Athletic Brewing Co - The Beer Thrillers

Athletic Brewing and Netflix Release Marine Odyssey

B. Kline — Fri, 10 May 2024 16:15:37 +0000

Athletic Brewing Logo

Athletic Brewing and Netflix Collaborate Together to Release Marine Odyssey

Introducing Marine Odyssey, a new non-alcoholic IPA from Athletic Brewing, with locations in San Diego, CA, and Milford, CT. This collaboration with Netflix offers a brew that contains less than 0.5% ABV, 60 calories, and 14g of carbs per 12oz serving. Stay tuned for more release details on this 12oz can.

Athletic Brewing

Athletic Brewing Company, founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, is a pioneering force in the craft non-alcoholic beer industry. With breweries located in San Diego, California, and Milford, Connecticut, Athletic Brewing focuses on creating high-quality, flavorful non-alcoholic beers that cater to the active and health-conscious consumer. The company’s mission is to revolutionize the perception of non-alcoholic beer by offering a variety of styles that appeal to craft beer enthusiasts who seek to enjoy the taste and experience of beer without the effects of alcohol. Their innovative brewing process and commitment to using premium ingredients have garnered a loyal following and numerous accolades within the industry.

Athletic Brewing’s product lineup includes a diverse range of options, from IPAs and golden ales to stouts and sours, ensuring there is something for every palate. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices in their brewing operations and packaging. They also support various community initiatives and are committed to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what non-alcoholic beer can be, Athletic Brewing has established itself as a leader in the market, providing consumers with a delicious and mindful alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.

Netflix

Netflix Logo

Netflix, founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, has evolved from a DVD rental service to a global streaming powerhouse. Initially offering DVD rentals by mail, Netflix shifted its focus to online streaming in 2007, revolutionizing how people consume entertainment. The platform provides subscribers with unlimited access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content, all available on-demand. This transition not only disrupted traditional media consumption but also positioned Netflix as a major player in the entertainment industry, with millions of subscribers worldwide.

Over the years, Netflix has expanded its content production, investing heavily in original programming, including critically acclaimed series like “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” and “Bridgerton,” as well as award-winning films such as “Roma” and “The Irishman.” This strategy has allowed Netflix to differentiate itself in a competitive market, attracting a diverse audience with varied tastes. In addition to its extensive content library, Netflix leverages sophisticated algorithms and data analytics to personalize user recommendations, enhancing the viewing experience. With its commitment to innovation and content diversity, Netflix continues to shape the future of entertainment, influencing how stories are told and consumed around the globe.

Some Non-Alcoholic Beer Related Articles

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Athletic Brewing Company Promotes Mindful Drinking with Launch of Track Record

B. Kline — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:35:31 +0000

Athletic Brewing Company Wants To Help You Do Dry January

Its just about the start of the new year, and that means “new you”. A lot of people start the year off with “Dry January” as a way to take control of their drinking, their weight, etc.

Athletic Brewing Company has a new tool to encourage drinkers to ‘Give Dry a Try’ and track the days they don’t consume alcohol.

Track Record

Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest non-alcoholic brewery, is inviting drinkers to ‘Give Dry a Try’ this January by offering an easy way to track the days they don’t consume alcohol.

Called Track Record, the new alcohol moderation tool will launch on December 27, 2023, in the Athletic Brewing mobile app and on athleticbrewing.com. Track Record will give the millions of Americans looking to cut back on alcohol a guilt-free way of practicing mindfulness and moderation.

We know that one-third of U.S. drinkers are trying to cut back on alcohol, and Track Record will enable users to easily log the days they stay dry. This convenient and easy-to-use tool will help them stay on track and maintain motivation throughout January and beyond.
Andrew Katz – CMO of Athletic Brewing Company

Consumers interested in tracking their dry days can access the Track Record feature by downloading the Athletic Brewing mobile app and tapping the Track Record icon in the navigation bar. From there, users will be able to start a dry streak and view their progress while staying consistent in their quest to establish more mindful drinking behaviors.

We’re all about progress and celebrating wins, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s a month or just a day, Track Record is the ultimate tool for your dry journey. It gives you personalized insights on your progress and lets you choose how to Give Dry a Try.
Andrew Katz

You can find the Track Record at the website, or via the various ways to download apps. The website is: Athletic Brewing Co. – Track Record.

