I tried 12 non-alcoholic beers for Dry January – one was undrinkable

With the festive season over, across the nation are making new year’s resolutions to kick off 2025 on a healthier note. For many, this means taking a hiatus from alcohol after a season of excess.

Dry January, a public initiative launched by Alcohol Change in 2013, is expected to attract millions of participants once again. Now in its 12th year, the campaign encourages people to abstain from for the entire month of January.

Advocates claim that a month-long break from booze can enhance sleep quality and improve mental wellbeing, among other benefits. However, for many, savouring a pint remains one of life’s simple joys.

Zero and low-alcohol have become a booming industry, with virtually every major brand offering their own version. As January rolls around, supermarkets are dedicating whole aisles to these alternatives.

In the UK, beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 0.05% or less is categorised as alcohol-free, while those with 0.5% or less are labelled as dealcoholised. Beers with under 1.2% are considered low-alcohol, reports . I sampled 12 different zero or low-alcohol beers from some of the top brands and rated them out of five.

Heineken 0.0

Initially, the drink was fizzy and refreshing. However, much like its alcoholic counterpart, it wasn’t the best overall. After a few sips, my bottle started to emit a strange, slightly bitter aftertaste. It sadly reminded me of having a pint in a pub from a pump that hasn’t been used or cleaned for some time. Quite disappointing.

Score: 1.5

Corona Cero

This should have worked well in theory and was one of the first ones I added to my trolley. But it was just all wrong for me. It was overly gassy and had a peculiar taste that was unpleasant for an indescribable reason. It didn’t resemble regular Corona at all. Poor.

Score: 1

San Miguel 0.0

I’ve always been a fan of San Miguel and their non-alcoholic version was commendable. Although there was a slight sense of something missing, you could hardly tell the difference. I could definitely see myself enjoying this on a warm summer’s day. Whether it will be as satisfying on a chilly January evening is another matter.

Score: 3.5

Brewdog Punk AF

It is the alcohol-free version of Brewdog’s iconic Punk IPA, but it doesn’t taste like it. Out of all the beers we tried, this one probably tasted the most authentic. IPAs often feel heavier than lagers, but this was really enjoyable.

Score: 4

Wingman Alcohol Free Session IPA

This is another from Brewdog’s range of non-alcoholic beers, of which there are four. This Session IPA is lighter than Punk AF and has fruity undertones. Very decent.

Score: 3

Brewdog’s Hazy AF

Another testament to their mastery in creating alcohol-free beers that don’t taste like they’re missing the booze. This take on their New England IPA is commendable, boasting enjoyable fruity notes.

Score: 3

Brewdog’s Lost AF

This is an alcohol-free version of their underrated Lost Lager, disappoints with its almost sour taste.

Score: 2

Erdinger Alkohol Frei

A non-alcoholic variant of the popular German wheat beer, claims to be ‘isotonic’ and packed with vitamins B9 and B12, which ‘reduce tiredness and promote the normal functioning of the body’s immune system’. It also boasts ‘reduced calories’. Despite these claims, it was surprisingly decent, although finishing the large 500ml bottle became a bit of a chore.

Score: 3

Guinness 0.0

The zero percent version of Guinness, currently enjoying a surge in popularity, is expected to be a January bestseller. While it doesn’t quite match up to the experience of drinking Guinness from a can, it still manages to produce a satisfactory creamy head and, overall, is top quality.

Perhaps it’s simply that stout is more suited to being alcohol-free, but I wager a good number of people would struggle to distinguish it in a blind taste test with the regular stuff. Ideal for a cosy winter evening in front of the television. Highly recommended.

Score: 5

Adnams Ghost Ship

Beyond the Pale Ale, being a pale ale, you’d expect it to be fairly bitter, but this was so bitter it was virtually undrinkable. It was very heavy and left an almost sour aftertaste that lingered after each sip. Probably the worst of the bunch I tried.

Score: 1

Lucky Saint

A brand specialising in alcohol-free beer, claims to have a ‘clear head and a bold ambition – to finally reward those who aren’t drinking with the beer they deserve. ‘ And it must be said, they’re not far off the mark. It might benefit from the fact there isn’t a boozy version to compare it to, but this was really enjoyable. Definitely a winner.

Score: 4.5

Peroni Nastro Azzuro 0.0

This falls short of the regular version of this Italian classic. But it is decent enough and very drinkable.

Score: 2.5