I am, generally, a bit of a Japanophile. Sushi? I could eat it every day. Bullet trains? My god, why can’t all public transport be like this. It extends to beer, too. I’m a fan of Asahi Super Dry. Its the best-selling and probably best known Japanese beers. And it tastes great: crisp, clean. And alcoholic. So, can Asahi keep the light, toasty biscuitiness of their signature brew when they remove the alcohol? Step up, Asahi Dry Zero.
According to the makers, Asahi Dry Zero is brewed with the same quality ingredients and the same attention to detail as their traditional Dry beer, but with the alcohol removed using a special brewing technique.
Here are my tasting notes for Asahi Dry Zero.
Appearance
Asahi Dry Zero pours a clear and bright golden hue, reminiscent of the classic Asahi alcoholic lager. It forms a frothy, white head that dissipates moderately but leaves a delicate lacing on the glass as you drink. The effervescence is lively, with steady streams of bubbles rising to the surface.
Aroma
On the nose, Asahi Dry Zero is clean and inviting. It offers subtle malt notes with hints of biscuit and toasted grains. There’s also a delicate floral, almost grassy hop presence that adds a pleasant touch to the overall experience. While the aroma isn’t overly complex, it sets the stage for what’s to come.
Taste
On the palate, Asahi Dry Zero delivers a crisp and refreshing experience. The foundation is built on a light malt backbone that brings a gentle sweetness, evoking flavours of freshly baked bread and cereal grains. The balance between the malt and hops is well-executed, with a restrained bitterness that adds a subtle bite to each sip. The hop character lends a touch of floral and herbal notes. The finish is clean and dry. While some non-alcoholic beers can taste watered down or lack flavour, this is not the case with Asahi Dry Zero. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if quite a few drinkers mistook it for a full-strength beer in a blind taste test.
Mouthfeel
This non-alcoholic brew exhibits a light to medium body with a lively carbonation that dances on the tongue. It feels refreshing and quenching, perfect for enjoying on a warm day or as a thirst-quenching option during social gatherings. The mouthfeel is smooth, and the absence of alcohol does not compromise the overall texture.
Pairing Suggestions
This beer would pair well with a variety of dishes. Its light and clean profile makes it an ideal companion for salads, grilled seafood, sushi and light appetisers. It also complements milder cheeses and can be a refreshing choice alongside spicy cuisine.
Overall Impression
Asahi Dry Zero is an impressive offering. It successfully captures the essence of the classic Japanese lager, delivering a crisp and refreshing experience without compromising on flavour. The balance between malt and hops, along with its clean finish, makes it a great-tasting non-alcoholic beer.