Non-Alcoholic Beer Review - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com Central PA beer enthusiasts and beer bloggers. Homebrewers, brewery workers, and all around beer lovers. Sat, 11 Jan 2025 04:50:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://i0.wp.com/thebeerthrillers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-The-Beer-Thrillers-December-2022-Logo.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Non-Alcoholic Beer Review - The Beer Thrillers https://thebeerthrillers.com 32 32 187558884 The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non-Alcoholic Brews in 2025 https://thebeerthrillers.com/2025/01/10/the-rise-of-non-alcoholic-beer-a-guide-to-the-best-non-alcoholic-brews-in-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-non-alcoholic-beer-a-guide-to-the-best-non-alcoholic-brews-in-2025 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:59:37 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=15863 The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non-Alcoholic Brews in 2025

Back in 2023 we covered the rise of Non-Alcoholic beers (The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews) and in the time since then, the non-alcoholic craft beer (and beer and other drinks as well) market has only boomed. So I felt like it was time to expand the original article and show how the trends have changed (or mostly in this case just exploded) and just how popular this market has become.

Non-alcoholic beer has continued its meteoric rise, with the market expected to expand by 4% volume CAGR through 2028. This growth is driven by increasing health consciousness, changing social norms, and significant improvements in taste and variety. Let’s explore the latest trends and top picks for non-alcoholic beers in 2025.

A non-alcoholic soda that Amy got while we were at Forbes Trail Brewing Company

Market Trends

Expanding Availability

Non-alcoholic beer is becoming increasingly accessible. In the UK, 86% of pubs now offer a no-or-low beer option, with draught options expected to grow significantly. Major airlines have also started carrying NA beer, expanding its reach to new consumers.

Non Alcoholic Beer Growth in the Market (graph courtesy of The Business Research Company)

The trend of expanding availability is particularly evident in the airline industry, with multiple carriers introducing non-alcoholic beer options. JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to offer non-alcoholic beer on domestic flights, partnering with Athletic Brewing to serve their Upside Dawn Golden ale. Similarly, Alaska Airlines has introduced Best Day Brewing’s Kölsch as a complimentary option in premium classes. The growth extends beyond airlines and pubs, with retail sales showing significant momentum. According to recent data, dollar sales for non-alcoholic beer increased by 29.2%, reaching nearly $368.7 million, while case sales were up 20.3%. This expansion is driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier beverage alternatives and more inclusive drinking options, signaling a broader cultural shift towards non-alcoholic alternatives.

Non Alcoholic Projections (graph courtesy of 360iReport)

Technological Advancements

Brewing technology has made significant strides, addressing previous issues with bland or off-flavors. Innovations in yeast strains, vacuum distillation, and membrane filtration have allowed brewers to create non-alcoholic beers that closely mimic their alcoholic counterparts.

Mainstream Acceptance

Amy enjoying a non-alcoholic Saison while I got the flight at RAR

Non-alcoholic beer is no longer viewed as a niche product. Large breweries and craft players alike are expanding their non-alcoholic offerings, with some even creating zero-proof versions of their flagship beers. Social acceptance has grown, with surveys indicating that consumers increasingly view non-alcoholic beer as “cool” or “respectable”.

Top Non-Alcoholic Beer Brands to Try in 2025

  1. Go Brewing’s New School Sour
  2. Sober Carpenter’s IPA lineup
  3. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
  4. Heineken 0.0
  5. Leffe 0.0 (AB InBev)
  6. Coors Edge (Molson Coors)
  7. Guinness 0.0
  8. Brooklyn Special Effects
  9. Clausthaler Classic
  10. Erdinger Alkoholfrei

(See our beer review: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA)

If you would like to see Let Us Drink Beer’s List of Top 2021 Non-Alcoholic Beers, you can go here:

Craft Breweries Embracing Non-Alcoholic Beer

Craft breweries have finally embraced the non-alcoholic trend, leveraging new brewing and de-alcoholizing technologies to create flavorful options. This shift has expanded the variety and quality of non-alcoholic craft beers available to consumers.

Health and Wellness Focus

The non-alcoholic beer market is benefiting from the growing focus on fitness and wellness. These beers offer a way for health-conscious individuals to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol. Many brands are also developing lower-calorie and “better-for-you” options to cater to this demographic.

Sustainability in Non-Alcoholic Brewing

Sustainability has become a crucial aspect of the beer industry, including non-alcoholic options. Consumers increasingly favor brands that demonstrate responsible brewing practices, such as using solar power, adopting local sourcing, or implementing “farm-to-glass” ingredient strategies.

