What we look for in a low-alcohol beer

We asked MSN UK Cars senior editor Ian Dickson and content editor Steve Walker to taste and rate a whole range of low-alcohol beers. Both are driving nuts who live in rural locations so are all-too-familiar with the beer v car conundrum. Making up the trio is Craig Butcher, content editor of MSN UK Him and MSN UK Food.

What are we looking for in a low-alcohol beer? Clearly, minimal alcohol. Many are described as 'alcohol-free' when they can contain up to 0.5% of alcohol, which is worth bearing in mind. The key is to pack in all the flavour without the alcohol punch. Routinely alcohol-free beers can taste dull and lack the 'finish' and aftertaste of an alcoholic beer. And let's be honest, the bottle needs to look the business too.