Dry-Hopped Non-Alcoholic Beer Arrives

The Radeberger Gruppe USA has announced the U.S. launch of Clausthaler Amber Dry Hopped, the first dry-hopped non-alcoholic beer. The announcement marks another effort to produce more flavorful beer from an arm of the industry not typically associated with it.

This beer is also the first unfiltered non-alcoholic beer, and the first to use Cascade hops. See the full press release below:

NORWALK, CT May 4, 2015—Radeberger Gruppe USA, a division of The Radeberger Gruppe Germany, the country's largest brewing group, today announces the U.S. launch of Clausthaler Amber Dry Hopped, the world's first dry-hopped, non-alcoholic (NA) beer that is also the world's first unfiltered NA with Cascade hops. It is a bold new approach to the popular Clausthaler Golden Amber and demonstrates the brand's commitment to continued innovation, having originally pioneered the entire NA beer category, and to quality refreshment.

Produced in accordance with Germany's centuries-old Beer Purity Decree (Reinheitsgebot), Clausthaler Amber Dry Hopped incorporates Cascade hops from Yakima, Wash., in the dry-hopping process. The hops, which are cultivated in an environmentally-friendly manner, are added immediately before fermentation, right when the wort has cooled. They lend a bright, fresh flavor with notes of citrus and spice, and complement the brew's rich, natural dark aroma, inherent hoppiness and hints of malty caramel. At less than 0.5% ABV, Clausthaler Amber Dry Hopped is available in 12 oz. bottles at prices comparable to imported NA brews. 

"We are very excited to launch the new Clausthaler Amber Dry Hopped," says Armin Buehler, Senior Marketing Manager, Radeberger Gruppe USA. "We made a bold decision and created a game-changer. At blind tastings, the majority of those who sampled Clausthaler Amber Dry Hopped could not distinguish it from regular beer. It's really a breakthrough. As consumers embrace higher standards of refreshment, from artisanal iced teas to crafted lemonades, we see Clausthaler as the choice for those who want full-bodied flavor. NA brews are attracting mainstream consumer interest and Clausthaler is once again leading the way."

As with all Clausthaler brews, a patented process prevents the creation of alcohol through controlled fermentation that reduces the available maltose that yeast convert to alcohol. This allows the full beer flavor to be maintained without any processing to remove alcohol. Other NA beers are brewed conventionally and have their alcohol removed subsequent to brewing using processes that also reduce flavor.