Whether your goals include cutting back on alcohol, becoming more active, or practicing mindfulness in all areas of your life, our athletes will be sharing their Pro Tips for showing up and staying consistent all year long.
Andrew Katz

To help drinkers stay motivated this January, Athletic Brewing’s athlete ambassadors will also be sharing their own Pro Tips for how to Give Dry a Try and encouraging everyone to stay on track with their 2024 goals.

The launch of Athletic Brewing’s Give Dry a Try campaign comes at a time when 34% of Americans over the age of 21 plan to drink less alcohol over the next year. At the same time, a record-high 39% of Americans now believe that consuming one to two drinks per day is bad for one’s health.

Some Non-Alcoholic Beer Related Articles

About Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing, founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, is the 13th largest craft brewer in America and the leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer. The company’s brews are distributed in all 50 states and available at over 50,000 retail stores nationwide. In 2023, Athletic was ranked as the 4th fastest-growing company in the Americas by Financial Times. Athletic was also ranked as the fastest-growing U.S. beverage manufacturer by Inc. Magazine in 2022, and named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential Companies.” The company has won over 75 prestigious brewing awards and has earned the title of North American Brewer of the Year in the last four International Beer Challenge competitions. Athletic has custom breweries in Milford, Connecticut, and San Diego, and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic Brewing is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Its full-flavored near beers and hop-infused sparkling waters are available at www.athleticbrewing.com.

Athletic Brewing Company is making some amazing non – alcoholic beers. You certainly need to check them out, if nothing else than to try them and see if they make a good alternative to soda or other drinks for you at home.

Athletic Brewing Company (as per Untappd) is a regional brewery from Milford, Connecticut. They have 90 unique beers and over 80,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.45 (as of 12.20.23). Their Untappd description reads: Athletic Brewing Co. is a non-alcoholic beer company dedicated to making great-tasting craft brews, without compromise. Our lineup of styles lets you enjoy the taste and experience of refreshing craft beer without sacrificing your performance, passions, health, or good taste. They’re fit for all times, made for all palates, and enjoyed by anyone who loves a great beer.

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

Beer Review: Free Wave Hazy IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company)

B. Kline — Tue, 02 May 2023 14:06:04 +0000

Free Wave Hazy IPA (a non – alcoholic IPA) by Athletic Brewing Company

Non – Alcoholic Beer

The popularity of Non – Alcoholic beer has skyrocketed in recent years. With pregnant women, designated drivers, and many more enjoying them while still hanging out with spouses, loved ones, friends, and family at craft breweries.

Just yesterday we reviewed Athletic Brewing Company’s “Run Wild IPA”, you can find that review here: Beer Review: Run Wild IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company). So today’s article is the second in a series (we have a few more Athletic Brewing Company non – alcoholic beers to review). I hope you’ll stick around to check them all out!

You can find our full article on non – alcoholic beers here: The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews.

You can also find Amy’s weekly column discussing how she missed having real beer while pregnant, and did enjoy a few non – alcoholic ones here: I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers).

Our friends from Let Us Drink Beer blog, guest wrote a post for us about the best non – alcoholic beers back in 2021. You can find that here: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2021.

Non-alcoholic craft beer has come a long way in recent years, and Athletic Brewing Company’s Run Wild IPA is a shining example of this innovation. Crafted with meticulous care, this IPA showcases the remarkable potential of non-alcoholic beer, proving that you don’t need alcohol to experience the full-bodied flavors and complexity of a well-crafted brew. Run Wild IPA allows those who choose to abstain from alcohol to indulge in the vibrant world of craft beer without compromising their lifestyle choices.

What sets Run Wild IPA apart is its ability to capture the essence of a traditional IPA, even without the alcohol content. The master brewers at Athletic Brewing Company have skillfully harnessed the power of hops, carefully selecting varieties that deliver the signature bitterness and aromatic qualities that make IPAs so beloved. The result is a non-alcoholic IPA that boasts a hop-forward profile with layers of flavor, creating a drinking experience that rivals its alcoholic counterparts.

The absence of alcohol in Run Wild IPA doesn’t mean it lacks character or depth. On the contrary, this brew showcases the artistry and creativity of the brewing process. By focusing on the careful combination of hops, malts, and yeast, Athletic Brewing Company has created a non-alcoholic IPA that satisfies not only the taste buds but also the desire for a well-rounded, fulfilling beer experience. Run Wild IPA challenges preconceived notions and invites everyone to embrace the world of craft beer, regardless of their relationship with alcohol.

