How to Choose Craft Non-Alcoholic and Low Alcohol Beers
Craft non-alcoholic beers are a world apart from the big industrial brands. Quality ingredients, innovative processes, and attention to taste make them the best choice for those who don’t want to give up craft complexity while eliminating alcohol.
Why Choose a Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer?
- More character: craft breweries experiment with malts, hops, and techniques to achieve real complexity.
- Selected ingredients: no compromise on the quality of raw materials.
- Diverse styles: IPA, Stout, Weiss, Saison — not just lager.
- Transparent process: craft breweries communicate how they produce and dealcoholize.
The Best Craft Breweries Specializing in Non-Alcoholic Beers
Athletic Brewing (USA)
The most famous American brewery in the non-alcoholic segment. They produce only non-alcoholic beers with a proprietary process that preserves aromas and body. Their Run Wild IPA has become a global reference.
BrewDog — Nanny State (UK)
BrewDog launched Nanny State as a craft response to industrial non-alcoholics: hoppy, aromatic, with citrus and tropical notes. One of the most appreciated non-alcoholic IPAs in Europe.
Italian Breweries
The Italian scene is growing rapidly. More and more Italian craft breweries offer non-alcoholic or low alcohol versions of their most loved styles, often with local and seasonal ingredients.
Craft Styles to Look For
- Non-alcoholic IPA: hoppy, citrusy, bitter — the most requested in the craft segment
- Craft non-alcoholic Lager: more body and character compared to industrial ones
- Non-alcoholic Weiss: fruity, banana notes, refreshing
- Non-alcoholic Stout: coffee and chocolate notes, surprisingly full-bodied
- Session IPA (low alcohol): low ABV with all the hoppy character
- Non-alcoholic Saison: spicy, fruity, ideal for food pairings
How to Recognize a Good Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer
- Declared method: cold dealcoholization or limited fermentation — avoid those who don’t specify
- Ingredients: quality malts, aromatic hops, no additives
- Freshness: craft beers degrade faster — check the date
- Specialized brewery: those who make only non-alcoholics tend to do better
Want to compare calories and industrial brands? Read the comparison of the most famous brands →
Discover the selection of craft non-alcoholic beers on Maltese — the best Italian and international labels, shipping throughout Italy. 🍺
