Review: Amstel 0.0 Cerveza – A Disappointing Dip into Alcohol-Free Lager

Amstel 0.0 Cerveza is Amstel’s entry into the alcohol-free beer world non-alcoholic lager brewed using a natural slow evaporation process. This technique is designed to preserve flavour while gently removing alcohol, resulting in a beer that aims to keep its barley malt character intact. It’s brewed with just four natural ingredients: water, light malt, hops, and yeast.

So how does it stack up in the ever-growing world of alcohol-free lagers? Let’s dig in.

About Amstel Brewing

Founded in 1870 in Amsterdam, Amstel Brewery takes its name from the Amstel River and has long been a fixture in the world of continental lagers. The brewery built its reputation on smooth, drinkable beers and became part of the Heineken Group in 1968.

Despite being part of a global brewing powerhouse, Amstel has managed to retain its classic Dutch brewing style. In recent years, the brand has responded to changing drinking habits by introducing Amstel 0.0, catering to the growing demand for non-alcoholic beer with a familiar lager flavour.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

A bold malt-forward aroma with subtle hop notes and a noticeable sweet undertone. Inviting at first sniff, though the sweetness is a bit of a warning.

Appearance

Pours with a decent foamy head, which holds for a while. The body is a clear, honey-golden yellow. Visually appealing, but the beer itself looked a little flat and still once settled.

Taste

First sip delivers a nice malty hit, which is promising but this is quickly overtaken by an artificial sweetness that lingers unpleasantly. There’s enough carbonation initially to give a crisp mouthfeel, but that fades fast, leaving the beer tasting slightly syrupy and cloying.

Verdict

Amstel always brings back memories of Greek holidays in my twenties sitting by the pool with friends, enjoying an ice-cold bottle in the sun. I was really looking forward to this alcohol-free version, hoping it would capture even a little of that nostalgia.

Sadly, it didn’t. While the aroma and initial appearance were solid, the taste let it down. The sweetness was overpowering, and the finish was heavy and sticky. It lacked the crisp, refreshing quality you want in a lager especially an alcohol-free one.

Could it be drinkable ice-cold on a scorching day? Maybe. But honestly, with so many better 0.0 lagers out there, this isn’t one I’ll be revisiting anytime soon.

Have you tried Amstel 0.0 Cerveza? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my other alcohol-free beer reviews on ModestDrinker.com.