It’s been a few years since I did a taste test on Japanese no-alcohol beers, and now that so many people are opting to get buff instead of blotto, I thought it might be time for a rematch! Last time, they were more like the food stand-ins that stylists use for photo shoots: looks like the real thing, but definitely NOT the real thing. Since then, though, not only technology, but demand, has improved. Surely they’ll be better now, I thought. Read on.
There are now craft beer options in this category, but a) it’s not that easy to find them, and b) they’re pricey, so I chose five from the big commercial brewers that are available in most bars, grocery stores and conbinis.
From the best to the worst: read on.
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Asahi Dry Zero
Asahi Dry Zero actually sort of tasted like beer—something I hoped wouldn’t have to pass as the highest compliment this time around (yet here we are)—so if you’re drinking it with food, it won’t actually detract from the experience.
Taste: B
Looks like real beer: B– The color is good, but like all these mass-produced no-alcohol beers, the head disappeared in less than a minute, and the carbonation is more bubbly than foamy.
Calories: 0
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Ryoma 1865 Malt Beverage
If you prefer your fake beer to supposedly deliver health benefits in addition to making it look like you’re keeping up with the bad boys, this Ryoma 1865 Malt Beverage is for you. It doesn’t taste much like beer, but it’s preservative-free, claims to have added vitamins and minerals, and has a respectable-looking can that saves you from having to explain to everyone why you’re not drinking.
Taste: B-
Looks like real beer: B- The head on this one disappeared just as fast as the others, but it looked more authentic before it disappeared.
Calories: 12
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Kirin Green’s Free
This one is touted as being made from three types of hops, which surprised me, since it doesn’t just have zero alcohol, it has zero flavor. In the depressing world of no-alcohol beer, however, that vaults it into the top three. At least it doesn’t taste terrible. If you were drinking it in a bar or a nomikai where the main activity isn’t thinking about how your beer tastes, it wouldn’t be the worst choice.
Taste: B-
Looks like real beer: C- This one was kind of an odd thin color, and the head could barely keep up with the popping bubbles, even while pouring.
Calories: 7
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Suntory GABA All-Free
If your main reason for drinking a zero alcohol brew is so you don’t forget what you did with the car keys, this GABA-enhanced “beer-inspired beverage” hits you right in the sweet spot. GABA supplements are having a moment in Japan right now, and all kinds of junk food (from chocolate to beer) is being enhanced with GABA, so you can virtuously redefine your vices as a memory-enhancing workout. The regrettable thing is that this beer-ish drink tasted so bad I wanted to forget it as soon as I took that first sip.
Taste: C-
Looks like real beer: C Color is realistic, bubble are too big, so they look like carbonated water, head makes a guest appearance about half a minute after pouring, then disappears.
Calories: 0
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Sapporo Premium
The fact that this sad beverage scored higher than Sapporo’s previous no-alcohol offering is not exactly high praise. The only thing more unpleasant than its taste is its aftertaste, which (despite my best efforts) defies description. This is the only one I actually had to rinse my mouth out with water afterwards to chase away the flavor.
Taste: D
Looks like real beer: C The color is good, but you better shout out your “Kanpai!” the instant after pouring if you want any fleeting nod to head on this one.
Calories: 12
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
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I’ve been trying out non alcoholic beverages too – mainly in Ireland.
The lager ones do tend to suffer from an unpleasant aftertaste – but are improving.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the cider varieties.
Some taste even better than the alcoholic ones!
Malt Beverages are in a different league with their rich bready malt flavours.
It’s a style I enjoy – but yet to find them stocked in a bar.
Ireland is a country I’d expect to be right up there with Japan when it comes to developing some fine non-alcoholic brews, and I’m sorry to hear that their efforts have been nearly as disappointing! You’ve got me curious about those maltier Irish brews though—if I could find a non-alcoholic drink that approximated a malty/craft style beer, I’d be a happy camper!
The one to try – and has caught on in a big way – is Guinness 0.
Thanks for the recommendation! Will def keep my eye out for it.