What is 'Alcohol-Free' According to the Law?
In the world of beverages, the terms 'non-alcoholic,' 'alcohol-free,' and 'near beer' have specific legal definitions that differ by country. In the United States, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) dictates that for a malt beverage to be labeled 'non-alcoholic,' its alcohol by volume (ABV) must be less than 0.5%. This is an important distinction to understand because while 0.5% is an extremely small amount—comparable to the trace alcohol found naturally in kombucha, ripe bananas, or orange juice—it is not zero.
The term 'alcohol-free' is reserved for beverages that contain 0.0% ABV. However, because Athletic Brewing uses a natural fermentation process, it is not able to claim 0.0% and therefore uses the 'non-alcoholic' designation, which is universally accepted within the 0.5% ABV limit. This distinction is critical for individuals who must avoid all alcohol for religious reasons, health considerations, or due to a past history of alcohol dependency.
The Athletic Brewing Process: A Unique Approach
Unlike some larger companies that brew a standard beer and then use methods like reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation to remove the alcohol, Athletic Brewing uses a proprietary, patent-pending process to control the fermentation from the very beginning. Co-founder Bill Shufelt deliberately sought to perfect a method that would allow them to brew a flavorful, fully fermented beer with minimal alcohol from the start, rather than stripping it away later.
This method involves several key adjustments to the brewing process, the specifics of which are a closely guarded trade secret. By manipulating variables such as temperature, specialized yeast strains, and the composition of grains and sugars, Athletic Brewing can produce a complex, full-bodied beer that naturally stays under the 0.5% ABV threshold. This contrasts with older methods that could sometimes compromise the beer's flavor profile due to the harsh nature of alcohol removal techniques, resulting in a watery or unbalanced taste.
How Athletic Brewing Compares to Other Non-Alcoholic Options
For those navigating the world of non-alcoholic beverages, understanding the different production methods can inform your choices. Many brands fall into one of two categories: those that remove alcohol and those that limit its production from the outset, like Athletic Brewing.
Common Non-Alcoholic Production Methods
- Dealcoholization: This includes techniques like vacuum distillation, which evaporates the alcohol at low temperatures to preserve flavor, and reverse osmosis, which filters out alcohol molecules using a special membrane. These are often used by larger breweries.
- Limited Fermentation: This is the category Athletic Brewing falls into, where the brewing process is controlled to produce less than 0.5% ABV. This can be achieved by using special yeast strains that produce less alcohol or by limiting fermentation time and temperature.
- No Fermentation: In this method, no yeast is used, and the beverage is essentially a flavored wort. While it results in 0.0% ABV, it can sometimes lack the complex flavor profile of a traditionally brewed beer and may taste overly sweet.
Comparison of Non-Alcoholic Beer Types
| Feature | Athletic Brewing (<0.5% ABV) | Alcohol-Removed (<0.5% ABV) | True Alcohol-Free (0.0% ABV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABV | Always under 0.5% | Always under 0.5% | Guaranteed 0.0% |
| Production | Proprietary, controlled fermentation | Brewed normally, then alcohol is removed via heat or filtration | Brewed without fermentation |
| Flavor Profile | Retains complex, full-bodied craft flavor | Can sometimes lose flavor and aroma during alcohol removal | Can sometimes taste overly sweet or less complex |
| Purity | Contains trace amounts of alcohol from fermentation | Contains trace amounts of alcohol from fermentation or removal | No traces of alcohol |
| Best For | Craft beer lovers, social drinkers | Those seeking a standard beer taste, but lower ABV | Individuals who must abstain from all traces of alcohol |
Implications for Different Lifestyles
For the vast majority of consumers, the sub-0.5% ABV of Athletic Brewing is a moot point. The human body processes trace amounts of alcohol from various food sources constantly. You would need to drink a significant quantity of Athletic Brewing's beer to even begin to register a noticeable effect, a much larger volume than most would consume in a single sitting. However, for certain individuals, even trace amounts can be a concern.
- Sober Curious: For those simply looking to reduce their alcohol intake or take a break, Athletic Brewing offers a perfect solution. It provides the full social and sensory experience of a craft beer without the intoxicating effects, hangovers, or high calorie counts.
- Medical Considerations: People with specific medical conditions or those taking certain medications should consult a doctor before consuming non-alcoholic beverages with any trace of alcohol. While the risk is minimal for most, it is always best to be cautious.
- Religious Beliefs: Some religious interpretations require complete abstinence from all products containing alcohol. For these individuals, true 0.0% ABV options are the only acceptable choice, and Athletic Brewing would not qualify.
Conclusion
To answer the central question: No, Athletic Brewing is not completely alcohol-free, but it is classified as 'non-alcoholic' under legal definitions in many countries because its ABV is less than 0.5%. This is a crucial distinction, separating it from products with a true 0.0% ABV. The company’s innovative and proprietary brewing method ensures a rich, full-bodied flavor by carefully controlling the fermentation process, resulting in a quality craft beer experience without the high alcohol content. For most consumers, Athletic Brewing represents an excellent, safe choice for enjoying a flavorful beer while reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, but those who require absolute abstinence from all traces of alcohol should seek out products explicitly labeled with a 0.0% ABV.
