I have tried quite a few alcohol free beers over the years and honestly, most of them never really convinced me. Some tasted watery, some were oddly sweet, and others had that strange artificial aftertaste that immediately reminds you that you are not drinking a “real” beer. So my expectations were not particularly high when I first opened a bottle of Flensburger Frei.
Now I can confidently say that this is probably the best alcohol free beer I have ever had.
Ironically, I first discovered it during pregnancy. At that time I was searching for something that actually felt like a proper beer instead of a compromise. I wanted the full experience. The fresh taste, the bitterness, the body, the feeling of sitting outside in the evening with an ice cold bottle in hand. Most alcohol free beers failed after the first sip. This one did not.
And somehow, I just stayed with it ever since.
According to the brewery, Flensburger Frei is brewed with real beer character in mind and focuses on maintaining a strong, refreshing taste despite containing almost no alcohol. Flensburger Frei The brewery also highlights its balanced hop profile and fresh finish, which absolutely comes through when drinking it.
The first thing I noticed was the appearance. The beer has a very bright golden color, almost pale in the glass. At first I expected the flavor to be light as well because visually it looks softer than many classic German beers. But the opposite was true. The taste is surprisingly strong and full. It has real depth and a proper beer bitterness without becoming too heavy.
And yes, naturally, it was served with ice cubes.
Some people hate that idea, but on a warm evening it works perfectly here. The beer stays incredibly crisp and refreshing without losing its flavor. Even with the extra chill, the taste remains intense and satisfying.
Another thing that impressed me was the foam. The head was firm, stable, and actually looked like what you would expect from a freshly poured premium pilsner. I love a good dense foam on beer because it somehow makes the whole experience feel more complete and authentic. Flensburger Frei definitely delivers there.
But the biggest compliment I can give this beer is simple.
With your eyes closed, you genuinely barely notice the difference between this and a normal beer.
That sounds exaggerated, but it is honestly true. The mouthfeel, the bitterness, the overall aroma and freshness feel incredibly close to the real thing. There is no weird alcohol free aftertaste lingering in the background. No artificial sweetness. No disappointment after the second sip.
It just tastes like beer.
Good beer.
Over time this became my default choice whenever I wanted something refreshing without alcohol. Whether after a long day, during summer evenings outside, or simply because I wanted the taste of a proper German beer without the heaviness of alcohol, it always worked.
There are many alcohol free beers on the market now, and every brewery claims theirs tastes “just like the original.” Most do not. Flensburger Frei comes closer than almost any other I have tried.
For me, it stopped being “good for an alcohol free beer” a long time ago.
It is simply one of my favorite beers overall. 🍺
