Unltd Lager Review – Lager That’s Good For You?

February 19, 2023 Cameron Mackenzie

Dry January may be over, but it’s never too late to highlight a non-alcoholic beer.

Founded by Johnny Johnson after he made the decision to stop drinking, Unltd. lager prides itself on being a healthy alternative alcohol-free beer that’s low in calories, low in carbs, high in vitamins and gluten free. So far, so good. But how is this all achieved?

Let’s start with the ingredients. Unltd. lagercontains barley malt, water, hops, oats, wheat, yeast and maltodextrin (one for the science bods out there, this is an additive commonly found in foods and is used here to aid head retention and body).

As for how it’s made, the brewers create a low alcohol from the off, instead of making a full strength beer, then removing the alcohol. This technique allows the brewers to keep the alcohol to a small 0.5% ABV, and keep the flavour at 100% proof.

It’s also low in sugar, with an impressive 0.3g per 100ml. Combine that with 1.6g of carbs per 100ml and a total of seven calories, and you’re looking at an impressively low calorie non-alcoholic beer.

The smell is a nice mixture of caramel and honey, with hints of lemon.

Appearance wise, Unltd. lager comes packaged in a sleek black bottle with minimalist branding. It looks great when poured, with lots of foam giving way to an enticingly warm amber colour.

Unltd. lager has a balanced and uncomplicatedtaste, with notes of honey and caramelised sugar. Impressive considering the low sugar content. It’s an easy drink, with very little bitterness and a medium body that doesn’t feel too syrupy or gassy (thank you, maltodextrin).

Johnny Johnson states on the Unltd. lagerwebsite he wanted to create a “low-calorie craft beer with all the flavour of full strength beer.”

Based on this tasting, he isn’t far off his mission statement. It’s also worth noting that Unltd. lagerwon Gold in the European Beer Challenge awards 2020, 2021, and 2022. They also won a respectable bronze in the World Beer Awards UK 2021, and SIBA Independent Beer Awards that same year.

In summary, Unltd lager is a non-alcoholicalternative that’s easy to drink, with enough flavour to feel like you’re drinking a full strength beer. It’s got a good balance between sweet and bitter, making it a great choice for a session.

The craft beer drinkers among you will enjoy thisone, dry January or not.

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