Let's be honest, when you hear "Carlton," you're probably thinking of sunny afternoons, good mates, and that classic Australian lager that's been a staple since forever. But here's the plot twist: Carlton's now playing in two leagues, and we're here to referee the match between Carlton Zero and its legendary alcoholic sibling, Carlton Draught.
Whether you're cutting back on alcohol, driving home, or just curious about what all the zero-alcohol fuss is about, this head-to-head is for you. Spoiler alert: both beers have their moment to shine, but one might just surprise you with how closely it rivals the original. Grab a cold one (whichever team you're on) and let's find it!
The Brand Behind the Brew
Carlton has been quenching Australian thirsts since 1864, making it one of the country's most iconic beer brands. Brewed by Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), Carlton Draught became the people's choice with its crisp, refreshing taste and that unforgettable "Made from Beer" marketing campaign.
Enter Carlton Zero, the new addition to the Carlton family. The aim of Carlton Zero, which was introduced as a part of the rising non-alcoholic beer trend, is to offer the same iconic Carlton experience without the hangover. Before the alcohol is carefully removed, it is brewed using traditional processes with the same attention to quality. The ultimate goal? To make sure that when you're taking off from alcohol, you don't have to sacrifice flavour.
Taste Test: Can You Tell the Difference?
Carlton Draught hits you with that familiar, crisp lager taste, slightly malty with a balanced bitterness from the hops. It's clean, refreshing, and goes down easy, which is exactly why it's been a backyard BBQ champion for decades. The flavour is straightforward without being boring: just good, honest beer.
Carlton Zero steps into the ring swinging close to the original. You'll notice that same malty sweetness upfront with a hint of hop bitterness on the finish. Is it identical? Not quite, there's a slightly lighter body and a touch less complexity, but honestly, the gap is smaller than you'd think. Many drinkers do a double-take because Carlton Zero nails that beer-y flavour without the boozy warmth. It's like the original's responsible twin who still knows how to have a good time while being cautious.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here's where things get interesting. Let's compare these two side by side:Nutritional Facts (per 375 mL serve)
|
Nutrient |
Carlton Draught |
Carlton Zero |
|
Energy |
139 kcal (581 kJ) |
106 kcal |
|
Alcohol (ABV) |
4.6% |
0.0% |
|
Carbohydrates |
10.1 g |
26.3 g |
|
Sugars |
0.4 g |
2.3 g |
|
Protein |
~1 g |
0.8 g |
Carlton Draught delivers the traditional full-strength beer experience with 4.6% alcohol and moderate carbs. Whereas Carlton Zero offers guilt-free refreshment with significantly lower calories and zero alcohol, though the carb count is elevated due to residual malt sugars.
Best For:
-
Carlton Draught: Classic beer lovers wanting authentic flavour with balanced nutrition
-
Carlton Zero: Calorie-conscious drinkers, designated drivers, or anyone avoiding alcohol while still enjoying beer flavour
Drinkability: Session-Friendly or One-and-Done?
Carlton Draught is a classic session beer; you can have a few with friends without feeling weighed down. However, those few beers will add up in both calories and alcohol content, which means you'll need to pace yourself or face the consequences tomorrow morning.
Carlton Zero is where sessionability gets a serious upgrade. Want to have three, four, or five during a long arvo? Go for it. No fuzzy head, no regrets, and you can still drive home, hit the gym the next morning, or actually remember the conversation you had. It's the beer for when you want to keep the party going without the party keeping you down the next day. Perfect for sports events, outdoor gatherings, or any time you want to stay sharp while still enjoying a cold brew.
The Brewing Process: How They're Made
Both beers start their journey the same way, with quality ingredients: water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. They're brewed using traditional lager methods, which involve fermentation at cooler temperatures for that clean, crisp finish.
Carlton Draught follows the full fermentation process where yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in that 4.6% ABV you know and love. Carlton Zero goes through the same initial brewing process, but here's the clever bit: the alcohol is removed using techniques like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. These methods remove the alcohol while preserving the flavouring compounds in the beer. Because it is beer without the alcohol, the outcome product has a truly beer-like flavour. After dealcoholization, some tweaks are made to balance the flavour so that you may still enjoy the satisfying Carlton flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Carlton Zero taste exactly like Carlton Draught?
A: It's impressively close! The main differences are a slightly lighter body and less alcoholic warmth, but the core flavour profile is very similar.
Q: Can pregnant women drink Carlton Zero?
A: While Carlton Zero has minimal alcohol content, it's always best for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before consuming any products labeled non-alcoholic.
Q: Why does Carlton Zero have more carbs than Carlton Draught?
A: A somewhat increased amount of carbs results from the removal of alcohol, which leaves behind some of the natural sugars that are normally fermented into alcohol.
Q: Does Carlton Zero have the same vitamins and minerals as regular beer?
A: Yes, both contain similar B vitamins and minerals from the brewing grains, though neither should be considered a significant nutritional source.
Q: How should I serve Carlton Zero?
A: Just like Carlton Draught, ice cold! Serve it at around 2-4°C for the most refreshing experience.
The Verdict: Which One Wins?
Carlton Draught continues to be the timeless Aussie favourite, fuller, and steeped in tradition. It’s the go-to for those who love the classic beer experience and that unmistakable Carlton character in every sip.
Carlton Zero, on the other hand, brings the same familiar flavour with fewer calories and no alcohol, making it perfect for mindful drinkers who still want to join in the fun. In the end, it’s not about choosing sides, it’s about having the freedom to enjoy beer your way.
