If you pay attention to the reviews that we write here at NoLo Alcohol, you may have already seen a previous review from the same brand, that being the UNLTD. Alcohol Free Lager.
Although the bottle looks almost identical, the subject of this review is the IPA. The difference between the two bottles? A different coloured metallic font; this time the brand name is in gold, rather than silver.
It must be said that I am a big fan of the classic, yet minimalist beer bottle design of this IPA, and I hope that the beer lives up to the packaging.
Also, one thing to point out before I start; this IPA is currently past its best before date. This was simply an error on my behalf when I picked it up, but we’ll give it a chance and be fair to any anomalies!
UNLTD. Alcohol Free IPA Initial Review
Before I start, here’s a photo of the bottle. Dark brown glass bottle, with a matte black label that features only white and metallic gold text.
Although simple, it is quite effective at standing out amongst crowded shelves, especially against the brightly colours favoured by indie and startup AF brands.
Before I start, there is a hint written on the bottle as to what I can expect from this IPA:
“This full flavoured IPA has aromas of citrus and tropical fruits, deep and complex malt flavours and a perfectly balanced bitter backbone.”
Let’s see if it lives up to the description…
Upon opening, the good news that it was easy to crack of the bottle cap, and no extreme pressure. A positive contrast, especially against the UNLTD. lager I reviewed.
Before pouring, there is a sweet, citrusy aroma. Mostly melon, with a bit of lime. A couple more whiffs and you can distinguish the malted barley within the IPA.
Poured into a glass, it is bordering on orange in colour. it is also clear, with plenty of bubbles sticking to both the bottom of the glass, and forming a decent head.
First taste, it is dry and bitter. Based on the fruity aroma, I was expecting a hint of sweetness, but it doesn’t exist.
It is light but with decent body, and has a slightly velvety mouthfeel.
Where some AF beers lack is the obvious absence of alcohol. This IPA doesn’t. It has a firm bitterness, with a hint of wheat and maltiness. Working through the bottle, some hidden flavours come out to play, providing a slight sweetness, and almost floral taste.
Although it is on the verge of too much bitterness for my liking, it is a beer that clearly holds it own. There is no sense that this IPA is missing any alcohol – I’m convinced the flavour, taste, look and aroma would fool any seasoned drinker into thinking it was the full fat stuff.
In most instances, I can finish my review, then finish off the rest of the beer. However, I write this, having already finished it off – a clear sign of how much I enjoyed it, and how easy it was to drink.
Oh, and a word on the expired best before date I mentioned in the intro. I wouldn’t have known any different!
Where Can I Buy UNLTD. Alcohol Free IPA?
The bottle I purchased for this review was from a boutique garden centre / luxury food hall, which is mostly useless information for you, unless you live near Harrogate.
However, you can buy this and the other UNLTD. beer from the following places:
UNLTD. IPA Ingredients, Nutritional Information and Calories
The ingredients in this beer are:
Water, Malted Barley, Maltodextrin, Wheat, Hops, Yeast
| Nutritional Information | Per 100mL |
|---|---|
| ABV | 0.5% |
| Energy (KJ / KCal) | 19 / 4 |
| Fat (g) | 0.1 |
| Of Which Saturates (g) | 0.1 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 1.0 |
| Of Which Sugars (g) | 0.1 |
| Protein (g) | 0.1 |
| Salt (g) | 0.02 |
Malted barley and wheat are the allergens to be aware of in this lager.
UNLTD. Non Alcoholic IPA Final Thoughts
After enjoying the UNLTD. Lager from a previous review, I was looking forward to trying this IPA. Fortunately, I wasn’t dissapointed.
It has all the characteristics of a good IPA, just without the alcohol. Yet, it doesn’t miss it at all.
i’m surprised that this is not as readily available as many others (at least in supermarkets or local stores), but this and the UNLTD. lager are two very good drinks that I will definitely be repurchasing!
