Happy New Year from all of us at The Cask Connoisseur! As we ring in 2025, we’re kicking things off with a Dry January special. For those of you swapping out your usual pint for something alcohol-free this month, we’re here to help you navigate the growing world of non-alcoholic beers. In our latest video, we’ve started with a review of Doom Bar Zero, the alcohol-free version of the much-loved amber ale from Sharp’s Brewery.
Why Dry January?
Luke and Chris began the video by discussing the idea of Dry January. While Luke’s excitement was palpable, Chris wasn’t entirely convinced but was willing to give it a shot. Non-alcoholic beers are a growing trend, with breweries offering increasingly diverse options for those who want the taste of beer without the alcohol.
First Up: Doom Bar Zero
Doom Bar Zero is a 0% ABV version of Sharp’s classic Doom Bar, a beer known for its rich amber color and malty flavors. Released in 2020, Doom Bar Zero aims to capture the essence of its traditional counterpart. As Luke noted, the original Doom Bar is a classic choice when visiting Cornwall, especially when poured fresh from the cask.
The Tasting Experience
On pouring, Doom Bar Zero retains the same amber hue as the original, which is visually promising. On the nose, the beer offers a malty aroma, though Chris remarked that it lacked the depth typically found in full-strength ales. The first sips revealed the challenge of creating alcohol-free beers: the absence of alcohol often leaves the flavor profile feeling incomplete.
Chris’s honest take? “It’s reminding me of guinea pigs that need their pen cleaned out.” While this humorous observation might raise some eyebrows, it underscores the difficulty of achieving a balanced flavor without alcohol. Luke added that the beer’s sweetness didn’t quite deliver the roasted malt and dried fruit notes promised on the label.
Pairing Potential
While Doom Bar Zero didn’t win rave reviews for sipping on its own, it might shine when paired with food. The bottle suggests pairing it with battered seafood, calamari, or a Sunday roast. Chris agreed that the beer’s flavor could complement the rich, salty notes of seafood or the robust flavors of pork. However, as a standalone drink, it struggled to meet expectations.
Verdict of Doom Bar Zero
Doom Bar Zero is a commendable attempt at crafting a non-alcoholic version of a beloved beer, but it’s not without its shortcomings. For those embracing Dry January, it might be worth a try, especially if paired with a meal. However, as Chris pointed out, “A proper Doom Bar is a lovely drink. This one, though, might be one to forget.”
Join the Conversation
Have you tried Doom Bar Zero or any other non-alcoholic beers this January? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment on our YouTube video or drop us a message on social media.Stay tuned as we continue our Dry January journey, reviewing more non-alcoholic beers and ranking them to find the best option out there. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share The Cask Connoisseur with your fellow beer enthusiasts. Cheers to good health and great adventures in 2025!
