In recent years, low-alcohol beers have become a rising trend in the U.S., capturing nearly a third of the beer market. However, the concept actually dates back to medieval Europe. Back then, it stood out from high-quality beers like malt beer, lager, and stout, serving as a popular alternative to water for the common folk.
What Are Low ABV Beers?
In the U.S., low-ABV beers are typically those under 5%, while the EU defines them as beers with less than 1.2% ABV, with some up to 3.5% ABV being marketed as low-alcohol. Both regions classify beers with less than 0.5% ABV as alcohol-free.
Characteristics of Low ABV Beers
Light Flavor: With lower alcohol(ABV 0~4.5%), they often have a less intense taste than higher ABV beers.
Lower Calories: Due to the reduced alcohol content, low ABV beers tend to have fewer calories.
Refreshing: These beers are typically more sessionable, meaning you can enjoy more of them in one sitting without becoming overly intoxicated.
Types of Low ABV Beers
1.Session Beers: A style designed for long drinking sessions, with low ABV (typically 3-4%).
2.Light Lagers: Classic examples of low ABV beers, light in color and flavor.
3.Wheat Beers: Some wheat beers have a low ABV and refreshing qualities.
4.Pale Ales: There are light versions of pale ales with a lower ABV.
5.Non-Alcoholic Beers: These beers generally have an ABV below 0.5%, offering all the flavor with very little to no alcohol content.
How to Make Low ABV Beers
1.Use Less Malt: Reduce malt to lower alcohol content while maintaining flavor. Opt for light malts for fewer sugars.
2.Shorten Fermentation: Limit fermentation time and keep temperatures lower to control alcohol production.
3.Lower-Gravity Wort: Use wort with fewer fermentable sugars, ideally between 2.5% and 4.5% ABV.
4.Choose Yeast Wisely: Use yeast strains that produce clean flavors without aggressive fermentation.
5.Control Mash Temperature: Mash at 148-152°F to create unfermentable sugars.
6.Use Adjuncts: Add fruits, spices, or herbs for flavor complexity without extra alcohol.
Popular Low ABV Beers
|
Beer Name |
Brand |
ABV |
Calories per 12 oz |
Characteristics |
|
Freewave IPA (Non-Alcoholic) |
Lagunitas |
0.5% |
30 |
A non-alcoholic IPA with low ABV but still provides hoppy flavors. |
|
Budweiser Select 55 |
Budweiser |
2.4% |
55 |
Light, crisp, and low-calorie beer. Ideal for calorie-conscious drinkers. |
|
Schofferhofer Hefeweizens |
Schofferhofer |
2.5% |
90 |
A radler (beer + juice) that is refreshing and light, perfect for a summer drink. |
|
Stiegl Radler |
Stiegl |
2.5% |
90 |
An Austrian radler with flavors like lemon and grapefruit, very popular in summer. |
|
Paulaner Hefe Radler |
Paulaner |
2.5% |
95 |
Known for its lemony taste, a great choice on a hot day. |
|
Lindemans Framboise |
Lindemans |
2.5% |
140 |
A lambic beer with a delicious raspberry flavor, perfect for those who love fruity brews. |
|
Off Color Beerathon |
Off Color Brewing |
2.6% |
90 |
A tasty, low ABV beer from a Chicago-based brewery, great for refreshing drinking. |
|
Le Petit Prince |
Jester King |
2.9% |
90 |
A refreshing and flavorful beer, with low ABV but still complex. |
|
Miller 64 |
Miller Brewing |
2.8% |
64 |
A light beer with low alcohol, offering a crisp and refreshing taste. |
|
Miller Lite |
Miller Brewing |
4.2% |
96 |
Top-selling light beer, balanced flavor, and lower calorie count compared to regular beers. |
|
Lagunitas DayTime IPA |
Lagunitas |
4.0% |
98 |
Highly rated session IPA with tropical fruit flavors and a light body. |
|
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA |
Dogfish Head |
4.0% |
95 |
A low-calorie IPA with tropical and citrusy flavors, packed with hop character. |
|
Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale |
Dogfish Head |
4.1% |
140 |
A sour-style beer with citrusy notes, refreshing and slightly tart. |
|
Founders All Day IPA |
Founders Brewing |
4.7% |
140 |
A session IPA with bright citrus flavors, perfect for all-day drinking. |
|
Bell's Light-Hearted IPA |
Bell's Brewery |
3.7% |
110 |
A session IPA with fewer calories and a lighter ABV, great for those who enjoy hoppy beers. |
|
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale |
Sierra Nevada |
5.6% |
175 |
Craft beer at the higher end of the low ABV range, known for its hoppy and balanced flavor. |
|
Lucky Saint |
Lucky Saint |
0.0% |
50 |
A 0% ABV beer that still has the flavors and satisfaction of a traditional lager. |
|
Heineken Light |
Heineken |
3.3% |
99 |
A lighter version of Heineken with a slightly reduced ABV, great for casual drinking. |
|
Amstel Light |
Amstel |
3.5% |
95 |
A well-known light beer that offers a smooth, easy-to-drink experience. |
How to Store Low Alcohol Beer
To store low-alcohol beer, keep it in a cool, dark place, ideally at temperatures between 45-55°F (7-13°C). Avoid exposure to light and temperature fluctuations. For optimal freshness, use a dedicated beverage fridge, like a Ca'Lefort 15-inch-beer fridge, offering precise temperature control (within 1°F) and LOW-E glass (95% UV protection), ensuring your beer stays fresh and flavorful for longer.
