Finding a decent non-alcoholic beer used to feel like searching for buried treasure. Most tasted like watered-down regrets. But then I tried Sam Adams Non-Alcoholic Beer during a dry January challenge, and it changed my whole perspective. Turns out I wasn’t alone—Google searches for this stuff have exploded. If you're here, you're probably wondering: Does it actually taste like real beer? Where can I get it? And why should I pick this over all the other options? Let's cut through the hype together.
My First Honest Reaction
Cracked open a bottle after mowing the lawn last summer. Poured golden with decent foam—looked legit. Smell? Malty sweetness with faint hops, kinda like their Boston Lager but lighter. First sip... interesting. Not that weird metallic aftertaste you get with some NAs. More caramel notes than expected. Drank it ice-cold from the bottle later while grilling burgers—honestly hit the spot.
4/5 for taste compared to regular NAsWhat Makes This Beer Different
Most non-alcoholic beers use two methods: dealcoholization (brew normally then remove alcohol) or limited fermentation. Sam Adams uses the first method. They brew their full-strength Boston Lager recipe, then gently remove alcohol using vacuum distillation. This preserves more flavor compounds than heat-based methods. The brewmaster told me they tweaked the hops post-dealcoholization to compensate for aroma loss. Smart move.
Nutrition Facts That Matter
| Key Metric | Per 12oz Bottle | Vs. Regular Sam Adams |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal | 45% less than alcoholic version |
| Carbs | 19g | Similar to alcoholic beer |
| Sugar | 7g | Slightly higher than some competitors |
| ABV | 0.5% or less | Meets US non-alcoholic standards |
Notice the sugar content? That’s what gives it that malty body. If you’re keto, this might not be your jam. But for most folks, 85 calories beats the 150+ in regular beer.
Putting It Head-to-Head With Competitors
I did a blind taste test with 5 friends comparing it to top sellers. Here’s how they ranked it:
| Brand | Taste Score (Avg) | Price Per 6-Pack | Where It Falls Short |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Adams Non Alcoholic | /10 | $10.99 | Less hoppy bite than alcoholic version |
| Heineken 0.0 | 7.5/10 | $8.99 | Thin body, slight "wort" flavor |
| Athletic Brewing Run Wild | 8.0/10 | $11.99 | More expensive, harder to find offline |
| Budweiser Zero | 6.8/10 | $7.49 | Artificial sweetness noticed by 4 tasters |
Sam Adams NA won on flavor depth but came second in value. Athletic Brewing tasted slightly more craft-like, but costs more. Heineken 0.0 wins for availability but loses on mouthfeel. Bud Zero... well, let’s just say two friends didn’t finish their samples.
Where It Actually Shines
• Social situations: Tastes like "real beer" so you don’t feel left out at BBQs
• Post-workout: Hydrates better than sugary sodas
• Flavor consistency: Same batch-to-batch quality as alcoholic Sam Adams
• Food pairing: Surprisingly good with spicy wings due to malt backbone
But here’s my gripe: The price. At nearly $11 a six-pack, it stings when regular Sam Adams often sells for $9. You’re paying for that dealcoholization tech.
Where to Buy Without the Hunt
After striking out at three local spots, I compiled reliable sources:
Big Chains
Total Wine (consistent stock)
Wegmans (Northeast)
Spec’s (Texas)
Average Price: $10.99-$12.49
Online Options
Drizly (fast local delivery)
Proof No More (multi-brand NA store)
Amazon Fresh (limited areas)
Shipping Tip: Order 2+ six-packs to offset fees
Word to the wise: Check expiration dates! I got burned with stale cans at a discount grocer. Non-alcoholic beer degrades faster.
Who’s This Really For?
Based on my deep dive and reader surveys, you’ll probably love this if:
• You miss craft beer flavor but can’t/choose not to drink alcohol
• You’re a Boston Lager fan transitioning to NA
• You want something that doesn’t taste like "diet beer"
But skip it if:
• You hate malt-forward profiles (try Hop Wtr instead)
• Need true 0.0% ABV (this has trace amounts)
• Want cheap thrills (Bud Zero costs 30% less)
Real Talk: My wife—a Heineken 0.0 loyalist—still thinks Sam Adams NA tastes "too beery." Meanwhile, my homebrew club buddy claims it’s "close but missing the warmth" of alcohol. So taste is subjective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sam Adams Non Alcoholic Beer safe during pregnancy?
Most doctors say ≤0.5% ABV is pregnancy-safe. But check with YOUR provider. My cousin’s OB gave the green light at 32 weeks as an alternative to soda.
Why does it taste sweeter than regular Boston Lager?
Dealcoholization leaves residual sugars that yeast would’ve eaten. Sam Adams adds back hops to balance it, but that malt sweetness still comes through stronger.
Can I get drunk from Sam Adams NA?
Technically no. At 0.5% ABV, you’d need to chug 10 bottles in an hour to equal one regular beer. You’d explode first.
How should I serve it?
ICE COLD. Like, freezer-chilled-glass cold. Warmer than 45°F and the sweetness becomes more noticeable.
The Brewing Science Explained Simply
Their process isn’t magic:
1. Brew standard Boston Lager with standard 5% ABV
2. Transfer to vacuum chamber
3. Lower pressure so alcohol boils at room temp
4. Capture and remove alcohol vapor
5. Add back hop aromatics lost during process
6. Carbonate and package
This preserves more flavor than heat methods (like boiling off alcohol). But vacuum equipment is pricey—hence the cost.
Environmental Stuff You Might Care About
• Bottles use 30% recycled glass
• Six-pack carriers are recyclable cardboard
• Water usage per barrel is 10% lower than 2019
Not groundbreaking, but better than some macrobreweries.
When It Disappoints
My worst experience: Brought it to a poker night. Three guys said it tasted "skunky." Turns out the store had old stock sitting in a sunlit window. Lesson learned—always check dates and avoid light-damaged bottles. Also, it doesn’t play well with chocolate desserts (clashes with cocoa bitterness).
Final Straight Talk
Sam Adams Non-Alcoholic Beer fills a specific niche: People wanting craft-beer cred without alcohol. It’s not perfect—the price bugs me, and hopheads will wish for more bitterness. But for watching the game or unwinding after work? It’s become my garage fridge staple. Better than 80% of NAs I’ve tried. Just promise me you’ll drink it cold.
Still Unsure? Try This
Grab a single bottle at Total Wine (~$2). Compare it side-by-side with:
• Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn (for similar price point)
• Heineken 0.0 (for value option)
See which mouthfeel you prefer. Taste is personal, and no blogger can decide for you.