under a vacuum which allows the producer to boil the liquids at a lower temperature. This still distills off the alcohol, but leaves some flavor which is fortified by adding more hops and malts.
- Reverse osmosis. Using the same process used to purify drinking water, the beer is passed through a filter, leaving only alcohol and water. The alcohol is then distilled out of the alcohol-water mix and the syrupy mixture of sugars and flavor that were left on the other side of the filter are added back.
People For Whom Non-Alcoholic Beer Might Appeal
Although alcohol free beer can be tried by just about any adult, it probably would appeal most to people who fall into one of the following categories:
- Designated drivers
- Women who are pregnant or nursing
- People on medications that prohibit alcohol use
- People with diseases or illnesses that prohibit alcohol use
- People who like the taste of beer, but not the buzz or hangovers
- People who simply want a change of pace
- People whose moral values or religious training prohibit alcohol use
Can recovering alcoholics or those with long term drinking problems drink alcohol free beer? The debate is on-going. Some claim that although NA beer will not affect an alcoholic physically, it could affect him or her psychologically. A team of California scientists reported in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research that the smell or taste of beer alone could cause a relapse. Others, even some recovering alcoholics, disagree.
A good rule of thumb to follow would be: If a person has had five years of sobriety or less, or has qualms about using any alcohol tainted beverage, then leave NA beers alone.
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