Small Beer Lager Review
A crisp and refreshing 2.1% lager with sweet barley, gentle citrus and enough body to feel closer to a full-strength pilsner.
Pros
Cons
Small Beer Lager Review
Small Beer Lager is the second beer I have tried from Small Beer Brew Co., following its enjoyable pale ale. The London brewery specialises in lower-strength beers below 3% ABV, aiming to preserve the flavour and body of traditional beer while reducing the amount of alcohol.
This 2.1% lager is brewed in a classic pilsner style. It pours a light amber colour with a modest head and gives off a gentle aroma of hops, malt and citrus. It is not as aromatic as the brewery’s pale ale, but it still smells clean and inviting.
The flavour is the strongest part of the drink. Sweet barley and light biscuit notes arrive first, followed by a refreshing hop finish and a subtle citrus bite. The carbonation is well judged, and the remaining alcohol helps provide a fuller mouthfeel than many 0.0% lagers.
Overall, Small Beer Lager is a tasty and highly drinkable low-alcohol beer. It is especially well suited to summer BBQs, midweek drinking and longer social occasions where a full-strength lager may feel too heavy.
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See how Small Beer Lager stacks up against other alcohol-free drinks — score, ABV, calories and more, side by side.
Best Served & Pairing
Best served:
Serve well chilled at around 3–5°C in a pilsner, lager or clean pint glass. Pour steadily to produce a modest head and release the light citrus and hop aromas.
Pairing recommendation:
Small Beer Lager pairs well with burgers, pizza, fish and chips, BBQ food, roast chicken, salty snacks and light pasta dishes. Its crisp finish also makes it a good match for mildly spicy food.
Where to buy alcohol-free beers
RetailerAmazon View → How Small Beer Lager Compares
| Beer | Score | Style | ABV | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Beer Lager | 72 | Low-alcohol pilsner | 2.1% | Balanced malt, citrus and crisp hops with a fuller lager body |
| Small Beer IPA | 72 | Low-alcohol IPA | 2.3% | A hoppier alternative for craft-beer drinkers |
| Small Beer Pale Ale | 66 | Low-alcohol pale ale | 2.5% | Fruitier and more aromatic, but less balanced overall |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Beer Lager?
Small Beer Lager is a low-alcohol pilsner-style lager brewed in London by Small Beer Brew Co.
Is Small Beer Lager alcohol-free?
No. It contains 2.1% ABV, so it is a low-alcohol or mid-strength beer rather than an alcohol-free beer.
What does Small Beer Lager taste like?
It has sweet barley, light biscuit and stone-fruit notes, followed by gentle citrus and a crisp hop finish.
Does Small Beer Lager taste like normal lager?
Yes. Its 2.1% ABV helps retain more body, mouthfeel and flavour than many completely alcohol-free lagers.
How many calories are in Small Beer Lager?
It contains 73 calories per 330ml can, which is approximately 22 calories per 100ml.
How many units of alcohol are in a can?
A 330ml can at 2.1% ABV contains approximately 0.7 UK units of alcohol.
Is Small Beer Lager vegan?
Yes. Small Beer confirms that the lager is suitable for vegans.
Is Small Beer Lager gluten-free?
No. The brewery says it contains less than 100 ppm gluten, but it is not classified or routinely tested as gluten-free and is not recommended for people with coeliac disease.
What ingredients are used?
The ingredients are water, malted barley, oats, hops and yeast.
Where is Small Beer Lager brewed?
It is brewed at Small Beer’s brewery in South Bermondsey, London.
How should Small Beer Lager be served?
Serve it well chilled at around 3–5°C in a pilsner or lager glass.
What food pairs well with it?
It works well with burgers, pizza, BBQ food, fish and chips, roast chicken, salty snacks and mildly spicy dishes.
Who is Small Beer Lager best suited to?
It suits people reducing their alcohol intake who still want the body and flavour of a conventional lager.
Is Small Beer Lager suitable for driving?
It still contains alcohol. Do not assume it is safe to drive after drinking it; the effect depends on quantity, timing and individual factors.
Is Small Beer Lager worth buying?
Yes. It is one of the more convincing lower-alcohol lagers, particularly for drinkers who do not require a completely alcohol-free beer.
⭐ MyDryBar Final Verdict
Small Beer Lager is a well-made, refreshing low-alcohol pilsner that combines sweet barley, gentle biscuit notes and a crisp hop finish. The 2.1% ABV gives it noticeably more body and authenticity than many fully alcohol-free lagers.
It will not suit drinkers who need a genuine 0.0% beer, and it is not classified as gluten-free. For everyone else, it is a strong choice for relaxed social drinking, BBQs and occasions when a standard lager feels too heavy.
Score: 72/100 – Decent
Would I buy it again? Yes.
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