What’s better than one great-tasting non-alcoholic beer? Three great-tasting non-alcoholic beers! Fermentis joined forces with the team at Aux Enfants Terribles in the North of France to brew up some no and low alcohol beers (aka NABLAB in the industry) using our specialty yeast SafBrew™ LA-01 and SafAle™ S-33, just in time for Dry January.
The goal: Expanding Brewing Horizons with No-Alcohol Beer Yeast
Located less than three kilometers from the Fermentis Campus in Marquette-lez-Lille, brewpub Aux Enfants Terribles was co-founded by Frédéric Deceuninck in 2023. This popular establishment is not only a micro-brewery, but also a bar, restaurant and event space. The brewery is run by Frédérick and Paul Dadaux, who supply the taproom and restaurant with fresh beer that is enjoyed on site, straight from the tap.
With such close proximity and a strong relationship with Fermentis, it was only natural that a collaboration take place. To celebrate Dry January, the team decided to create two recipes for non-alcoholic beers using different Fermentis yeasts: SafBrew™ LA-01 and SafAle™ S-33.
When brewing, Fred and Paul enjoy experimenting in search of original flavors. This was an important consideration when planning their first NABLABs with Fermentis. “This is the first time we’re serving non-alcoholic beer, so we wanted to offer a few different styles,” says Frédéric. “We had the idea of conducting a poll to see which new beer was most popular with our customers, then keeping it on our menu permanently.”
The trend
A movement that’s gaining momentum across the globe, no and low alcohol beers are a fantastic opportunity for brewers to diversify their range and become part of a more inclusive beer culture. Creating a great-tasting NABLAB is not without its challenges however, as dealcoholization methods are often costly and known to alter a beer’s sensory profile. Producing NABLAB with low-alcohol yeast circumvents a lot of these problems for craft brewers, while also allowing them to experiment with introducing new flavors to enhance drinkability without the need for specialized equipment.
“Brewing alcohol-free beer without dealcoholization has been particularly difficult for a long time,” says Frédéric. “The fact that we now have yeasts and new ways for craft brewers to be able to manufacture these products is a game changer in a really significant way.”
The yeast: Spotlight on No-Alcohol Beer Yeast SafBrew™ LA-01
The first dry yeast of its kind on the market, SafBrew™ LA-01 is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. chevalieri that has been specifically selected for its ability to ferment without producing substantial alcohol. A maltose-negative strain, it only ferments simple sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), making it possible to brew low alcohol or even non-alcoholic beers. SafBrew™ LA-01 is characterized by a subtle aroma profile. It is adaptable to a range of beer styles and a great choice for brewers looking to create something unique.
On of the specificities of SafBrew™ LA-01 is that it it POF +, meaning it can produce phenolic flavours, such as spice or clove. However, in specific brewing conditions it is possible to reduce or annihilate this character.
SafAle™ S-33 is the ideal yeast when it comes to brewing hoppy, fruit forward beers. This versatile strain gives good mouthfeel and body to beer. Its low attenuation produces beers with a long finish, while its neutral flavor profile makes it a good choice for special ales and Trappist-style beers.
The result: Unique Flavors Created with No-Alcohol Beer Yeast
In partnership with Fermentis, the team produced a range of finished products with truly unique organoleptic characteristics. “We wanted to offer our customers something new”, says Frédéric. “I hadn’t seen many non-alcoholic beers on the market with interesting cereal notes, so this was a goal for us.”
From the same wort, the team brewed two non-alcoholic pale ales and a non-alcoholic sour ale. One of the pale ales, brewed with SafBrew™ LA-01 was tropical and juicy, with a smooth, malty-biscuity base.
The results of the poll? The sour ale was the most highly rated by Aux Enfants Terribles customers. This non-alcoholic beer was brewed with SafBrew™ LA-01 and kettle soured. Its acidity and refreshing burst of citrus flavour gave it a tangy and crisp character, while the blend of American and Australian hops added a fruity, herbal twist. Customers found it highly drinkable, and a great choice for summer.
Kettle souring is a great way to improve your no and low alcohol beers, since they are prone to feeling a little watery and lacking in body. This is party due to the low alcohol content, with less warmth and coating in mouth. But by balancing this with increased acidity from the kettle souring technique, you can brew some quite amazing low alcohol beers!
Curious to know more about this recipe and brew? You can watch Frédéric in conversation with Philippe Janssens, Fermentis Technical Manager & Brewer, as they discuss the project.
For more information about SafBrew™ LA-01, brewing non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beers and much more, check out our Complete Solutions for Low and No-Alcohol Beers.