Athletic Brewing Company has revolutionized the non-alcoholic craft beer market by focusing on high-quality, natural ingredients and a proprietary brewing method. Unlike some traditional brewers who remove alcohol after fermentation, Athletic's innovative process monitors and adjusts variables during fermentation to keep alcohol content below the 0.5% threshold. This ensures the full flavor profile from the initial ingredients is retained, rather than being stripped away.
The Core Ingredients in Athletic Non-Alcoholic Beer
At the heart of every Athletic non-alcoholic beer is a commitment to using fundamental, natural ingredients. The base for many of their brews, such as the popular Upside Dawn Golden Ale and Run Wild IPA, consists of several key components.
- Water: The foundation of all beer, water quality is crucial to the final taste and mouthfeel. Athletic sources and treats its water to ensure consistency across its product lines.
- Malted Barley: Providing the sugar necessary for fermentation, malted barley is a primary source of flavor and color in the beer. Some varieties, like the Organic Vienna Malt used in Free Wave Hazy IPA, contribute specific characteristics.
- Oats: Added for a smoother mouthfeel and creamier texture, oats are a key ingredient in many of Athletic's brews, contributing to the beer's body.
- Wheat: This grain also adds body and helps to create a full, rich flavor profile. It is a common ingredient in many of their recipes.
- Hops: Providing bitterness, aroma, and flavor, hops are essential for crafting the distinct profiles of Athletic's various IPAs and other styles. They use freshly ground hops to ensure maximum impact.
- Yeast: The vital microorganism that ferments the sugars into a very low level of alcohol and CO2. The specific strains of yeast used by Athletic are part of their unique, proprietary process, which allows for a full-flavor fermentation without exceeding the non-alcoholic limit.
The Importance of High-Quality, Natural Sourcing
Athletic Brewing Co. places a strong emphasis on the quality of its raw materials, sourcing organic grains to produce its brews. This focus not only aligns with consumer demand for clean-label products but also ensures a better-tasting final product. By using fresh and carefully selected ingredients, Athletic is able to deliver the complex flavors and aromas that are typically associated with traditional craft beer.
A Comparison of Athletic Brewing Ingredients by Beer Style
Athletic's diverse portfolio means the exact ingredient list can vary. The following table highlights the differences in key ingredients for some of their popular offerings.
| Beer Style | Key Grains | Notable Hops | Flavor Profile | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run Wild IPA | Malted Barley, Oats, Wheat | Coded as proprietary, likely includes classic aromatic hops | Hoppy, slightly bitter, with balanced malt | Flagship brew, known for its hop character. |
| Upside Dawn Golden Ale | Malted Barley, Oats, Wheat | Hops (type varies) | Clean, light, subtle malty sweetness | Crisp and refreshing for easy drinking. |
| Free Wave Hazy IPA | Organic Vienna Malt, Malted Barley, Wheat | Proprietary hops for a hazy style | Juicy, tropical, less bitter than a standard IPA | Uses organic grains for a cleaner taste. |
| Oktoberfest | Proprietary Malt Blend | Proprietary Hops | Toasted malt, caramel, and balanced spice | Seasonal release with a classic Marzen flavor. |
What Makes Athletic's Process Unique?
One of the most common questions about Athletic Brewing is how they create their non-alcoholic beers without the watered-down taste found in many traditional NA options. The secret lies in their proprietary brewing process, which does not involve removing the alcohol after the fact. This avoids a critical step that can often strip away the flavor and character of the beer. By carefully controlling fermentation variables, Athletic's brewers coax a full-flavored beer out of the yeast, hops, and malt while keeping the alcohol content naturally low. The result is a non-alcoholic craft beer that tastes and feels more like its full-strength counterparts.
Potential Variations and Allergens
While the core ingredients remain consistent, slight variations can occur depending on the specific seasonal or limited-release beer. Consumers should always check the label for any specific allergens or ingredients. Athletic Brewing follows Good Manufacturing Practices and manages allergen handling, though cross-contamination is a possibility in any shared facility. Some products may also contain a higher level of carbohydrates due to residual sugars from the brewing process.
Conclusion: More Than Just the Sum of its Parts
In summary, the ingredients in Athletic non alcoholic beer are the same high-quality, natural components you would find in most craft brews: water, malted grains (including barley, oats, and wheat), hops, and yeast. The real secret, however, is not just what's in the beer, but the proprietary brewing process that brings these ingredients together. This unique method allows for a full, authentic craft beer flavor to be developed without producing significant alcohol. For anyone seeking a flavorful, non-alcoholic option, Athletic Brewing offers a meticulously crafted beverage built from a foundation of simple yet high-quality ingredients, resulting in a product that truly lives up to its craft beer branding. As the non-alcoholic market continues to grow, Athletic's dedication to quality ingredients and innovative techniques sets a high standard for others in the industry.
