Barley beer is a type of beer brewed using malted barley instead of wheat. As a type of cereal grain, barley is malted to allow the barley to germinate and release its sugars, protein, and starch.
Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol, avoiding wheat, or just looking for a healthier option, non-alcoholic barley beers offer all the flavor and satisfaction of a classic beer.
Below, I share the best non-alcoholic barley beers I’ve tasted and reviewed.
From award-winning brews to unique flavor profiles, these five non-alcoholic barley beers are perfect for those who want to indulge in a cold one without the alcohol!
Best NA Barley Lager: Grüvi Golden Lager
Grüvi’s award-winning Golden Lager has been a hit since winning the prestigious Gold Medal for Non-Alcoholic Beer at the 2022 World Beer Cup Awards.
This non-alcoholic barley lager is my favorite non-alcoholic barley lager, ticking all the boxes for a perfect Golden experience.
It’s light without being watery, boasts clean and malty flavors, and offers a delightful, subtle hint of honey.
On top of all that, it’s also gluten-reduced, catering to those in search of a well-brewed gluten-free NA beer option.
Order it online directly from Grüvi (within the United States).
Best NA Barley IPA: Partake Brewing IPA
I love this non-alcoholic barley beer from Canadian brewery Partake Brewing because it does not taste thin or watery despite being a low-calorie option with only 10 calories per can.
On the contrary, I found the flavor, hoppiness, and drinkability to be quite enjoyable. That said, the body does feel lighter than other non-alcoholic IPAs.
While the body may be slightly watery and flat for my personal taste, I appreciate the prominent hops and pleasant aroma notes.
Read here for our full tasting review.
Order it online from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Proof No More (within the United States).
Best NA Barley Stout: Bravus Oatmeal Dark
When the craving for a Guinness or a rich dark beer hits, I reach for a Bravus Oatmeal Stout—a Silver medalist at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival.
While it doesn’t replicate the exact taste of Guinness (for that, I find Guinness 0.0 comes pretty close), this non-alcoholic stout has a delightful blend of chocolate notes, complemented by hints of toffee and caramel.
Brewed with malted barley and proudly vegan-friendly (no milk or lactose here), its flavor profile tends toward the sweeter side of stouts.
I did feel that a bit more fullness in the body would have perfected the stout experience.
Read our full review of Bravus Oatmeal Stout here.
Order it online directly from Bravus (within the United States).
Al’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Lager
Al’s Classic is an American-style pilsner crafted with malted barley, evoking memories of that furtive sip from your parent’s fridge, making it an easy-drinking beer with nostalgic appeal.
For those who appreciate pilsners, Al’s makes for a great non-alcoholic alternative.
Despite being alcohol-free, it boasts well-balanced flavors reminiscent of a budget-friendly supermarket pilsner.
In my tasting review, I noted that it “tastes like a basement party.” The brew showcases distinct malt, bread, and corn notes while maintaining a tangy, slightly bitter quality that adds to its character.
Order it online from non-alcoholic drinks retailer Proof No More (within the United States).
Clausthaler Dry Hopped
If you’re looking for a German barley beer, then I like this non-alcoholic dry hopped beer by Clausthaler.
Clausthaler is a popular German brewery, and Clausthaler Dry Hopped is the world’s first non-alcoholic dry-hopped beer.
I like its classic lager flavors and aroma, plus the addition of Cascade hops gives it a pleasing sweetness, a zesty citrus profile, and a subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the flavors.
Order from non-alcoholic drink retailers Proof No More (within United States) and Dry Drinker (within the UK).
The Difference Between Wheat And Barley Beers
Besides using barley to brew beer, wheat and other grains such as rice, millet, corn, and sorghum are also used to brew beer.
Most non-alcoholic and alcoholic craft beers are brewed with barley because the malted barley is easier to brew with than wheat.
Wheat beers are known for being difficult to brew since the proteins and starches in the grain bind easily, making it difficult for brewers to extract the sugars.
In terms of taste and body, barley beers have a strong malt aroma and taste than wheat beers. Wheat beers also have a softer and more developed body and mouthfeel as compared to barley beers.
Since wheat has a higher protein content, it can also give a beer its haziness and create a thicker foam head.
Also Read: How Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Made: The Complete Guide
I appreciate reading your reviews. I am a true beer lover. And people have a hard time accepting that I enjoy the taste of beer. I do not drink any other types of alcohol except an occasional glass of wine. I am trying to cut alcohol out of my life or reduce my chance of becoming intoxicated and making bad choices.
I have been experimenting to find my go to non alcoholic beer. So far I have had Becks, Heineken 0.0, bud zero, Claustenhuser, the Athletic and Odoules.
So far I have enjoyed the claustenhusier, Athletic, and becks very much.
The others are just a waste of money. I did not realize that the Non Alcoholic tend to be much more expensive. Is that because of the brewing process to extract the alcohol?
That’s right. Many don’t realize how expensive it is to add an additional step to remove the alcohol or to use alternative ingredients like yeasts that don’t ferment.