Busch NA (Non Alcoholic) - Review. 24 January 2021.

I've never really been a big fan of the American Bud/Busch/Miller/Coors products.  The old joke goes American beer is like having sex in a canoe, it's about as close as you can get to water.  But, I recently reviewed Coors Edge, and it's become one that I really enjoy.  Weird, I know.  So, I figured I'd give Busch NA a try.  This is an Anheuser-Busch beer that's been around since 1994, and was introduced along with some rather wild commercials (here, and here).  The product description says, "Busch NA is fully brewed with a blend of premium American hops, fine barley malt, cereal grains, and pure water. Once fermented and matured the alcohol is removed through a low-temperature process to retain a rich flavor and quality".  It has a 0.4% ABV, and an IBU of 5.  So, pretty low there!

The can definitely looks like a budget, Busch can.  In terms of the look, this one has a pale, yellow color to it.  The aroma is mild, and lightly sweet.  I pick up a mellow grain smell, along with light tones of corn and malt.  In the mouth, it's a lighter beer.  It has a light body, and light carbonation.  In the flavor, it's not too watery, but is definitely a lighter tasting beer.  It has a light malt flavor, along with a sweet hint of corn.  It has a very light, mild grassy/hoppy taste, as well.  This one doesn't have too much sweetness, but it's also not super bitter.  It has a pretty smooth finish, as well.  But all in all, it tastes and smells like beer, which they definitely did right.  I've had some NA beers that didn't really taste like beer, but this one sure does.

Rating and Final Thoughts

Is this an amazing beer?  No.  Does it look and taste like beer?  Yes.  Like when you're at a tailgate and someone offers you a free Bud Light, it does its job.  All in all, it's a pretty easy drinking beer.  Something you can take with you on the river, on a camping trip, or something you can reach for after doing some yard work.  I rated it at 2.58 out of 5 because it's not an amazing tasting beer.  But, it's probably something I"d buy again if I wanted something cheap.  It was only $10 for a 12 pack here, and I've paid more than that for a 4 pack of IPAs before.