Small Beer Lager
DRINK SUMMARY
Name – Small Beer Lager
Producer – Small Beer Brew
Type – non-alcoholic beer
Alcohol content – 2.1%
MyDryBar Rating – 72/100
Drink review – Overall Small Beer Lager is a tasty, refreshing low-alcohol lager that is perfect for summer BBQs and lazy days under the sun.
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Small Beer’s lager is the second Small Beer drink I’ve had (last year tried their pale ale which was pretty tasty) so I am gradually getting through their collection; others being an IPA and a Hazy IPA.
If you did not manage to read my previous review Small Beer Brew Co. is a UK-based brewer who focuses on brewing low-ABV beers from their London establishment. By low alcohol, I mean less than 3% ABV.
Small Beer Lager is more reminiscent of a classic Pilsner in its style. It is brewed with the finest ingredients and achieves a ABV of just 2.1% yet still packs great flavour and is low in calories. I am quite getting into these beers that are not big alcoholic beasts but still give you subtle mellowness.
The question is does Small Beer make a BIG statement or is it a shrinking violet? Well, you’ll just need to read my review below.
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Is Small Beer lager ale any good?
Taste
This is another great low-alcohol beer from Small Beer. With this lager, you get some sweet barley notes with a refreshing hop finish. The balance of flavours along with perfect le els of carbonation certainly produce a lager I’ll be coming back to.
Aroma & Appearance
This lager doesn’t pack a punch like the pale ale but you still get a nose full of hoppy goodness. In the glass, Small Beer pours with a light amber look and a low head.
Bonus points
Again just want to point out the cool graphics they use to adorn their bottles … simple and meaningful. Also worth pointing out that Small Beer is B Corp Certified brewery (which means they are a socially and environmentally responsible business. Small Beer Lager is suitable for vegans but not gluten-free drinkers and availability-wise pretty common in the UK but harder abroad.
Buy Small Beer Lager
At the time of writing, you can find this on a few supermarket shelves including Waitrose, as well as on Small Beer’s site.

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| Beer | Style | ABV | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stiegl Grapefruit Radler | Radler | 2.0% | 80 | Summer drinking |
| Small Beer IPA | IPA | 2.3% | 72 | Craft beer fans |
| Small Beer Lager | Lager | 2.1% | 69 | Everyday drinking |
| Little Swine | Pale Ale | 2.8% | 67 | Pub-style beer lovers |
| Small Pale Ale | Ale | 2.5% | 66 | Session drinking |
Scores are based on MyDryBar reviews and may change as new beers are reviewed.
Key information
– per 330ml
Type – lager
Brewery – Small Beer Brew Co
Country – UK
Alcohol content – 2.1%
Ingredients – Water, malted barley, oats, hops and yeast
Calories – 73
Vegan friendly? – yes
Gluten-free? – no
Availability UK / EU – medium
Availability US / CAN – hard

Small Beer Lager FAQ
What is Small Beer Lager?
Small Beer Lager is a low-alcohol lager brewed at 2.1% ABV by Small Beer Brew Co. It is designed to offer the flavour and refreshment of a traditional lager while containing significantly less alcohol.
What does Small Beer Lager taste like?
Small Beer Lager delivers crisp malt flavours, gentle biscuit notes and a clean, refreshing finish. It has a fuller body than many alcohol-free lagers thanks to its low-alcohol brewing process.
Is Small Beer Lager alcohol-free?
No. Small Beer Lager contains 2.1% ABV, making it a low-alcohol beer rather than an alcohol-free beer.
How many calories are in Small Beer Lager?
Small Beer Lager contains fewer calories than a standard-strength lager, making it a popular choice for those looking to moderate their alcohol and calorie intake.
Does Small Beer Lager taste like a normal lager?
Yes. One of the advantages of low-alcohol beer is that some alcohol remains in the finished product, helping preserve flavour, body and mouthfeel. As a result, Small Beer Lager feels closer to a traditional lager than many alcohol-free alternatives.
What food pairs well with Small Beer Lager?
Small Beer Lager pairs particularly well with:
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Fish and chips
- BBQ food
- Roast chicken
- Salty snacks
- Light pasta dishes
How should Small Beer Lager be served?
Serve well chilled between 3–5°C in a lager or pilsner glass for maximum refreshment.
How does Small Beer Lager compare to alcohol-free lager?
Small Beer Lager offers more body and depth than many alcohol-free lagers thanks to its 2.1% ABV. Drinkers looking for the closest experience to traditional beer often prefer low-alcohol options like Small Beer.
Who is Small Beer Lager best suited for?
It’s ideal for people who want to reduce their alcohol intake without completely giving up beer. It works particularly well for social occasions, long sessions and midweek drinking.
Is Small Beer Lager vegan?
Yes. Small Beer Lager is generally considered vegan-friendly and suitable for plant-based diets.
Is Small Beer Lager worth buying?
If you’re looking for a low-alcohol lager that retains much of the flavour and body of traditional beer, Small Beer Lager is one of the better options available and a strong choice for mindful drinkers.
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