Orion Breweries, based in southern Japan, might not be as well known around ten globe as some other Japanese beer brands (like Asahi or Kirin), but it has been operating since the 1950s, so it’s got pedigree. Their beers tend towards the refreshing, light end of the spectrum – perfect for sipping in the warmer climes of the south of the country. Orion Clear Free is their non-alcoholic offering.
How does it fit into Orion’s ethos of easy-drinking, easy-going beers – when it has no alcohol? I had a taste to find out.
Appearance
In the glass, Orion Clear Free lives up to its name. It pours a clear, pale straw colour that looks pretty inviting, all up. It looks like a beer for drinking in the sun, if that makes sense. The carbonation is lively and persistent, creating a delicate stream of bubbles that culminates in a modest, foamy head. While the head dissipates rather quickly, it does leave behind a faint lacing. Hold this non-alcoholic beer up to the light and it does reflect the idea of Orion precision tooling clean and crisp brews.
Aroma
On the nose, the aroma of Orion Clear Free is subtle yet pleasant. It’s far from overpowering, but again, it is intended to be a lighter offering. The aroma that is there gives you light malt notes and hints of grain. There’s a also a faint whiff of a floral, grassy undertone that just about serves to lift the complexity level.
Taste
At the risk of repeating myself, this NA beer is intended to be light. So it stands to reason that its flavour profile mirrors its aromatic simplicity. The malt base provides a gentle sweetness that is balanced by a subtle hop bitterness. Hints of biscuit and grain emerge as the beer settles on the palate, accompanied by that grassy bitterness that adds a layer of depth. While some drinkers may find it lacks the robust character of alcoholic lagers, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. The taste is crisp and satisfying, and refreshingly straightforward.
Mouthfeel
Despite the lightness of this brew, it does manage not to feel too ghostly in terms of mouthfeel. The body is understandably light, but it retains enough structure to avoid feeling thin or watery. The texture is smooth and clean, and the carbonation is finely tuned.
Finish
The finish of Orion Clear Free is crisp, clean and refreshingly dry, leaving behind a faint malt sweetness and just a touch of hop bitterness. It’s a short-lived but pleasant conclusion, perfectly suited to the beer’s light and breezy character. It also means that there is no lingering artificial aftertaste, which can plague some non-alcoholic beers.
Pairing Suggestions
The lightness of Orion Clear Free make it very versatile when it comes to eating. Of course, you could serve it alongside some tempura or steamed fish dishes, as well as grilled skewers (yakitori, if you want to keep the Japanese theme consistent). I’d be very happy to have a couple of cans of this and some salted nuts sitting outside on a warm evening watching the world go by. But that’s just me.
Overall Impressions of Orion Clear Free
Orion Clear Free successfully captures the spirit of its full-strength counterparts by offering a light, clean drinking experience. Yes, it doesn’t have the heft or complexity of some brews, but given that it’s not setting out to replicate that type of beverage, its straightforward nature stands up well. There’s enough going on that it feels substantial enough, but without any heaviness on the palate. Smooth, easy-drinking and refreshing. That’s not bad, is it?