The Future of Non-Alcoholic Beer

As we move through 2025, the non-alcoholic beer market is poised for continued growth and innovation. With improving taste profiles, expanding distribution, and changing consumer preferences, non-alcoholic beer is cementing its place as a mainstream beverage option. Whether you’re participating in Dry January, looking for healthier alternatives, or simply enjoy the taste without the alcohol, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of non-alcoholic beer.

Non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who are looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption or simply want to try something new. With a wide variety of flavors and brands available, there’s a non-alcoholic beer out there for everyone. Consider trying one of our top picks to experience the flavor and refreshment of beer without the alcohol. Cheers to healthier drinking habits!

See our previous article written in 2023 – The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews (2023).

Take a look at non-alcoholic beers and craft sodas from Amy’s perspective from her nearly year long hiatus from drinking (due to being pregnant with Scarlet) here: I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers).

You can also read back on Let Us Drink Beer‘s guest post where he details The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021 by going here: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021.

More Articles on Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Some Popular Articles

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.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

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

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

 

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Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass Non-Alcoholic Beer https://thebeerthrillers.com/2024/01/02/sierra-nevadas-trail-pass-non-alcoholic-beer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sierra-nevadas-trail-pass-non-alcoholic-beer Tue, 02 Jan 2024 16:04:35 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=13566 It’s taken Sierra Nevada five years to test and develop ‘Trail Pass’, their non – alcoholic beer.

Sierra Nevada’s Trail Pass starts a new adventure in non-alcoholic brewing. After more than 5 years of development, and propelled by an innovative yeast strain, the iconic brewery believes Trail Pass IPA and Trail Pass Golden will turn heads.

Trail Pass Non-Alcoholic Brews – Untappd Blog

Just in time for Dry January. A yearly tradition for some people to get back in shape or to curb and moderate themselves after the excess of the end of year holidays (from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Years Eve/Day).

Dry January is also the bane of most craft breweries. A lull in their years, with people not drinking as much, not having as much disposable income due to the holidays, and with travel down due to weather, etc.

If a craft drinker is looking for that non-alcoholic option, but still wants a complete beer experience, this is gonna do it for them.

James Conery, Innovation Brewmaster at Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada Brewing uses traditional method, not alcohol extraction to brew Trail Pass. This creates a more full and bold flavor, and they are still able to dial it in to under 0.5% ABV (which is where most non-alcohol beers reside).

There are two Trail Pass variants. The citrus and pine forward Trail Pass IPA and the biscuity malt and smooth forward Trail Pass Golden.

Sierra Nevada Trail Pass is currently available online, shipping to select states. Find it in stores nationwide beginning January 2024.

Some Non-Alcoholic Beer Related Articles

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.

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

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

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)

 

 

 

 

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Beer Review: Free Wave Hazy IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/05/02/beer-review-free-wave-hazy-ipa-non-alcoholic-beer-athletic-brewing-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-free-wave-hazy-ipa-non-alcoholic-beer-athletic-brewing-company Tue, 02 May 2023 14:06:04 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=11746
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 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 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

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

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

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

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Beer Review: Run Wild IPA (Non – Alcoholic Beer) (Athletic Brewing Company) https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/05/01/beer-review-run-wild-ipa-non-alcoholic-beer-athletic-brewing-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beer-review-run-wild-ipa-non-alcoholic-beer-athletic-brewing-company Mon, 01 May 2023 13:19:28 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=11742
Athletic Brewing Company’s non – alcoholic beer – Run Wild IPA

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.

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

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 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 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

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

Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:

We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

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

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

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The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Non Alcoholic Brews https://thebeerthrillers.com/2023/04/04/the-rise-of-non-alcoholic-beer-a-guide-to-the-best-non-alcoholic-brews/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-rise-of-non-alcoholic-beer-a-guide-to-the-best-non-alcoholic-brews Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:59:50 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=10962
A craft soda Amy had at Forbes Trail Brewing Company

Non Alcoholic Beers

Non alcoholic beers have been on the rise. As Amy’s article – I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers) – examines the non alcoholic beers and craft sodas she had while pregnant and unable to drink; more and more breweries have non alcoholic options or at least craft soda options. Which is great for pregnant ladies, non drinkers, and designated drivers (DDs).

So let’s take a look at the rise of non alcoholic beers and craft sodas.

What is Non Alcoholic Beer?

A non alcoholic Saison Amy got at RAR Brewing (pictured with Ben’s craft beer flight from RAR Brewing).

Non – alcoholic beer, also known as “near beer” or “alcohol-free beer,” is a type of beer that has had its alcohol content removed or reduced to a negligible level. This type of beer is gaining popularity among those who are health – conscious, pregnant women, designated drivers, and those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol.

