Tobias Zollo, head brewmaster of Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery, has an intriguing preference: he enjoys alcohol-free beer. While he admits a fondness for traditional brews, Zollo finds the alcohol-free variety appealing during work hours, highlighting its similar taste with fewer calories, thanks to the brewery’s process of evaporating the alcohol.
“You can’t drink beer every day — unfortunately,” Zollo quipped at the Bavarian state brewery in Freising, about 31 kilometers north of Munich. His sentiment reflects a broader trend, as alcohol-free beer gains popularity amid declining interest in alcoholic options.
Founded by Christian monks in 1040, Weihenstephan began producing non-alcoholic wheat beer and lager in the 1990s. Today, these options constitute 10 percent of its total production—a trend mirrored throughout Germany’s brewing industry. “People are unfortunately drinking less beer,” Zollo noted, just before the start of Oktoberfest, a renowned 16-day celebration in Munich.
At Oktoberfest, attendees can enjoy non-alcoholic versions of Weihenstephan’s offerings at nearly all but two of the 18 large tents, with prices equal to their alcoholic counterparts. Oktoberfest-goer Mikael Caselitz voiced his support for these options, stating, “For people who don’t like to drink alcohol and want to enjoy Oktoberfest, it’s a good choice.” He emphasized that one can have fun without alcohol, adding, “If you want to drink alcohol-free beer, nobody will judge you.”
This year, Munich saw the opening of its first alcohol-free beer garden, “Die Null,” offering non-alcoholic beverages near the main train station. Walter König, managing director of the Society of Hop Research, explained that special hops are required for alcohol-free beer, as traditional hops lose their distinct aroma during the alcohol reduction process. However, he noted that buyers of alcohol-free beer prioritize taste, desiring it to match that of traditional brews.
You Might Be Interested In:
- Can We Boil Beer?
- Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Better for You Than Regular Beer?
- Is Gluten-Free Beer Made with Yeast?