Beer Review

Free Wave Hazy IPA by Athletic Brewing Company

Beer: Free Wave Hazy IPA
Brewery: Athletic Brewing Company
Style: Non-Alcoholic Beer – IPA
ABV: 0.5%
IBU: 55
Untappd Description: Our Free Wave Hazy IPA is meant for the open road. Whether you’re cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible or tracing your way up the coast on your bike, our Free Wave doesn’t cut corners. This mouth watering IPA is loaded with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops.

Get ready to ride the taste wave with me as we dive into the delightful depths of Athletic Brewing Company’s Free Wave Hazy IPA. This non-alcoholic masterpiece promises a flavorful adventure that’ll have your senses hanging ten in pure ecstasy. So grab your board and join me as we paddle out into the ocean of hoppy goodness!

Appearance

As you pour Free Wave into your glass, a hazy, golden elixir emerges, reminiscent of a tropical sunset over the horizon. Its velvety smoothness invites you to dive right in, while the pillowy, white head crowns the liquid like a wave cresting in all its glory. Prepare to be mesmerized by this liquid artwork!

Aroma

A sensory paradise awaits as you bring Free Wave Hazy IPA close to your nose. A tropical paradise unfolds before you, with waves of juicy mango, tangy pineapple, and ripe citrus fruits wafting through the air. This aromatic symphony is like a tropical breeze that transports you to a sun-soaked beach. Get ready to be swept away!

Taste

The first sip of Free Wave Hazy IPA crashes onto your palate like a wave of flavor, leaving you in awe of its complexity. Juicy tropical fruits dominate the scene, with bursts of ripe mango, succulent papaya, and hints of tangy grapefruit. The hop character is a harmonious blend of citrus and pine, balanced perfectly against a backdrop of smooth malt sweetness. Each sip is an invitation to paddle deeper into the sea of flavor.

Mouthfeel

Free Wave Hazy IPA delights the senses with its luscious, medium body that glides across your tongue like a surfer carving through a perfect wave. The velvety texture coats your mouth, amplifying the flavors and ensuring a luxurious drinking experience. The carbonation is gentle, adding a playful touch that enhances the overall enjoyment. It’s a sip-worthy sensation that keeps you coming back for more.

Finish

As you bid farewell to each sip, the finish leaves a lingering tropical breeze that invites you to ride the flavor wave once again. The hop bitterness is balanced and restrained, allowing the fruity and malt sweetness to shine through. The finish is smooth and clean, with no lingering aftertaste—just a sense of satisfaction and the anticipation of the next exhilarating ride.

My Untappd Rating: ***.75
Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.48 (as of 5.2.23)

A Toast to Athletic Brewing Company

Athletic Brewing Company’s Free Wave Hazy IPA is a non-alcoholic marvel that deserves a spot in the craft beer hall of fame. Its tropical explosion of flavors, velvety mouthfeel, and inviting aroma make it a must-try for both seasoned beer enthusiasts and those exploring the world of non-alcoholic brews. So grab your board, catch the next wave, and let Free Wave Hazy IPA transport you to a paradise of hoppy delight. Cheers to an unforgettable surf through flavor!

Athletic Brewing Company (as per Untappd) is a regional brewery from Milford, Connecticut. They have 90 unique beers and over 80,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.45 (as of 5.2.23). Their Untappd description reads: Athletic Brewing Co. is a non-alcoholic beer company dedicated to making great-tasting craft brews, without compromise. Our lineup of styles lets you enjoy the taste and experience of refreshing craft beer without sacrificing your performance, passions, health, or good taste. They’re fit for all times, made for all palates, and enjoyed by anyone who loves a great beer.

You can read our review of Run Wild IPA from yesterday here: Beer Review: Run Wild IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company).

A Series of Craft Beer Articles

This is just one of several in a series of over arching ‘craft beer’ related articles. Several alone in a ‘flagship’ series. In the next few weeks there will be some more that come out as well. I would like to have this general level of different ‘craft beer articles’ that everyone can kind of jump to and read and use for informative purposes, and give a better understanding for the other articles on the site.

Some of these articles are about definitions (like “What is Craft Beer?“) and others are about Craft Breweries in general like the Top 50 Producing Craft Breweries, etc.

Some Popular Beer Reviews

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

-B. Kline

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

Beer Review: Run Wild IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company)

B. Kline — Mon, 01 May 2023 13:19:28 +0000

Athletic Brewing Company’s non – alcoholic beer – Run Wild IPA

Non – Alcoholic Beer

You can find our full article on non – alcoholic beers here: The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews.

