Are you searching for the perfect amber beer flavor without the alcohol content? If so, then a non-alcoholic amber ale might just be your new favorite drink!
In the world of craft beers, there’s an ever-expanding universe of flavors to discover, and the realm of non-alcoholic brews is no exception. Whether you’re participating in Dry January, a designated driver, or just want to enjoy the intricate layers of hops, malt, and barley without the effects of alcohol, non-alcoholic amber beers offer an exceptional experience that satisfies your craving for something rich, smooth, and aromatic.
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 non-alcoholic amber ales on the market. Each of these selections provides a unique twist on traditional amber ale flavors, giving you the opportunity to savor the complexities of craft beer with less than 0.5% alcohol.
So, if you’re keen to find your new favorite brew, continue reading as we dive deep into the world of NA amber ales.
Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, our guide will help you navigate the vast landscape of alcohol-free options.
After all, enjoying a good beer isn’t just about the alcohol—it’s about the taste, the craftsmanship, and the shared experiences.
So let’s raise our glasses (or cans) to a world where we can relish the taste of a great amber ale, without the need for alcohol. Welcome to our roundup of the top 5 non-alcoholic amber ales!
What is an Amber Ale?
Amber ale, sometimes known as red ale, is a term used to describe pale ales that are amber or reddish in color due to the use of certain types of roasted malts.
Amber ales originated from the United States, where craft brewers developed this beer style. They are a subcategory of pale ales, and often are classified in between a pale ale and a brown ale. They are distinguished primarily by their amber color, which comes from the use of malted barley that has been roasted to various degrees of darkness.
The flavor profile of amber ales varies significantly depending on the brewing process, ingredients used, and the location they are brewed in. Generally, amber ales balance both malt and hop flavors with varying degrees of sweetness and bitterness.
They often have a medium to full body, and flavors can range from caramel and toasted malt notes to fruity, citrusy, and piney notes, depending on the type and quantity of hops used. The alcohol content in traditional amber ales also varies, usually falling in the range of 4.5% to 6.0% alcohol by volume (ABV).
However, the NA amber ales we are discussing in this context have been crafted to retain all the flavor profiles and characteristics of traditional amber ales, but without the alcohol.
This is achieved through a careful brewing process that either avoids the production of alcohol or removes the alcohol before packaging, without compromising on the taste and overall beer-drinking experience. Non-alcoholic beers typically contain less than 0.5% ABV, making them a popular choice for those who wish to enjoy the taste of beer without the effects of alcohol.
The Top 5 Non-Alcoholic Amber Ales Available in the United States:
Irish Red Ale by Sober Carpenter
Sober Carpenter’s Non-Alcoholic Irish Red Ale is a full-bodied, flavorful beer with an appealing mix of malt aromas, subtly underscored by hints of coffee and caramel. This caramel-infused, Amber NA Beer is the perfect pick for those with a penchant for more robust brews.
Brewed in true Irish fashion with Windsor yeast, this medium-bodied ale has a refined taste profile with subtle notes of coffee and caramel. Sober Carpenter brings you all the richness of a classic Irish ale, without the alcohol. Enjoy the taste, savor the moment!
Sober Carpenter is the brainchild of two beer-loving brothers who stepped into the world of craft brewing in the basement of their parents’ home. Their brewing adventures, filled with recipe experimentation and style perfection, spanned years and countless beer varieties. As time passed, their fervor for beer remained unquenched, but their lifestyles evolved. With the arrival of their own families, they wanted to sustain their lively social lives while moderating alcohol intake, leading them naturally towards non-alcoholic beer.
However, they found the current non-alcoholic options wanting – limited in selection and lacking in the taste and mouthfeel they had come to appreciate from craft beers. Determined to fill this gap, they set out to establish Sober Carpenter. Their vision was to produce a range of non-alcoholic beers that stood up to the test of flavor, ensuring that choosing a healthier lifestyle did not equate to compromising on taste. So satisfying are Sober Carpenter’s brews, one might easily forget they’re non-alcoholic.
Hellraiser is a hop-forward amber ale with the perfect balance of floral aroma and spicy hops. This amber NA beer is the perfect pick for those who enjoy a full-flavored, flavorful beer.
Brewed with German malts and hops, Hellraiser is sure to please craft beer enthusiasts everywhere.
Wellbeing Brewing is a craft brewery that specializes in non-alcoholic beers. Their beers are made using a high-end technology that removes the alcohol without compromising on flavor or body. Wellbeing Brewing offers a variety of NA beers, including Hellraiser Amber Ale, Heavenly Body Golden Wheat, Victory Wheat, Intentional IPA, and Wandering Islands Pale Ale.
