Alcohol-Free Heineken
Ok well, this brewer probably doesn’t need an introduction given Heineken’s impressive global coverage. Like a number of other large global brewers, Heineken has released an alcohol-free version of their lager and poured significant dollars into its promotion … let us welcome to My Dry Bar, Heineken Zero; one of nine different low to no alcoholic drinks to choose from.
According to online sources, Heinken Zero is created by brewing two different beers, removing the alcohol and then blending them to form the final product with an ABV of just 0.05%. They use similar ingredients (such as hop extract, barley malt and water) but there are some subtle changes to the recipe.
As someone who enjoys a ‘full-fat Heiney’ from time to time I am going to be quite the critic on this beer. So is this worthy of a place on My Dry Bar? Well, you’ll just need to read my review below.
Is Alcohol-free Heinken any good?
Taste
If you’re looking for a similar taste to alcoholic Heinken then Heineken Zero is a good choice. It has that refreshing malty, fruity taste that we all know and love. The one thing missing for me though is the bitter edge as this is quite a bit sweeter than a traditional lager. That said it is pretty tasty with tight carbonation and a decent body. I managed to get through three bottles of Heienken Zero with no problem.
Aroma & Appearance
The aroma of Heineken Zero is very similar to the alcoholic version with hops being the dominant smell. In the glass, it pours out with a golden amber colour and a low-level head that lingers for a few minutes.
Bonus points
Heineken Zero is going to be a crowd-pleaser given it is pretty low in calories (just 69 per bottle) and is vegan friendly. That said, if you are a gluten-free drinker you may want to avoid this beer. It is also one of the most available alcohol-free beers around and you can find it quite easily on supermarket shelves as well as online specialists
Buy alcohol-free Heineken?
At the time of writing, you can find this alcohol-free beer at most supermarkets and online beer specialist retailers including those below.
The Dry Drinker is a great allrounder when it comes to alcohol-free drinks with a great range of wines, beers and spirits.
COST (at time of publication) – £15 x 8 bottles
Proof No More is a great new alcohol-free retailer that brings all the latest and greatest beers, spirits and more to your door. Check out their extensive collection of non-alcoholic drinks.
COST (at time of publication) – $2.50 per bottle
Key information
per 330 ml serving
Brewery – Heineken
Country – Netherlands
Alcohol content – 0.05%
Calories – 69
Ingredients – water, malted barley, hop extract, natural flavourings, yeast
Vegan friendly? – yes
Gluten-free? – no
Availability – easy
Alcoholic Heineken vs Heinken Zero
If you read the review above you’ll see the Heineken Zero is actually a very decent alternative to ‘full fat’ Heineken. Both beers are refreshing and light and very drinkable. The main difference you’ll notice is that the non-alcoholic version is somewhat sweeter than its rival but this is likely due to alcoholic Heineken coming in at 5% ABV whilst Heineken Zero is 100 times lower at 0.05%. On the nose, you’ll struggle to tell the difference with both being pretty hoppy and fruity. Overall Heinkenen has done a good job to replicate their beloved beer for alcohol-free drinkers.
“Always do sober what you said you’d do when you were drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.“
-Ernest Hemingway, 1899 – 1961
