I don’t know about you, but Suntory to me feels like the third of the big Japanese brewers. Maybe I’m wrong, but for Western drinkers, Asahi and Kirin tend to be the first names one comes across when delving into Japanese brews, with Suntory lagging behind. Which is perhaps a shame, as I’m a big fan of their alcoholic beers, and they have a long legacy of producing great drinks. So is Suntory All-Free, their non-alcoholic offering, one of them and should it make those looking for NA versions remember the name?
Unlike many alternatives, Suntory All-Free boasts zero alcohol, zero calories and zero sugar, so they’re aiming to appeal to the health-conscious, certainly. Do they succeed in satisfying the beer connoisseur as well?
Appearance
Suntory All-Free pours a pale straw-yellow colour. It’s strikingly light even for a lager. A small, head forms upon pouring but dissipates quickly, leaving a thin ring around the edge of the glass. The carbonation is delicate but consistent. While the beer’s light colour might suggest simplicity, it aligns well with the product’s emphasis on a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional beers.
Aroma
On the nose Suntory All-Free is subtle. You do get hints of malt and grain, and on the initial sniff, there are yeasty notes reminiscent of lightly toasted white bread. A tint of herbal hops comes in underneath with a hearty sniff. While the aroma is undeniably mild, it does avoid the overly sweet or synthetic notes that can sometimes dominate non-alcoholic beers. So, quite simple, but certainly a clean and inoffensive aroma.
Taste
Suntory All-Free delivers a crisp and straightforward flavour profile. It’s super-refreshing. Those malt notes take centre stage on the palate, followed by a soft bitterness, courtesy of the beer’s restrained hop presence. The absence of sugar ensures the sweetness is never cloying, while the balanced bitterness prevents the beer from feeling one-dimensional. So even if it lacks the layered complexity of full-bodied lagers, it delivers on what it set out to do.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is light and smooth. The carbonation is gentle so it doesn’t overwhelm any of the flavour notes. This lightness is intentional and works well for drinkers looking for something crisp and easy to consume. There’s no lingering stickiness or heaviness, although the beer retains enough structure to avoid feeling insubstantial.
Finish
The finish of Suntory All-Free is dry and crisp. There’s a faint malt sweetness that quickly gives way to a soft bitterness. This clean finish is one of the beer’s strongest attributes, leaving the palate refreshed. There’s no cloying sweetness or overpowering aftertaste.
Pairing Suggestions
Suntory All-Free’s light, easy-drinking profile mean it will go well with pretty much anything. It’s not going to overpower any flavours expect the very mildest. So, you could pair it with the delicate flavours of sushi or tempura, through dishes like grilled chicken or pasta, and on to spicy grilled fish. It would be a good one to have in the cooler at a summer barbecue, that’s for sure.
Overall Impressions of Suntory All-Free
Suntory All-Free offers a crisp, clean and refreshing drinking experience. It’s a non-alcoholic beer that aligns well with the intended promise zero-alcohol, zero-calorie and zero-sugar. Its light malt sweetness, soft bitterness, and dry finish make it an approachable choice for a wide audience. So while it may lack the depth and complexity of traditional lagers, its simplicity is precisely what makes it so appealing. For fans of Japanese brewing or anyone looking for a reliable non-alcoholic beer, it’s a refreshing, no-fuss choice.