Samuel Adams Gold Rush Non-Alcoholic 6Pk

Samuel Adams Gold Rush Non-Alcoholic 6Pk is a golden lager brewed to just 0.5% ABV, delivering full-flavored beer character with virtually no alcohol. Scoring 84 on BeerAdvocate and earning a 3.5 out of 5 on Untappd from nearly 900 ratings, Gold Rush stands out in the growing non-alcoholic beer category for its malt-forward body and bright citrus finish.

Quick Facts: ABV: 0.5%  |  Origin: Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, USA  |  Style: Golden Lager  |  Brewery: Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)

Production & Heritage

Samuel Adams, founded in 1984 by Jim Koch under the Boston Beer Company banner, has grown into one of America's most recognized craft breweries. Gold Rush is produced using a dual-process approach: a proprietary low-alcohol producing yeast handles the initial fermentation, followed by vacuum de-alcoholization — an expensive and technically demanding method that strips residual alcohol without subjecting the beer to high heat that would damage delicate flavor compounds. The result is a non-alcoholic golden lager that retains far more of the malt complexity and hop character typically lost in conventional NA brewing.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted malt leads the nose, supported by gentle grain sweetness and faint citrus. A light floral quality rounds out the bouquet without overwhelming the malt backbone.

Taste: The entry is clean and malty, with a light body and medium carbonation that keeps it lively on the palate. Mid-palate, citrus notes emerge — orange and mango most prominently, with a subtle squeeze of lime adding brightness. The overall impression is crisp and balanced, avoiding the thin, watery character common in many non-alcoholic lagers.

Finish: Dry and refreshing, with fruity hop notes lingering just long enough to invite another sip. The finish is clean with no residual sweetness or off-flavors.

How to Drink Gold Rush

Gold Rush drinks best well-chilled, straight from the can or poured into a pilsner glass to showcase its pale golden color and carbonation. It also works as a versatile base in low-ABV and alcohol-free mixed drinks. Try it in an NA Shandy with fresh lemonade and a lemon wheel, where its malt structure holds up against the citrus. A NA Michelada with Clamato, hot sauce, and lime plays off Gold Rush's dry finish. It also substitutes well in a NA Beer Margarita blend, where the mango and citrus notes complement tequila-free margarita mixers.

Best For

• Dry January participants seeking a full-flavored lager alternative
• Designated drivers who want a genuine beer experience at social gatherings
• Post-workout or midday refreshment without the alcohol
• Stocking a home bar for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gold Rush taste like? Gold Rush delivers a malty, lager-forward flavor profile with noticeable citrus notes of orange, mango, and lime, finishing dry and crisp with medium carbonation and a light body.

How does Gold Rush compare to Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn? Both are non-alcoholic golden ales at 0.5% ABV, but Gold Rush leans more malt-forward with pronounced citrus fruit character, while Upside Dawn tends toward a slightly more bitter, hop-accented profile. Samuel Adams' vacuum de-alcoholization process gives Gold Rush a fuller body than many competing NA lagers.

Is Gold Rush good for someone new to non-alcoholic beer? Gold Rush is an excellent entry point because its golden lager profile closely mirrors conventional American craft lagers, making the transition to non-alcoholic beer nearly seamless.

Where is Gold Rush made? Gold Rush is brewed by the Boston Beer Company — the parent company of Samuel Adams — headquartered in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

What foods pair well with Gold Rush? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the citrus notes well. Classic pub fare like burgers and fries plays off the malt backbone. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette mirror the beer's fruit character. Mild cheeses such as Havarti or young Gouda match the clean, approachable body. Ceviche echoes the lime and mango tones in the finish.

What sizes does Gold Rush come in? Gold Rush is commonly available in a six-pack of 12 oz cans, which is the standard format for this expression.

Is Gold Rush worth the price? Gold Rush positions in the mid-range of the non-alcoholic craft beer segment, and the investment in vacuum de-alcoholization technology gives it a noticeable quality edge over budget NA options — strong value for drinkers who want genuine lager character without alcohol.

Why Gold Rush?

The vacuum de-alcoholization process used to brew Gold Rush is the same technology employed by top-tier NA producers, and it shows in the glass — this beer tastes meaningfully closer to a full-strength golden lager than most of its competitors. Samuel Adams brings four decades of American craft brewing credibility to the NA space, and Gold Rush benefits from that depth of recipe development. With an 84 on BeerAdvocate and consistent praise for its citrus-malt balance, this six-pack earns its place among the most drinkable non-alcoholic beers currently available.