FREEDL Calma

On the producer's website, FREEDL Calma is presented as having been inspired by the desire to create a non-alcoholic alternative that matches beer both in taste and functionality. The producer describes Calma as an 'AperoBeer', a category it claims as the first of its kind.^[1]

Name Origin. According to the producer's website, the name Calma references the phrase 'Calma ti [chill] & get a beer', and points to both the calming properties of basil and the occasion of enjoying a beer.^[2]

Mountain Basil — Body & Complexity. The producer's website states that FREEDL Calma is made with alpine basil, which contributes body, complexity, and what the producer describes as anti-stress adaptogenic properties. The producer specifies that the Mountain Basil is sourced from the Stelvio National Park in South Tyrol, handpicked by a local herbal farm at 1,500 metres altitude. Anlegermagazin Mein Geld reported that the mountain basil (Bergbasilikum) is sourced from the herb farm 'Kräuterrebellen' at Stilfserjoch, where it grows at 1,500 metres. The producer notes that the alpine basil contributes body to the mid-palate, compensating for the absence of alcohol, as well as complexity in both nose and palate.^[3],[4],[5]

Appearance. Tasters at Süddeutsche Zeitung, as reported on the producer's website, described a golden yellow liquid with fine foam.^[6]

Nose. According to the same Süddeutsche Zeitung tasting cited on the producer's website, the aroma carries alpine herbs and mountain basil as a top note, with a hint of pepper. Der Bierprediger noted that the basil aroma is present but subtle and not dominant.^[6],[7]

Palate. The Süddeutsche Zeitung tasters, per the producer's website, found the main drink tangy and refreshing, with brief malt sweetness and slightly ethereal basil, finishing with a delicate sweetness and a pleasant honey note in the aftertaste. The producer further states that Calma is brewed as a pale ale style beer to bring citrus and freshness.^[1],[6]

The producer's website states that FREEDL Calma pairs well with light, Mediterranean dishes on hot summer days, and with dishes that traditionally use basil, particularly pizza and pasta.^[3]

Specifications. FREEDL Calma is a non-alcoholic basil beer, brewed in a pale ale style and described by the producer as an 'AperoBeer'. Anlegermagazin Mein Geld and Der Bierprediger both describe it as a non-alcoholic beer brewed with mountain basil.^[4]

The producer's website states that FREEDL Calma received a score of 10/10 points in the alcohol-free beer test conducted by Süddeutsche Zeitung, placing first in the category of nonalcoholic beers. Der Bierprediger reported that Freedl Calma was awarded Platinum at the International Craft Beer Award by Meininger.^[6],[7]