Clausthaler has been around since 1979, which makes it genuinely old in a category that mostly didn't exist until much more recently. The key point is in the production: most alcohol-free beer starts as full-strength and has the alcohol extracted afterwards. Clausthaler Classic works differently, using a controlled fermentation process that limits how much alcohol is produced from the start. It's still proper beer under the Reinheitsgebot, just never very alcoholic to begin with. In the glass it pours a clear golden with modest carbonation. It's clean and malty, with light hop character in the background, a smooth medium body, and a short, mildly bitter finish. Nothing complicated. It's a competent, undemanding lager that does what it says. Won Silver at the World Alcohol Free Awards 2025.