I like German non-alcoholic beers because they often feature the same malt-forward beer taste that reminds me of real beer.
As Germany’s most highly awarded non-alcoholic beer, does Clausthaler non-alcoholic beer live up to its reputation? I share my tasting notes in this Clausthaler Original review.
A Quick Look At Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Beer
Clausthaler non-alcoholic beer is a 0.5% ABV pale lager, and it has won the gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2013 and 2015. It is brewed using Controlled Fermentation, which is brewing right up till before fermentation of the yeast reaches its alcohol-producing result.
Clausthaler first started brewing low-calorie beers before a sales executive suggested to the brewers that switching to non-alcoholic beer would be a better idea.
Clausthaler Original Review
Looks
The beer pours a clear, light golden color with visible bubbles. The foam head is unimpressive at one-finger height and does not retain well.
Aroma
On the nose, the aroma is very mild and of light malts, with just a light smell of sweetness from the malts. Nothing else stands out.
Taste
Upon tasting it, the first thing to hit me was the mild sweetness and the light flavors. It definitely has a sweeter taste than the Heineken 0.0 or the Carlsberg 0.0, which makes sense as it has almost double the amount of sugar.
Due to the amount of sugar added, this isn’t the beer for you if you’re trying to avoid sugar. I didn’t think it was too sweet, but I would have preferred it to be a little less sweet.
Like the aroma, the taste isn’t exciting or surprising. It features bready malts with some notes of grass. The hop bitterness is mild and unassuming.
The mouthfeel feels light and thin with lively carbonation. The finish is semi-dry.
Clausthaler Dry Hopped vs Original
The Clausthaler Dry Hopped has a much richer flavor and aroma profile than the Clausthaler Original.
So if you prefer richer and more malty taste, then the Clausthaler Dry Hopped would be a better option for you.
However, if you are looking for a lighter, crisp and light European-style lager, then you would prefer the Clausthaler Original.
Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Beer Ingredients
Clausthaler Original is brewed in strict accordance with the German purity law, which means the ingredient list isn’t surprising – water, hops, yeast, malted barley, and Carbonic Acid.
As someone who dislikes “natural flavors” being added to non-alcoholic beers, I like that this beer is clean, crisp and natural.
Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Beer Calories
A 330mL bottle of Clausthaler non-alcoholic beer contains 85.8 calories and 18.48 grams of carbohydrates, of which 9.24 grams are sugar.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, then check out our four recommended low-sugar non-alcoholic beers.
| Avg Quantity Per Serving (330ml) | Avg Quantity Per 100ml | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 85.8 kcal | 26 kcal |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
| – Saturated Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Carbs | 18.48g | 5.6g |
| – Sugar | 9.24g | 2.8g |
| Protein | 0.66g | 0.2g |
| Salt | 0.033g | 0.01g |
Final Verdict Of My Clausthaler Original Review
If you’re looking for a light crisp lager with a touch of sweetness instead of bitterness, then the Clausthaler Original is just the beer for you.
It doesn’t have the most exciting flavor profiles like other non-alcoholic beers on the market, but it is a solidly average lager to have.
It is also easily available in many countries and at a very affordable price point, so you can get your hands on one to try.
Best For:
- If you are looking for a light and refreshing beer
- Those looking for a malt-forward pilsner
Not Recommended For:
- Those who prefer hoppier beers
Where to buy Clausthaler Original
Customers in the United States can purchase Clausthaler Original from Proof No More. It’s available in singles, 4-packs, 6-packs, 12-packs, and 24-packs. We love Proof No More’s doorstep delivery and free shipping on orders of $99 or more.
If you’re in the UK, you can shop online through Wise Bartender.
Other key FAQs about Clausthaler Original:
Is Clausthaler Original gluten free?
No, Clausthaler non-alcoholic beer is not gluten free. Therefore, all of Clausthaler beers must be brewed with barley (which contains gluten) and other ingredients cannot be added to remove the gluten.
If you are looking for gluten free or gluten reduced non-alcoholic beers, then check out our Ultimate Guide To Gluten-Free Non-Alcoholic Beer.
We hope you enjoyed this Clausthaler Original review. Check out more German non-alcoholic beers here:
Averagely good with an underwhelming aroma and taste profile. For those who prefer light and sweeter tasting lagers.
Wow! I love that beer along with some bud. Very easy to drink.
Very easy to drink indeed!
The taste of this beer is very satisfying to me. The fact that it is alcohol-free is especially good. I have also seen it on a list of purine-free beers, however I can find nothing from the company which gives credence to that information. Can you verify that this is, in fact, true?
Thank you,
Nick VanderWal
Hey Nick, unfortunately, we don’t have the information on whether it contains Purine either. I’d recommend emailing the company directly.