Clausthauler Dry Hopped Non-Alcoholic 6Pk

Clausthaler Dry Hopped Non-Alcoholic 6Pk is a German non-alcoholic beer brewed with Cascade hops, packaged as a six-pack of 12 oz bottles at 0.5% ABV. Recognized as the world's first dry-hopped non-alcoholic beer, this expression has earned multiple international honors including a Gold Medal at the World Beer Cup in 2000 and repeat wins at the World Beer Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013.

Quick Facts: ABV: 0.5%  |  Origin: Germany  |  Style: Dry-Hopped Non-Alcoholic Lager  |  Producer: Radeberger Gruppe

Production & Heritage

Clausthaler is produced by the Radeberger Gruppe, one of Germany's largest brewing groups. What separates this beer from the majority of non-alcoholic options is its patented controlled fermentation process — rather than brewing a full-strength beer and then stripping the alcohol out, the process limits the amount of available maltose that yeast can convert to alcohol, meaning the beer never fully develops alcohol in the first place. This results in a more intact flavor profile. Brewed in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law) using only water, barley malt, hops, and yeast, the Dry Hopped expression is then finished with Cascade hops sourced from Yakima, Washington, adding a distinctly American hop character to a traditionally German brewing foundation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a wave of floral Cascade hops layered over toasted barley malt. Subtle citrus peel and a light honeyed sweetness emerge as the beer warms slightly in the glass.

Taste: The entry is medium-bodied with lively carbonation that carries malty caramel sweetness across the palate. At mid-palate, deeper notes of dark caramel bordering on molasses develop, balanced by a spicy lemon zest that cuts through the sweetness with precision. The hop bitterness is measured but present, giving the beer a structure that many non-alcoholic lagers lack.

Finish: The finish is moderately long with a clean, lingering citrus bitterness and a dry, slightly resinous hop character. A faint malt sweetness rounds out the close, inviting another sip.

How to Drink Clausthaler Dry Hopped

Pour into a pilsner glass or tulip to let the Cascade hop aromatics open up; drinking temperature around 40–45°F brings the best balance of malt and hop flavors. Beyond drinking it straight, the beer's hoppy citrus profile makes it a capable stand-in for alcoholic beer in several mixed drinks. A Shandy works well — the lemon zest character pairs naturally with fresh lemonade. A Michelada benefits from the beer's malty backbone standing up to lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. And a Beer-mosa (beer plus orange juice) highlights the citrus notes already present in the Cascade hops.

Best For

• Designated drivers or Dry January participants who still want genuine hop flavor
• Post-workout or midday refreshment when a full-bodied beer taste is wanted without alcohol
• Hosting barbecues or gatherings where inclusive beverage options matter
• Craft beer enthusiasts exploring the non-alcoholic category seriously for the first time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clausthaler Dry Hopped taste like? It delivers a medium-bodied lager profile anchored by malty caramel and dark toffee sweetness, balanced by distinctive citrus zest and floral hop bitterness from American Cascade hops. The carbonation is lively, giving it a bubbly, refreshing mouthfeel uncommon in non-alcoholic beers.

How does Clausthaler Dry Hopped compare to Heineken 0.0? Clausthaler Dry Hopped leans more heavily into hop-forward bitterness and citrus character thanks to its Cascade dry-hopping, while Heineken 0.0 presents a cleaner, lighter, and more neutral lager profile. Clausthaler also uses a controlled fermentation method that prevents alcohol formation, whereas Heineken 0.0 brews a regular beer and removes the alcohol afterward.

Is Clausthaler Dry Hopped good for craft beer fans? Yes — the dry-hopping with Cascade hops gives it a recognizable hop aroma and bitterness profile that echoes American pale ales, making it one of the more flavorful options in the non-alcoholic category for drinkers accustomed to craft beer.

Where is Clausthaler Dry Hopped made? Clausthaler is brewed in Germany by Radeberger Gruppe, one of the country's largest and most established brewing groups. The beer is produced under the Reinheitsgebot, Germany's historic purity law governing beer ingredients.

What foods pair well with Clausthaler Dry Hopped? Grilled burgers and bratwurst complement the malty caramel backbone. Spicy Thai or Mexican dishes benefit from the citrus hop character cutting through heat. Aged cheddar or gouda echoes the toffee notes. A simple pretzel with mustard mirrors the beer's German brewing heritage. Lemon-herb grilled chicken aligns with the Cascade hop citrus.

What sizes does Clausthaler Dry Hopped come in? This product is sold as a six-pack of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format for Clausthaler Dry Hopped in the U.S. market.

Is Clausthaler Dry Hopped worth the price? Clausthaler Dry Hopped sits in the mid-range of the non-alcoholic beer segment and delivers considerably more hop complexity than most competitors at a similar price point. Its multiple international awards and unique controlled fermentation method position it as strong value for anyone seeking a non-alcoholic beer with genuine depth.

Why Clausthaler Dry Hopped?

This is the beer that pioneered dry-hopping in the non-alcoholic space — a distinction no other NA brand can claim. Its patented fermentation process, which prevents alcohol from forming rather than removing it after the fact, preserves more of the malt and hop character that typically gets lost in dealcoholized beers. The use of American Cascade hops imported from Washington's Yakima Valley gives it a citrus-forward, craft-leaning personality that stands apart from the often bland lager profiles dominating the NA shelf. Backed by over three decades of international awards dating to 1990, Clausthaler Dry Hopped remains one of the most credible non-alcoholic beers available.