Clausthaler

Brought to market by Binding-Brauerei in Frankfurt/Main in the 1970s, Clausthaler initially marketed its brew as Prinzenbier before disclosing its alcohol-free nature. The brand's brewing method, Controlled Fermentation, manages fermentation so that only a negligible amount of alcohol is produced, meaning the beer is not brewed at full strength and then dealcoholised. Clausthaler uses sun-kissed barley and aromatic hops, with hops added at an advanced stage of the process to preserve their character. All beers are brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, the German purity law of 1516, from water, barley malt, hops, and yeast.

Clausthaler's growth was rapid: it brewed 30,000 hectolitres in 1980 and held a 55% share of the German market in 1981, becoming market leader in Germany in the 1980s. By 1989 the brand had expanded to over 50 countries, and by 1991 annual output had reached 1.5 million hectolitres. Clausthaler is recognised as the German pioneer of alcohol-free beer. It is now brewed at the Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei and is part of the Radeberger Group.

In 2018, Clausthaler unveiled a new international look and introduced a naturally hazy amber beer to the German market. The lineup spans lagers, pilsners, and IPAs, with the brand also having produced the world's first dry-hopped alcohol-free beer. In 2023, Clausthaler extended its US presence with an IPA and an isotonic 0.0 beer. Two of the brand's drinks have won awards. Available in over 50 countries, Clausthaler is positioned towards conscious connoisseurs and drinkers with an active lifestyle.