Express reporter Robert Fisk tested eight non-alcoholic beers to find the best options for watching late World Cup matches without next-day hangovers. The winner was a tie between Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects and Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA, both scoring 9/10. However, the biggest surprise was Aldi's Sainte Etienne lager at just 89p per bottle, which scored 8/10 and outperformed Heineken 0.0 (6/10).
Kronenbourg 1664 Biere 0.0% - A Bizarre Flavour
Kronenbourg 1664 Biere 0.0% costs £3.97 for six cans (£2.01 per litre). Fisk, who gave up alcohol three years ago, found the non-alcoholic version disappointing. He described the taste as a weak curry powder with a slight meatiness, calling it bizarre. The can design was the only positive note. Score: 1/10.
Heineken 0.0 - Overhyped but Average
Heineken 0.0 costs £4.89 for six cans (£2.47 per litre). Fisk noted that while many people say this is acceptable or tastes like regular Heineken, he questioned when anyone last ordered a Heineken in a pub. He acknowledged it is fine on draught but said there are much better non-alcoholic choices in supermarkets. Score: 6/10.
Kirkstall Virtuous IPA - Promising but Lacks Depth
Kirkstall Virtuous IPA costs £2.50 per can (£5.68 per litre). The can design resembles craft beers with alcohol, making it suitable for barbecues. The beer frothed vigorously on opening, spilling over Fisk's knee. He found it lively with pine and slight citrus notes but lacking the robustness and complex flavours expected from an IPA. Score: 7/10.
Aldi Sainte Etienne - The Budget Champion
Aldi Sainte Etienne costs just 89p per bottle (£1.78 per litre). Fisk picked it up partly because he likes the band Saint Etienne and out of curiosity about an 89p lager. He described the taste as reminiscent of hot summer evenings in French campsites, after a day of sightseeing. He said it would pair well with camping stove meals and that he would definitely buy it again. Score: 8/10.
Asahi Super Dry Alcohol Free - Crisp and Sessionable
Asahi Super Dry Alcohol Free costs £4.50 for four cans (£3.41 per litre). Fisk praised its crisp, clear, and inviting character. Unlike many non-alcoholic lagers that become tiring after a couple of cans, he said he could happily drink this throughout a 90-minute World Cup match, including extra time and penalties. Score: 8/10.
Peroni 0.0% - Almost Like the Real Thing
Peroni 0.0% costs £4.75 for four bottles (£3.60 per litre). Fisk found it nearly indistinguishable from regular Peroni, saying it could be served with pasta in winter or tomato and mozzarella salad in summer. He joked that he could drink several bottles and then ride a moped home without legal trouble. Score: 8/10.
Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA - Citrusy and Summer Perfect
Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA costs £5.98 for four cans (£4.53 per litre). Fisk recommended this for those who prefer citrusy drinks over lagers. He described it as a subtle summery drink with delicate lemony flavours, not overly hoppy. He said he would be very happy to enjoy several pints in a pub garden. Score: 9/10.
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects - Smooth and Hoppy
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects costs £4.63 for four cans (£3.51 per litre). Fisk associated Brooklyn Brewery with chicken wings and a former roommate. He found the beer packed with hoppy flavours and smooth on the tongue. He noted that although the brand is American, the beer is brewed in Sweden and canned in Wolverhampton. Score: 9/10.
All tested beers are available in most supermarkets except Aldi Sainte Etienne, which is an Aldi own-brand product. Fisk concluded that for late-night World Cup viewing, the top-scoring options provide a satisfying alcohol-free experience.
