You know those scents and tastes that immediately send you swirling into nostalgia? AL’s Classic non-alcoholic beer did that to me.
As soon as I cracked the pull tab, I was whisked back to the sweaty, hormone-fueled basement dance parties of my high school days. The sensation increased after the first sip and didn’t go away until I tossed the can into the recycling bin.
The whole experience was pretty wild but I did manage to make some notes about this American-style pilsner. For a full rundown, check out my AL’s Classic non-alcoholic beer review.
A Quick Look At AL’s Classic Pilsner
AL’s is a non-alcoholic pilsner-style malt beverage. The company describes its creation as an easy-to-drink, light, crisp, and refreshing craft brew. On average, it contains 0.2 to 0.4% ABV.
As strange as it sounds, this very American-tasting beer was created by a Swiss man, Alban de Pury. Alban grew up in Geneva, Switzerland before setting his sights on the United States. Along with his move came the decision to cut out alcohol.
Alban decided to create a craft NA brew that people would feel confident ordering at their favorite bar or concert venue. Ultimately, his beer was inspired by the American movies he grew up watching. More specifically, he wanted to create a drink that looked at home in a dive bar.
AL’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Beer Review
Looks
Typical of a pilsner, AL’s pours a clear pale yellow color. It has a medium amount of carbonation and a fluffy one-finger head with good retention.
Aroma
On the nose, I definitely got whiffs on bread and some sourness from the hops.
As I mentioned in the intro, the aroma of AL’s Classic is exactly what you’d expect from a “classic” American beer like Budweiser, Keystone, or Natty Ice. I suspect that it’s because all of them use the noble hops/malt mix.
Taste
Like the aroma, the taste of AL’s reminded me of my teenage years. In fact, I even wrote “tastes like a basement party” in my notes. It has malt, bread, and corn notes while maintaining a tangy, slightly bitter quality.
The mouthfeel is light to medium and felt appropriate for the pilsner style. It finishes clean, crisp, and sweet.
AL’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Ingredients
As you would expect from a pilsner, AL’s Classic ingredients include water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. I wasn’t able to get a whole lot of specifics about the individual ingredients, but I do know that noble hops are used.
The four noble hops are Hallertauer, Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, and Spalt. These are European varieties responsible for the classic pilsner taste.
AL’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Beer Calories
A 12oz can has 68 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates.
| Avg Quantity Per Serving (355ml/12oz) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 68 kcal |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | og |
Final Verdict Of My AL’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Beer Review
When I was researching this article, I saw AL’s described as an “easy-drinking beer” more times than I can count. I definitely agree with this assessment.
This is a simple beer that’s not meant to tease your tastebuds. It’s supposed to taste like that first clandestine beer you snuck from your parent’s fridge and it delivers on this promise.
In terms of accuracy and branding, AL’s totally hit the nail on the head. Though non-alcoholic, the flavors are well-balanced and exactly what you’d expect from a cheap supermarket pilsner.
So, if I’m judging AL’s on the type of beer it’s trying to emulate, then it’s perfect. If, however, I’m judging it based on personal preference, I’d give it a pass in the future.
Good For:
- If you like pilsners, then AL’s is a great non-alcoholic stand-in
- Those who want a simple non-alcoholic beer with mass appeal
Not Recommended For:
- If you are looking for a non-alcoholic beer that is more complex than a Bud Zero or Heineken 0.0
Where to Buy AL’s Classic
If you’re in the United States, you can purchase AL’s from Proof No More, our favorite non-alcoholic drink provider. It’s available in single 12oz cans, 4-packs, 6-packs, 12-packs, and 24-packs.
Other AL’s Classic FAQs
Is AL’s Classic Gluten-Free?
AL’s Classic contains malted barley, therefore it is not a gluten-free beverage.
Not to worry, though! Our Ultimate Guide To Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beer provides plenty of tasty alternatives.
Is AL’s Classic Alcohol-Free?
AL’s typically contains 0.2 to 0.4% ABV. This falls below the FDA’s legally accepted limit of 0.5% for non-alcoholic beverages.
If you want to think about it another way, the amount of alcohol in AL’s is equivalent to the amount found in a ripe banana or a glass of apple juice.
Related: Can Non-Alcoholic Beer Get You Drunk? We Did The Math
Is AL’s Classic Vegan?
This all-American pilsner is vegan, meaning it contains zero animal products or byproducts. Check out other great non-alcoholic vegan beers here.
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A well-balanced American-style pilsner that's full of nostalgia.