This beer is the first alcohol free beer I’ve reviewed since the ‘triumphant’ return of the blog. I typically never buy an alcohol free beer in the pub, they’re overpriced and I would prefer to just have a pint of lime and soda if I’m staying sober. That said, buying them for drinking at home is a fair bit more economical while also scratching the blogging itch and not having an 8% DIPA on a Monday night. Today’s beer is from UnBarred brewery, who are based out of Brighton, and well known for their Kinder Bueno style stout. LowKey is their first ever Alcohol Free beer and is a vegan, gluten free pale ale.

The beer pours a hazy, golden straw with a white head. The nose is jam packed with tangerine and orange. A really pleasant surprise from the get-go for this alcohol free beer. The body is a good combination of juicy and bitter creating a nice balance to the flavour. As expected, there is a degree of thinness to the the beer but not as detracting as in other AF brews.

A quick note on the can art: I really wish more breweries would tell you who the artist is, whether on the can or on their website. I love the vibrant, colourful shapes and imagery on the wrap. Great can all round, just want to know who designed it!

Naturally, I’m sure the fine folks at UnBarred, went through a few iterations and recipes to get to the point of releasing this AF Pale. As a first alcohol free beer release, and as a AF beer on the whole, I think this is a really solid brew. They obviously think the same, as they have introduced into their core range. Of course, it isn’t as good as a normal beer. I find they never are. The body is the dead giveaway 90% of the time. However, this is still a fantastic substitute for a hazy pale ale. The aroma is seriously great and packed with citrus. And the beer itself is easy drinking with a lovely refreshing flavour running through. I’d certainly give it another go, and will keep it on my radar of perfectly acceptable AF beers!

Score: 7/10

Alcohol free beers are so hit or miss. And If I’m going to be honest more catastrophic miss than hit. Which makes the goods ones such a pleasant surprise. Any alcohol free beers I should keep an eye out for? Let me know in the comment and thanks for reading!

Additional Information:

Style: AF Pale

Hops: Not Available

Malt: Not Available

IBU: Not Available

ABV: 0.5%

Gluten Free: Yes!

Vegan: Yes!

Location: UnBarred Webshop

Price: £3.60 for one can. Deals for multiples.