Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL), the company that is synonymous with Heineken and Kalik has raised their glasses to two new beverages, launching a non-alcoholic version of Kalik — Kalik Radler 0.0 percent — and a reduced calorie, fruit-based natural malt soft drink — Fayrouz.

Development of each of the beverages brews its own story.

Fayrouz is named after what CBL described as “a stunning turquoise gemstone found in nature.” It is a beverage that starts out with fruit, barley, hops and all the makings of beer, and ends up, after the alcohol is withdrawn, as a refreshing, fruit-infused soft drink.

Available in pineapple or pear flavors, it is packaged in a green bottle with a turquoise label or a turquoise can with yellow trim.

Made with all natural ingredients and free from preservatives, additives and colorings, the brew is made with Stevia, a sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant.

“Fayrouz is brewed with a blend of premium hops, fine barley malt, cereal grains and pure water,” says non-alcoholic Brand Manager Stacy Mackey. “After full fermentation and maturation, the alcohol is gently removed to preserve the quality, flavor and body of the alcohol-free beer. And because it is all natural with no refined sugars, it is 20-30 percent less in calories than traditional sodas, plus it has a really crisp, refreshing taste.”

CBL executives also have high hopes for the response to an alcohol-free version of Kalik which is deliberately canned and labeled in a way that is reminiscent of the beer.

“Kalik Radler 0.0% is the answer to those who want to drink with the crowd and enjoy a cold refreshing brew but really do not want alcohol,” said Mackey. “We believe it will have special appeal to a young market, especially those under 30 who want the healthy alternative, even in the midst of a party atmosphere.”

Like Fayrouz, Kalik Radler 0.0 percent begins with fruit, and is additive and preservative free. Its first brewing stages includes malted barley, hops, water and yeast, which are later removed.

While Fayrouz features pear or pineapple, Kalik Radler 0.0 percent starts with lemonade.

“We introduced the lemonade component in Kalik Radler two percent last year and it was so well-received that we were enthusiastic about investing in the development of the non-alcoholic version,” said CBL Managing Director Hans Neven.

“Given that this version starts out as beer mixed with fresh lemonade made from natural lemon juice, is free from artificial additives and the end product is a refreshing new taste experience without alcohol, we hope that it, too, will be well-received and think it will appeal especially to athletes and sports enthusiasts.”

Neven said it is safe for pregnant women, but cautioned that because of its fresh lemons and no additives or preservatives, the beverage should be kept in a cool place and has a shelf life of six months.

The product launch marked another milestone in the journey of CBL according to Neven. He said the company demonstrates that they are an ever-evolving company, that recognizes and answers market needs by getting out in front of new industry trends.

“With the introduction of these two new brands, we are expanding our position in the non-alcoholic beverage category. Both beverages were years in development. And we believe that both the non-alcoholic Kalik Radler 0.0 percent and the two flavors of the new fruit-based malt drink Fayrouz will quench the thirst of customers and increase loyalty and satisfaction by offering drinks that are tasty, refreshing and healthy alternatives to existing options,” said Neven.