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or a long time, the nonalcoholic beer category was the lowest of the low and generally offered a miserable beverage experience. As quality has improved along with the science, the category has increased significantly allowing well-crafted products to have an alternative place in the hands or glasses of consumers who may sometimes want to enjoy something without alcohol or even those people who like the taste of beer, but for whatever reason, are avoiding alcohol. Here in Canada, products with less than 1.1 percent alcohol by volume can state that they are alcohol free on the label, and can also be sold at grocery stores or other stores that don’t have an alcohol license. It’s worth repeating, these products have little to no alcohol, which is part of what makes beer a beer, so in some ways they could be “missing” something on the palate. Partake Brewing India Pale Ale (0.3 percent), Canada One of the best non-alcholic beers around, the solid hop presence on the nose is always promising, and the fruitiness and bitterness of the hops on the palate make up for a number of the shortcomings of lowalcohol beer. Again, crisp and refreshing for those that like an IPA fairly hoppy. CSPC +827811 4-pack cans, $9-10
32 Culinaire | April 2021
Refreshing
Non Alcoholic Beers Svaneke Organic Pale Ale (less than 0.5 percent), Denmark Really quite tasty and with a deep, bready, and expressive nose and palate. In the glass, where the true battle is won, this is barely recognizable as having no alcohol and has a pleasing and tasty palate. Best of all is the crisp and lively finish. Organic too, if that helps sway you. CSPC +839395 500 mL bottle $5-6
Nøgne Stripped Craft Alcohol Free Lime Infused Ale (0 percent alcohol), Norway While this certainly has the ale part locked down, it’s what has been added that makes this stand out, not what is missing. A good, lighter-bodied ale is brought to life by the tart lime notes from the lime juice and lime zest. I’d drink this as a nice dry alternative to a beer almost any day of the week. CSPC +1396913 330 mL bottle, $4
Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc Alcohol Free (0.5 percent), France A flavoured, alcohol-free beer with a great mouthfeel and a rather coconut-driven, tropical flavour to go with the citrus and coriander. Honestly, the lack of alcohol was rather subtle, making for an almost coolerlike experience rather than a beer alternative. CSPC +826216 6-pack bottles, $15-16
Village Local Non-Alcoholic Stout (0.1 percent), Alberta From Calgary’s Village Brewery, the Local is a rich stout showing off espresso bean and mild hop notes. On the palate, it’s got the weight and flavours you’d expect, but without the alcohol; in many regards it tastes like a black lager. Rather refreshing. CSPC +830310 4-pack cans, about $12