Our friends from Let Us Drink Beer blog, guest wrote a post for us about the best non – alcoholic beers back in 2021. You can find that here: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2021.

Beer Review

Run Wild IPA by Athletic Brewing Company

Beer: Run Wild IPA
Brewery: Athletic Brewing Company
Style: Non-Alcoholic Beer – IPA
ABV: 0.5%
IBU: 35
Untappd Description: The ultimate session-able IPA. Brewed with a blend of Northwest hops with Citra and Mosaic at the forefront. Body of premium organic malts from US & Germany. Subtle yet complex malt profile

Welcome, fellow beer enthusiasts, to a delightful hop-forward journey with me as we dive into the refreshing depths of Athletic Brewing Company’s Run Wild IPA. Brace yourselves for a taste explosion that defies expectations and proves that bold flavors can come without a boozy buzz. So let’s raise our glasses and embark on this hoppy adventure together!

Appearance

Pouring this liquid masterpiece into the glass reveals a radiant golden hue reminiscent of a picturesque sunset over hop fields. Its lively carbonation dances enchantingly, forming a frothy, ivory head that lingers and beckons us to dive in for a sip. Get ready to feast your eyes on this dazzling liquid gem!

Aroma

As the first whiff of Run Wild IPA wafts towards our eager nostrils, we’re greeted with an invigorating bouquet of citrusy hops that practically leap out of the glass. The aroma unfolds like a botanical garden, unveiling juicy grapefruit, zesty orange, and hints of tropical fruits. Prepare for a sensory symphony that’ll have your taste buds begging for a dance.

Taste

Ah, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! The initial sip of Run Wild IPA is a revelation of hoppy bliss. An orchestra of hops takes center stage, delivering a symphony of flavors that will make even the most seasoned hop-head weak in the knees. Waves of grapefruit, pineapple, and tangerine crash upon the palate, accompanied by a delicate bitterness that keeps things lively and refreshing. The malt backbone provides a subtle sweetness, beautifully balancing the hops and adding depth to the overall experience.

Mouthfeel

A medium body greets our eager mouths, bringing with it a velvety smoothness that glides across the tongue with grace. Despite the absence of alcohol, Run Wild IPA carries a satisfying weight, ensuring that every sip feels substantial and satisfying. The carbonation is playful and lively, tickling the senses and enhancing the beer’s overall drinkability. It’s as if the brewmaster has crafted a symphony of texture just for our enjoyment!

Finish

As we bid adieu to each sip, the finale is nothing short of a crescendo of hoppy pleasure. The bitterness lingers gently, inviting us to take another sip and continue this flavorful journey. The finish is clean, leaving no unwanted residue, and keeps us coming back for more of this hop-filled elixir.

Summary

In the world of non-alcoholic craft beer, Athletic Brewing Company’s Run Wild IPA stands tall as a true champion. It’s a beer that defies the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering explosive hop flavors and an exquisite balance that will have even the most discerning beer enthusiasts applauding. Whether you’re an IPA aficionado or a curious non-drinker, Run Wild IPA is a must-try that offers a glimpse into the future of flavorful, alcohol-free beer.

My Untappd Rating: ***.75
Global Untappd Rating: 3.38 (as of 5.1.23)

A Toast to Athletic Brewing Company

So, my friends, raise your glasses high and join me in celebrating Athletic Brewing Company’s Run Wild IPA—a beacon of hoppy delight that’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your desire for a refreshing adventure. Cheers!

Athletic Brewing Company (as per Untappd) is a regional brewery from Milford, Connecticut. They have 90 unique beers and over 80,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.45 (as of 5.1.23). Their Untappd description reads: Athletic Brewing Co. is a non-alcoholic beer company dedicated to making great-tasting craft brews, without compromise. Our lineup of styles lets you enjoy the taste and experience of refreshing craft beer without sacrificing your performance, passions, health, or good taste. They’re fit for all times, made for all palates, and enjoyed by anyone who loves a great beer.

A Series of Craft Beer Articles

Some of these articles are about definitions (like “What is Craft Beer?“) and others are about Craft Breweries in general like the Top 50 Producing Craft Breweries, etc.

