Introducing Athletic Brewing‘s Impressively Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Beers
Founded in 2018 by homebrewer Bill Shufelt and recovering alcoholic John Walker, Athletic Brewing cracked the code for non-alcoholic beer that actually retains the bold flavors and comforting bitterness true beer lovers crave.
While most non-alcoholic beers sacrifice taste with clumsy de-alcoholization methods, Athletic employs a proprietary technique during fermentation to gently remove the alcohol while preserving aromatic hop oils and malty complexity. I interviewed Head Brewer and co-owner Bill Shufelt to understand the technical mastery behind Athletic‘s uniquely flavorful offerings.
"We optimize our mash temperatures, yeast pitching rates and wort oxygenation to achieve full attenuation rapidly before alcohol levels exceed 0.5% ABV," Shufelt explained. This precision brewing maximizes flavor compounds while minimizing ethanol production.
The resulting beers taste so fresh and complete, you‘d never guess they contain a fraction of the alcohol of mainstream brews. Athletic is truly in a league of its own in the non-alcoholic beer world.
Putting Athletic to the Test: How Does it Stack Up?
To fully evaluate Athletic‘s beers, I did several side-by-side taste comparisons with popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands across various styles:
IPAs: Athletic Run Wild IPA vs Lagunitas IPA vs Heineken 0.0
Run Wild beat Heineken 0.0 hands down with vibrant tropical fruit hoppiness while Lagunitas showcased superior bitterness. But Run Wild tasted surprisingly close and outshone other alcohol-free attempts.
Goldens: Athletic Upside Dawn vs Bass Pale Ale vs Clausthaler Dry-Hopped
Upside Dawn mirrored Bass in drinkability with slightly dialed down malt richness. Its floral, lemon peel notes edged out Clausthaler‘s one-dimensional dry-hopped flavor.
Stouts: Athletic All Out Stout vs Left Hand Milk Stout vs Bravus Oatmeal Stout
All three dark brews featured lush roasted malt richness, but Left Hand‘s lactose sweetness remains unmatched. Still, All Out Stout held its own better than Bravus‘s thinner body.
So while alcoholic beers edge out Athletic offerings aroma-hop and flavor complexity-wise, Athletic easily bests most non-alcoholic competition. Drinking Athletic, you make only subtle taste trade-offs for zero alcohol or calories.
The Verdict from Beer Lovers
Fans rave Athletic finally nails delicious non-alcoholic beer:
"I‘ve tried every NA beer on the market and none come close to Athletic for taste."
– Steve R., homebrewer
"As a pregnant woman struggling with losing wine, Athletic became my trusty companion. Their Free Wave tastes so good I almost forget alcohol exists."
– Amanda G., mother-to-be
"I‘m training for an Ironman and depend on Athletic‘s light, hydrating beer for recovery. Almost too easy to crush after 60-mile rides!"
– Carlos T., athlete
It‘s evident Athletic provides satisfaction to everyone from athletes to expectant mothers by merging incredible flavor with healthy alcohol-free formulas.
Key Stats on the Thriving No-Alcohol Beer Segment
As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness alongside indulgence, the no- and low-alcohol beer segment has exploded:
- Over the last 5 years, non-alcoholic beer sales grew 36% in the U.S.
- Global sales are predicted to increase to 29 billion by 2025.
- Millennials are now the prime demographic, expected to drive almost 50% of market revenue.
These numbers illustrate the massive mainstream appeal non-alcoholic brews are gaining. With uniquely delicious offerings, Athletic shows no signs of slowing down.
The Complete Lowdown on Athletic‘s Core and Limited Release Beers
Digging into specifics, here‘s an overview of the complete Athletic beer family:
1. Run Wild IPA
Bursting with juicy, tropical aroma, Athletic‘s flagship Run Wild IPA showcases a vibrant medley of Northwest hops layered over smooth caramel malts. Its restrained bitterness makes for supreme crushability too!
At just 70 calories and zero carbs, you can run wild all you want with this golden brew.
2. Upside Dawn Golden Ale
Sunny citrus and tropical fruit dance over lightly bready malts in this crisp and quaffable golden ale kissed with pungently floral hops. One of Athletic‘s most easy-drinking and versatile beers, it shines on warm afternoons.
You‘ll flip for Upside Dawn‘s soft carbonation, bright flavor and mere 50 calories per can.
3. Free Wave Hazy IPA
Turbid and juicy, this New England-style IPA bursts with orange and mango hop lusciousness, heightened by low bitterness. Its smooth body showcases fruity oat and wheat malts.
One reviewer called Free Wave "theCraft Beer Of The Future" for nailing the supremely drinkable hazy IPA style – minus the buzz or fatigue.
4. All Out Stout
Constructed on a foundation of rich, chocolatey Midnight Wheat and roasted barley malts, All Out Stout captures full-flavored depths without the elevated alcohol or calories. Its creamy cascade of mocha and roast coffee notes satisfies immensely.
When you want decadence minus the weight, All Out Stout delivers levity, both in proof and your step.
5. Cerveza Atletica Mexican Lager
Crisp, light, subtly sweet – this sunny lager brewed with corn and hint of lime zest makes for the ultimate backyard cerveza. One six-pack reviewer called it "summer in a can!"
Cerveza Atletica rings in at under 100 calories so you can channel beach vibes any time.
Besides these core five releases, Athletic features a rotating cast of small batch specialty brews like the tart, tea-infused The Tart hazy sour and ÜberATH Oktoberfest amber lager.
While selection is still limited compared to the thousands of alcoholic craft beers on the market, Athletic continues innovating delicious boozeless options for all palates and seasons.
Getting the Most Out of Your Athletic Experience: Tips from Fans
Chatting with Athletic aficianados, I picked up helpful pointers for maximizing enjoyment:
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Grab variety packs to discover new favorites
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Keep cans ice-cold for ultimate refreshment
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Pair with spicy dishes that benefit from a cooling beer accent
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Pour into a monogrammed pint glass because… fancy
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Sip post-workout when your body is best primed to assimilate nutrients and electrolytes
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Substitute Athletic for alcoholic beer in cooking recipes
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Entertain guests who abstain from alcohol so everyone feels included
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Give Athletic gift packs to beer lover friends embracing sobriety
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Never force the final few sips from a can – stop when the taste becomes less than amazing
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Subscribe & save 15% so you never risk running out!
The Verdict: Achieving the Impossible with Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer
When I first tasted Athletic Brewing‘s beers, I was astounded how their depth, balance and lip-smacking drinkability rivaled alcoholic craft options with ABVs upwards of 7%.
Yet miraculously, these brew contain only 0.5% alcohol – granting all the joy of beer with no impairment or regrets.
Athletic isn‘t just the best non-alcoholic beer I‘ve found. It‘s excellent beer, full stop.
CEO John Walker summarizes his company‘s unprecedented achievement:
"We founded Athletic to solve a problem – create fuller-flavored, healthier beer so more people can enjoy the pleasures of beer anytime. Based on the community‘s incredible reactions, I believe we‘ve succeeded beyond our wildest dreams."
For the ultimate bar experience without the booze, bring home Athletic today. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Shop top-rated Athletic beer now!
