Athletic Brewing Company has become a major player in the rapidly expanding non-alcoholic (NA) beer market. Athletic has built its reputation on creating flavorful, craft-style NA options. Their rise has been impressive, earning industry accolades. The central question for consumers remains: how does it actually taste?
The Brewing Process That Makes the Difference
Most traditional non-alcoholic beers are made by heating the beer to remove the alcohol or filtering it out post-fermentation, processes that often strip away flavor and aroma. Athletic Brewing uses a proprietary, 12-step process that allows the beer to undergo a full fermentation while controlling variables to ensure the alcohol content stays below 0.5% ABV,. This method preserves a more authentic and complex flavor profile, setting their brews apart from older NA varieties. As a result, the taste is generally more vibrant and 'beer-like.'
A Taste Test: Reviewing the Core Styles
Athletic offers a wide range of styles, from popular IPAs to lighter goldens and darker stouts. Here's a rundown of what to expect from some of their flagship beers:
Run Wild IPA
This flagship IPA is often the first Athletic beer people try. It has a distinct hop-forward profile with citrus, pine, and tropical notes. Reviewers praise its balanced bitterness and refreshing finish, noting it stands up well against many alcoholic IPAs. The mouthfeel is surprisingly full for an NA option, avoiding the thinness that plagues other brands. Many find it to be a satisfying stand-in.
Free Wave Hazy IPA
Following the hazy IPA trend, Free Wave offers a juicy and tropical experience with notes of tangerine and mango. Its texture is described as "pillowy" and smooth, offering a lusciously full mouthfeel. It is this beer, in particular, that won the prestigious Supreme Champion Beer award, highlighting its exceptional quality and taste.
Upside Dawn Golden Ale
For those who prefer a lighter, crisper brew, Upside Dawn is a solid choice. It presents a clean, refreshing profile with subtle malt sweetness and a hint of lemon,. It's a lower-calorie option that is easy-drinking, especially on a hot day or for casual events. Some find its flavor less robust than the IPAs, but it successfully captures the essence of a light golden ale.
Atlética Mexican-Style Copper
This cerveza-inspired brew has a rich, toasty character with notes of caramel and floral hops,. It's a medium-bodied, easy-drinking option that pairs well with food, especially those with a hint of spice.
All Out Extra Dark
As one of the rarer NA beer styles, Athletic's dark option is notable for its existence. It features roasted malt notes but can lack the complexity and depth of a traditional stout or porter. While a decent option for those craving a dark brew, it may not satisfy those seeking rich caramel or chocolate notes.
What Critics and Fans Say: The Pros and Cons
Like any product, Athletic Brewing has strengths and weaknesses, as pointed out by both consumers and critics:
- Pros
- Authentic Flavor: Athletic beers taste more like real craft beer than many competitors because of their proprietary process.
- Excellent Variety: They offer a wide range of styles, from IPAs and goldens to seasonal and limited-edition brews.
- Improved Quality: The brand has continually refined its recipes, and reviews indicate a significant improvement over their earlier batches,.
- Healthier Alternative: Athletic beers are lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to their alcoholic counterparts, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Widely Available: Their growing market presence means Athletic beers are increasingly easy to find in grocery stores and bars nationwide.
- Cons
- Faster Carbonation Loss: Some users report that Athletic beers can lose carbonation more quickly than traditional beers, emphasizing the importance of drinking them cold and fresh,.
- Flavor Varies by Style: While their IPAs are highly praised, some lighter or darker styles may fall short for certain palates,.
- Not Zero-Alcohol: Athletic beers contain up to 0.5% ABV, they are not suitable for individuals who wish to abstain from alcohol entirely.
- Craft Price Point: Athletic is priced higher than mainstream NA brands, though competitive with other craft NAs and alcoholic craft beer.
Comparison Table: Athletic Brewing vs. Competitors
To put Athletic Brewing in perspective, here's how it compares to other common NA options:
| Feature | Athletic Brewing Co. | Mainstream NA Brands (e.g., O'Doul's) | Other Craft NA Brands (e.g., Go Brewing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Complexity | High; uses a proprietary method for authentic, craft-like taste. | Low; often has a watery or malty flavor due to older production methods. | Varies; can be very high, with some brands rivaling Athletic in specific categories,. |
| Variety of Styles | Excellent; offers a wide and rotating selection of IPAs, goldens, darks, and sours. | Limited; typically offers a handful of lager or light ale options. | Good; many craft competitors also offer a variety of styles, often focused on specific niches. |
| Quality Consistency | High; consistent quality across widely available core brews. | Varies; often viewed as consistently bland, though reliable. | Varies; some smaller craft brands can have more inconsistency. |
| Accessibility | Widely available in grocery stores and bars across the US and internationally. | Very high; found everywhere, from supermarkets to dive bars. | Varies; often requires online purchase or shopping at specialty stores,. |
| Price | Premium craft price point, similar to alcoholic craft beer. | Very low price point, often the cheapest NA option. | Premium craft price point, similar to Athletic. |
Conclusion
Is Athletic beer any good? For most people exploring the world of non-alcoholic craft beer, the answer is yes. Their brewing process delivers a more authentic, satisfying flavor profile than the older generation of NA options. The wide variety of styles ensures there is a brew for almost every palate, with IPAs like Run Wild and Free Wave being particular standouts,. While some may find issues with specific styles or the speed at which the carbonation dissipates, these are minor critiques in the context of the overall quality offered. For those seeking a flavorful, non-alcoholic craft alternative without sacrificing the taste and experience of a good beer, Athletic Brewing is a top-tier choice. For a closer look at one of their most popular options, read this detailed review of the Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA.