Some Popular Beer Reviews

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

-B. Kline

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

Best Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2021

Let Us Drink Beer — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:24:00 +0000

Non-Alcohlic Beers in 2021

The Non-Alcoholic (NA) beer space has really taken a turn for the better in the last few years. The choices have become broader and better quality. Every January brings an added focus on this group with Dry January; a time of year when many alcoholic beverage drinkers dedicate themselves to a month long stint of no alcohol. Personally I don’t participate in this simply because I drink NA beers throughout the year. I’ve made them a part of my lifestyle. I’ve pretty much given up soft drinks and sweet tea (a near heresy for a Southerner like me) and I don’t drink diet drinks. I’ve happily discovered that NA beers are a tasty, satisfying more healthy substitute for those other beverages for times when I don’t want alcohol, but want a beer.

For the avid craft beer enthusiast, NA beer can be a real challenge because if you have not given up alcoholic beer, how do you fit them in and not be disappointed? I say this because I have yet to find one that tastes exactly like some of my favorite alcoholic beers. What’s the key? I have found the key to incorporating them into your lifestyle is simply in your approach. It literally is a mindset. If you expect them to taste exactly like some of your favorite alcoholic beers, you are going to be disappointed. They don’t. Some get very close, but as a whole they don’t. If you approach them as they truly are – a separate category of beer – you will enjoy them for what they are. When you are trying these out, the question to ask yourself is not – does this taste like XYX Brewing IPA? but does this beer taste good? Once you’re able to make that mental leap, it will open up a world of possibilities for you. These beers are also better for you than soft drinks and diet drinks. Think about it. They are made from all natural ingredients (water, barley and hops), no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, use a natural fermentation process and many are lower in calories. Additionally, when you a have a get together friends and family, it’s important to offer a variety of options besides you traditional alcoholic favorites. Today’s NA beers offer an additional alternative that can be a conversation piece.

For Dry January, I thought it would be fun and helpful to evaluate a number of the available NA beers for a blog post. The styles have really broadened out from the dark ages of O’Doul’s but most still concentrate around Lager, Pale Ale, IPA, Stouts and Wheat varieties. What I’ve done is divide them into a few broad categories: Pale Lagers, Blonde/Pale Ale/IPA and Wheat (includes Hefeweizen). I’ve selected a Best Of and a Runner-Up for each category. I also have a Best Overall and Runner-Up Overall. Let’s start with the Best Overall.

Best Overall NA Beer: Rightside Citrus Wheat

This was not a hard choice but it really surprised me. I had my own scoring system that emphasized flavor and overall enjoyment. After all, when you sit down to have a beer, that’s primarily what you are looking for. Having been a fan of Athletic Brewing, I fully expected the brewer score out the best. To my surprise, Rightside Citrus Wheat tied or beat Athletic Brewing Run Wild in every category except aroma, where Run Wild had a slight edge. The difference really got down to I simply enjoyed drinking the Citrus Wheat and after I finished the first one, I was ready for the next. It’s visually appealing, has pleasant aromas, tastes good, not too filling and has just enough bitterness to balance the sweet malt backbone but does not linger to long nor is it too harsh. Rightside Brewing also has an IPA but I have not had the opportunity to try it yet.

Runner-Up NA Beer: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Run Wild NA IPA Photo: Let Us Drink Beer Blog

I’ll admit that, as a mostly Lager drinker, I personally prefer Bitburger Drive and could have easily put it in this spot. But I realize with IPA’s being so popular, many craft beer drinkers will be looking for a NA beer with bold aromas, flavors and some bitterness. Run Wild IPA delivers on all three while still maintaining a pleasant drinking experience. Overall, they have the best lineup across multiple styles: Pale/Golden Ale, IPA, Amber Lager and Stout. I have also enjoyed two other of their products – Upside Dawn Golden Ale and Cerveza Atletica. Athletic Brewing has definitely placed themselves at the front of the pack in terms of producing the best variety of drinkable NA beers.

