I discovered Heineken 0.0 at a local Country Club. We were at a family trivia game night, where both food and drinks were served. To my surprise, the club had a limited selection of alcohol-free options (other than a Shirley Temple). I immediately noticed the Heineken 0.0 on the menu and had to try it. We didn’t win the trivia prize, but it was great to discover that the alcohol-free movement was really catching on. TLDR? Skip to our rating.
About Heineken
I love that International beer companies are also taking on the challenge of producing an non-alcoholic beer. As more options become available, choosing to be socially sober becomes more accepted. Heineken 0.0 also got their spotlight in a Superbowl commercial! This is especially exciting when it comes from Heineken, a brand that doesn’t have 100’s of flavors and variations from the original. So for the brand to introduce a wholly new line is a very good sign that the market is headed that way.
I also find it very interesting that Heineken is marketing this beer only to people of drinking age instead of trying to expand the market to a younger audience.
Dealcoholization process for Heineken Non Alcoholic Beer
Heineken uses the vacuum distillation method for removing alcohol from previously alcoholic beer. Heineken does say, “When we gently remove the alcohol, a part of the characteristic Heineken® flavor is evaporated. We bring back these characteristics with our premium quality flavor.” Although alcohol distillation does lose some of the flavors they correct the taste by adding back some flavors.
It’s interesting to note that, although most wines that use this process have a 0.5% ABV, Heinekin clearly states on its label that
“Heineken® 0.0 has an alcohol by volume of 0.0% and is classified as alcohol-free per the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Heineken® 0.0’s formula, alcohol content, and its label have been reviewed and approved by the TTB in accordance with the regulations applicable to alcohol free malt beverages.”
heineken.com
What does Heineken® 0.0 Taste Like?
Heineken® 0.0 tastes different from Heineken® lager beer. Heineken® 0.0 has the same characteristic fruity notes, but with a soft malty body… Heineken® 0.0 has a perfectly balanced taste with refreshing fruity notes and soft malty body
Heinekin clearly states on its website that the Nonalcoholic 0.0 beer DOES NOT taste identical to the original. They also admit that the recipe for the beer is also different. “We wanted to push the boundaries, so we gave our Master Brewers a blank sheet of paper and challenged them to brew a perfectly balanced alcohol-free malt beverage from scratch, made with top ingredients and a special process to protect the flavor.”
Heineken Non Alcoholic Beer Rating
Before I give my opinion on the taste, I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of beer. The hoppy taste and foamy bubbles are just not for me. However, I was definitely interested in trying it to see how it would stack up.
Honestly, if you didn’t tell me that this beer was non-alcoholic, I wouldn’t be able to tell you – well other than not having the side effects. Like traditional Heineken, the 0.0 was also a light amber beer. The hoppy taste was there and so were the foamy bubbles. For that, Heineken 0.0 definitely gets 3 Sips. If you’re a fan of traditional beer, this is a great alternative drink.
Nutritional Breakdown: 60 Calories Per 11.2 Oz. Serving, Calories 69, Fat 0G (Of Which Saturated 0 G), Carbohydrates 16 G (Of Which Sugars, 1.3 G), Protein, 0 G, Salt, <0.01 G
Ingredients: Water, Malted Barley, Hop Extract and Natural Flavor
Food Pairings: When I think of beer, I usually think of backyard barbeques, relaxing on the weekend, or a sporting event. So my food pairing would be burgers, ribs, or just delicious pizza.
Serve: Like a typical beer, this was served to me ice cold, and I drank it directly from the bottle – though they did offer a chilled glass.
Price: $2.49 / Can or $12.49 / 6 Pack
Where to buy Heineken 0.0 Alcohol-Free Beer
The great thing about already having an established brand is that you can easily leverage the distribution contacts you have in place. It’s the reason although many non-alcoholic beers were first to market, Heineken 0.0 is already in stores quicker. Plus, it’s much easier to add on non-alcoholic beverages, as they are not as regulated compared to their alcoholic counterparts. Aside from being able to order this at the country club, it’s available locally at my neighborhood grocery store.
I would also recommend you try this side by side with the traditional version to see if you can tell the difference.
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Main Image By: 🚨 Marco Verch is a Professional Photographer & Twitch Streamer from Cologne.