I Make Beer

Non-Alcoholic Beer: Trends and Homebrewing Tips

Non-alcoholic beer is having a moment. Once relegated to the back of the beer aisle, these beverages are now front and center in craft breweries and major retailers alike. The shift isn’t just about cutting alcohol; it’s about creating high-quality, flavorful options for beer enthusiasts who want to enjoy a pint without the buzz. But what does this trend mean for homebrewers? Is non-alcoholic brewing the next frontier? Check out my YouTube channel here for more tips on brewing non-alcoholic beer.

Challenges and Rewards of Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer at Home

For homebrewers, making non-alcoholic beer is both a challenge and an opportunity. Traditional brewing processes are designed to produce alcohol, so removing it requires innovation. Here are some approaches:

• Boil-Off Method: This involves brewing a regular beer and then heating it to remove alcohol. However, it risks losing some of the beer’s delicate flavors.
• Controlled Fermentation: Using specialized yeasts or adjusting fermentation temperatures to produce less alcohol while retaining flavor.
• Vacuum Distillation: A more advanced technique that removes alcohol under lower temperatures, preserving the beer’s character.

Tips for Homebrewers Starting with Non-Alcoholic Beer

1. Start Simple: Try brewing a malt-forward style like a non-alcoholic amber ale or a stout. These styles are more forgiving when experimenting.
2. Experiment with Yeast: Look for yeast strains specifically designed for low-alcohol brewing, such as Fermentis SafBrew LA-01, Lallemand’s WildBrew™ Sour Pitch (for sour styles), Lallemand’s LalBrew LoNa or other strains marketed for low or no-alcohol beers. You can find them here or here.
3. Focus on Flavor: Use high-quality malts, hops, and adjuncts to ensure your beer has a robust flavor profile.
4. Invest in Equipment: If you’re serious about non-alcoholic brewing, consider tools like a sous-vide immersion circulator for precise heating or a vacuum pump for distillation.

Bridging Traditional and Non-Alcoholic Brewing

For seasoned homebrewers, transitioning to non-alcoholic beer can reignite creativity. It’s an opportunity to explore new techniques and cater to a growing audience of non-alcoholic beer fans. Sharing your experiments and results with others can also foster a sense of community and innovation in the homebrewing world.

My Upcoming Non-Alcoholic Brewing Project

With Dry January coming up, in one of my upcoming YouTube videos, I plan on making a non-alcoholic Pilsner. I’ll be using the alternate yeast method to control fermentation and reduce alcohol production while maintaining the beer’s flavor profile. Additionally, I’ll touch on the importance of pasteurizing non-alcoholic beer to ensure it is shelf-stable and safe to enjoy. This will be an exciting experiment and a great opportunity to dive deeper into the nuances of non-alcoholic brewing. Don’t miss my upcoming video on brewing a non-alcoholic Pilsner—subscribe to my channel here!

Closing Thoughts

The popularity of non-alcoholic beer is a testament to the evolving tastes of beer drinkers worldwide. For homebrewers, it’s a chance to push boundaries and explore a relatively untapped market. Whether you’re looking to brew your first batch or perfect your technique, the world of non-alcoholic beer is ripe with possibilities.

• Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for updates on my brewing adventures.
• Join the conversation on my Facebook page or drop your thoughts in the comments below.

What are your thoughts on brewing non-alcoholic beer? Have you tried it, or do you have tips to share? Let’s keep the conversation brewing!