Hoppy Amber by Brooklyn Brewing
Hoppy Amber is a non-alcoholic craft beer from Brooklyn Brewing that has been at the forefront of the non-alcoholic craft beer movement. It is one of the first craft NAs on the market and has helped to create the current buzz the non-alc beer industry has going for it.
Hoppy Amber is part of the non-alcoholic line of beer from Brooklyn Brewing, which they call their “Special Effects” beer. It is described as having a “peeled grapefruit” and “zesty hop aromas” with a bitter bite to it. It’s available year-round.
Brooklyn Brewing is a leader in the NA space. For a few years now, they were one of the first craft brewers to release an entire line of non-alcoholic beers alongside their leaded beers.
They call this line of NAs their “Special Effects” beers because they leave you satisfied with the great taste of craft beer but without the “effects” of alcohol so that you can do more with your days and nights. The Special Effects line of beers originally was launched in Sweden in 2019 and then spread to the rest of Europe due to high demand. Now it is available across the US.
Red by Partake Brewing
Partake Brewing’s Non-Alcoholic Red Ale is a chestnut brown drink that’s the perfect companion after a lively game of football, while mingling with the neighbors, or even when you’re in the kitchen making a hearty batch of bangers and mash. This amber ale has a malty flavor with notes of caramel and toffee, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy the classic English or Irish-style brews.
Partake Brewing is a Canadian brewery that is dedicated to creating great tasting, low calorie, natural and uniquely crafted non-alcoholic beers.
The brewery was founded by Ted Fleming, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and decided to give up alcohol. However, he didn’t want to give up his social life, so he set out to create a non-alcoholic beer that would be both delicious and satisfying. Partake Brewing now brews a variety of amazing non-alcoholic craft beers, including the Hazy IPA, the IPA, the Blonde, the Pale ale, and the Peach Gose.
Toddy Bear by Brewdog
Toddy Bear is a limited-run amber ale from Brewdog that has distinct notes of cinnamon and ginger with hints of orange and caramel. A mild sweetness will blend with light bitterness and a tiny hint of cayenne to simulate warmth, making it perfect for a crisp spring night. Chances are you won’t be able to find this beer much of anywhere anymore.
Brewdog was an early player in the American non-alcoholic beer market. Originating from Scotland, Brewdog has moved their North American headquarters to Columbus, Ohio where they continue to make their delicious NA beer. They have been pivotal in experimentation and collaboration with different local companies to create a wide variety of unique NA brews.
The world of non-alcoholic beers is burgeoning with exciting flavors, innovative brewing techniques, and diverse options, especially when it comes to non-alcoholic amber ales.
Speaking of diverse options, if you don’t want to stop at NA amber ales and want to venture into some of the best non-alcoholic IPAs, great NA stouts, outstanding NA Oktoberfests, or delicious non-alcoholic lagers, we’ve got you covered. We have plenty of lists and resources helping you find the best NA beers money can buy.
These NA versions provide all the taste and complexity you’d expect from their alcoholic counterparts, but with the bonus of being suitable for all occasions – whether you’re looking for a midday refreshment or want to savor a flavorful brew without the alcohol content.
Our guides to the best non-alcoholic beers bring you curated lists of some of the best options available in the market today. Each beer in this list offers a unique combination of flavor profiles, embodying the perfect balance of hops, malt, and other elements that make an amber ale truly satisfying.
Remember, enjoying a good beer doesn’t always mean you need to consume alcohol. Non-alcoholic beers offer you the luxury to appreciate the rich, distinctive flavors of a carefully crafted beer, without the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
So, whether you’re on a wellness journey, acting as the designated driver, or simply wish to enjoy your beer at your own pace, non-alcoholic amber ales are a fantastic option.
In the end, finding your perfect non-alcoholic amber ale comes down to personal preference.
So why not take a sip from the best and find the one that suits your palate the most?
Continue to check our directory of non-alcoholic beers and let us know your favorite NA beer in the comments of each beer!
If you’re still not satisfied and want to sample some great NA beers yourself, we have the perfect non-alcoholic beer gift that you can purchase for yourself or someone else. Each month you’ll receive a surprise variety pack of amazing non-alcoholic craft beers to discover and sample.
As you venture into the world of non-alcoholic amber ale, we hope this guide helps you make an informed choice, leading you to a brew that you can enjoy time and time again.
Cheers to the evolving world of craft beer and the ever-expanding universe of non-alcoholic amber ales!
