FREEDL Calma

Approach. FREEDL Calma is a basil beer brewed in a pale ale style, developed to bring citrus and freshness to the glass. According to FREEDL, it was inspired by the desire to create a beverage that matches beer both in taste and functionality. The producer positions it within a category it calls 'AperoBeer', which it claims as the first of its kind.^[1]

Name. The name Calma references the phrase 'Calma ti [chill] & get a beer', tying together the occasion of enjoying a beer and, per the producer, the calming properties of the basil used in the recipe.^[2]

Mountain Basil — Body & Complexity. FREEDL Calma is brewed with mountain basil (Bergbasilikum) sourced from the Stelvio National Park in South Tyrol, handpicked at 1,500 metres altitude. The supplier is the herb farm 'Kräuterrebellen' at Stilfserjoch, and the producer describes the basil as the highest-sourced basil in Italy. According to FREEDL, the alpine basil contributes body to the mid-palate, compensating for the absence of alcohol, and adds complexity in both nose and palate. FREEDL also credits the basil with anti-stress adaptogenic properties, describing it as an adaptogen that stimulates neurotransmitters and was historically called the 'brain-herb' for its reputed ability to aid concentration.^{[1],[3],[4],[5],[6]}

Appearance. A golden yellow liquid with a fine foam.^[7]

Nose. The Süddeutsche Zeitung panel noted an aroma of alpine herbs and mountain basil as a top note, with a hint of pepper. Der Bierprediger described the basil aroma as present but subtle and not dominant.^[7],[8]

Palate. The Süddeutsche Zeitung tasters found the main drink tangy and refreshing, with a brief malt sweetness and a slightly ethereal basil character. The aftertaste showed a delicate sweetness with a pleasant honey note.^[7]

FREEDL suggests Calma pairs well with light, Mediterranean dishes on hot summer days, and specifically 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, described by the producer as an 'AperoBeer'.^[1]

Production. FREEDL Calma is produced at the South Tyrolean manufactory Pfefferlechner, where herbs are incorporated into the beers.

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 non-alcoholic beers.^[7]