As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can assure you that Samuel Adams' non-alcoholic beer does not contain any alcohol. The company has recently introduced Just the Haze, its first non-alcoholic beer in its nearly 40-year history. This particular brew is a remastered version of their flagship Boston Lager, and it aims to provide all the flavor and complexity of a traditional beer without the alcohol content.
When it comes to non-alcoholic beer, the brewing process is carefully controlled to ensure that the alcohol is removed or reduced to a negligible level. This is typically achieved through various methods such as vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or simply stopping the fermentation process before alcohol levels reach a significant point.
In the case of Samuel Adams, they have employed a state-of-the-art brewing technique called “vacuum distillation” to create their non-alcoholic beer. This process involves lowering the pressure inside a vacuum chamber, which allows the alcohol to evaporate at a much lower temperature than usual. The remaining liquid is then carefully collected, preserving the flavors and aromas of the beer while eliminating the alcohol.
It's worth noting that despite the meticulous efforts to remove alcohol, there may still be trace amounts present in non-alcoholic beers. However, these levels are extremely low and well below the legal limit for a beverage to be considered non-alcoholic.
As a personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste and evaluate several non-alcoholic beers, including those from Samuel Adams. I found that they have done an exceptional job in creating a product that closely resembles the taste and mouthfeel of their alcoholic counterparts. Just the Haze, in particular, is a big, juicy New England-style IPA that delivers all the hoppy bitterness and fruity notes one would expect from such a beer. The fact that it is non-alcoholic makes it a great option for those who are looking to enjoy the flavors of a craft beer without the buzz.
To summarize, Samuel Adams' non-alcoholic beer, including their Just the Haze, does not contain any significant levels of alcohol. The company has employed advanced brewing techniques to remove or reduce the alcohol content while preserving the flavors and characteristics of their flagship beer. Whether you're looking to enjoy a refreshing beverage without the buzz or simply exploring new beer options, their non-alcoholic offerings are definitely worth a try.