Pale Lager

Beers Reviewed: Coors Edge, Heineken 0.0, Beck’s NA, and Bitburger Drive

Best of Pale lager: Bitburger drive

Bitburger NA Pils Photo: Let Us Drink Beer Blog

Of the four in this group, Bitburger Drive stood out the most. It is a clear, brilliant gold color. Exhibits good head retention with floral and grainy aromas. Flavors are grainy and of biscuit. The beer is visually attractive, full-bodied and sweet but well balanced with bitterness. It tastes good and it’s the closest to an alcoholic version of a Pilsner as you can get. It will have more bitterness than say a Heineken or Coors Edge, but it’s got more flavor and aroma.

runner-up pale lager: Heineken 0.0

Heineken 0.0 NA Beer Photo: Let Us Drink Beer Blog

This was very close between Heineken 0.0 and Coors Edge. Bitburger was easily above both of these in aroma, flavor and balance. The Heineken and Coors products will remind you of their “Big Beer” heritages. They are low on flavor and character plus on the sweet side. But neither tastes bad. By contrast, the Beck’s NA didn’t taste good at all to me. I gave Heineken the edge because it had a little more floral aroma and bitterness for balance. I would choose either one of Heineken or Coors over a soft drink while sitting poolside on a hot, humid summer afternoon in Georgia.

Blonde/Pale Ale/IPA

Beers evaluated: Athletic Run Wild IPA, Athletic Upside Dawn Golden Ale, Bravus IPA, Partake Blonde, and Partake Pale.

This was a surprisingly competitive category. The only reason I didn’t split these up is, frankly, I would have had to add more brands for evaluation and it would have taken a lot more time and money to evaluate each separately. There are some good solid choices in this group.

Best of Blonde/pale ale/ipa: Athletic Run wild IPA

Athletic Brewing Run Wild NA IPA Photo: Let Us Drink Beer Blog

By now, many craft beer drinkers have discovered Athletic Brewing out of Connecticut. This brewery has busted open the NA beer IPA category with a aromatic, flavorful IPA with a bitterness that is approachable and provides balance. And 70 calories to boot. Run Wild IPA provided citrus and pine aromas and flavors on a medium bodied backbone of sweet malt. They have grown distribution, but supply can be short, as it flies off the shelves as quickly as it hits them.

runner up blonde/pale/ipa: bravus IPA

Bravus NA IPA Photo: Let Us Drink Beer Blog

I’ve had Bravus IPA before and a really like it as a contrast to the Athletic Run Wild IPA. Bravus is a lighter pale yellow color (note the two pictures). Simcoe, Amarillo, Citra and Mosaic hops provide a plethora of citrus and pine notes but it has lighter body than Run Wild IPA and less bitterness. It drinks very easy. Between these two IPA’s, you have a nice contrast in body and mouth-feel. Bravus was establish in 2015 and is located in Newport Beach, CA.

Wheat

Beers evaluated: Krombacher Weizen Alkoholfrei, Rightside Brewing Citrus Wheat, Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen, and Erdinger Non-Alcoholic Weizenbrau.

This category is tricky because it used to be dominated mostly by Hefeweizen versions; but now you are finding other wheat styles. Frankly, some of the worst tasting NA beers I’ve had are in this category. Surprisingly these two stand outs. Wellbeing Brewing has Victory Citrus Wheat that I had months ago that I recall was pretty good, but I could not track any down for this session.

best of wheat: Rightside brewing citrus wheat

Rightside Citrus Wheat Photo: Let Us Drink Beer Blog

Rightside Brewing is a brand new brewery in Atlanta and they are also Georgia’s first and only dedicated NA brewery. This one blew me away. I had pretty low expectations because I’ve had some really bad beers in the group. Citrus Wheat checks all the right boxes. It’s visually attractive. Gives you some nice citrus aromas of oranges and tangerines. Grainy flavors and a restrained bitterness. The mouth-feel is medium bodied and finish is quite dry. More on this one later.

runner-up wheat: Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier

Weihenstephaner NA Hefeweizen Photo: Let Us Drink Beer Blog

I discovered this one a little while ago along with the Bitburger Drive. It is by far the best of the Hefeweizen NA beers. Wiehenstephaner Hefeweissbier Alkoholfrei displays spicy aromas along with the familiar Hefeweizen esters of banana. Full-bodied mouth-feel. Restrained bitterness. If you like German style wheat beers, don’t hesitate to grab this one as the NA version.

Non-alcoholic beer is a category I invite all beer drinkers to try out. It won’t be for everyone but the choices have become a great deal better. Once you find a couple you enjoy drinking, the next big challenge will be obtaining them on a regular basis. Your state’s distribution laws will dictate whether or not you can order these direct from the brewery or have to scavenge through local retail outlets. That’s the problem here in Georgia. I can’t order directly from Athletic or my local brewery Rightside. It’s a little frustrating, but it is getting a little easier. Be sure to check out some of these and any local offerings that pop up near you. This is a growing category that we are sure to hear a great deal more from in the coming years.

Thanks for reading, until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!

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