Non-alcoholic beer is brewed just like regular beer, but the alcohol is removed through a process called reverse osmosis, vacuum distillation, or by stopping fermentation before the alcohol level gets too high. The end result is a beer that looks and tastes like regular beer, but contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

One of the benefits of non-alcoholic beer is that it can be enjoyed at any time without the risk of becoming intoxicated. This makes it a popular choice for those who are driving or operating machinery, as well as for those who are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption for health or personal reasons. It is also a good option for those who are pregnant or nursing, as well as those who are recovering from alcohol addiction.

In terms of taste, non-alcoholic beer can vary depending on the brand and brewing process. Some brands have been successful in replicating the taste of traditional beer, while others may have a slightly different flavor due to the removal of alcohol. However, many people find that non-alcoholic beer still satisfies their craving for the taste of beer.

Non-alcoholic beer also has some health benefits. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a good choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also high in B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Some studies have even shown that non-alcoholic beer may help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve circulation.

Despite its benefits, non-alcoholic beer is not without its drawbacks. Some people may not enjoy the taste or find it too different from traditional beer. It can also be more expensive than regular beer due to the additional processing required to remove the alcohol.

In conclusion, non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the negative effects of alcohol. It can be a good choice for designated drivers, pregnant women, and those who are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption. While it may not be for everyone, it is worth trying to see if it satisfies your craving for beer without the negative effects of alcohol.

Top Ten Non Alcoholic Beers of 2023

An assortment of non alcoholic beers

Here is a top ten list of non alcoholic beers based on current trends (different publications, Untappd check ins, sales, etc.):

  1. Heineken 0.0
  2. Guinness Open Gate Pure Brew
  3. Clausthaler Classic
  4. Bitburger Drive
  5. Beck’s Blue
  6. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
  7. St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic
  8. Erdinger Alkoholfrei
  9. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects
  10. Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher

There are a lot of options out there, but based on sites like VinePair, Untappd, Drizly, UpRoxx, and others, this is a curated list of “Top Ten Non-Alcoholic Beers for 2023”.

If you would like to see Let Us Drink Beer’s List of Top 2021 Non-Alcoholic Beers, you can go here:

Top Selling Non-Alcoholic Beers

Heineken 0.0 by Heineken

This is a list of ten of the best selling non-alcoholic beers. According to various industry reports and market analysis, some of the highest selling non-alcoholic beer brands in recent years include:

  1. Heineken 0.0
  2. Budweiser Prohibition Brew
  3. Beck’s Blue
  4. Clausthaler Classic
  5. Bitburger Drive
  6. Erdinger Alkoholfrei
  7. St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic
  8. Carlsberg Nordic
  9. Kaliber
  10. O’Doul’s

It’s worth noting that sales figures can vary depending on factors such as region, market trends, and consumer preferences.

Craft Breweries in Pennsylvania That Make Non-Alcoholic Beer

There are several craft breweries in Pennsylvania that make non-alcoholic beers. Here are a few examples:

  1. Athletic Brewing Company – This brewery, originally based in Connecticut, has opened a second location in Pennsylvania and specializes in non-alcoholic craft beer. Their offerings include IPA, Golden Ale, and Stout.
  2. Evil Genius Beer Company – This Philadelphia-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic version of their popular beer “I Love Lamp”, which is a Belgian-style white ale.
  3. Free Will Brewing Company – This Perkasie-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Non-Stop Hef Hop”, which is a hefeweizen-style beer.
  4. Victory Brewing Company – This Downingtown-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Twisted Monkey”, which is a Belgian-style blonde ale.

It’s worth noting that availability of non-alcoholic beer options may vary depending on the brewery and the season, so it’s always a good idea to check with the brewery directly or with local retailers to see what options are currently available.

In the Harrisburg Area

With The Beer Thrillers being primarily based in Central PA, felt we would do a deeper dive into the Harrisburg area for non-alcoholic beers.

Here are a few examples:

  1. Appalachian Brewing Company – This Harrisburg-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Root Beer”, which is a sweet and creamy soda that is made with natural ingredients.
  2. Troegs Independent Brewing – This Hershey-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Scratch-Made Ginger Beer”, which is a spicy and refreshing soda that is made with fresh ginger, honey, and lime juice.
  3. The Millworks – This Harrisburg-based brewery and restaurant offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Raspberry Lemonade Shandy”, which is a fruity and refreshing beer that is made with raspberry puree, lemon juice, and honey.
  4. ZeroDay Brewing Company – This Harrisburg-based brewery offers a non-alcoholic beer called “Craft Soda”, which is a rotating selection of artisanal sodas that are made with natural ingredients and creative flavor combinations.

It’s worth noting that availability of non-alcoholic beer options may vary depending on the brewery and the season, so it’s always a good idea to check with the brewery directly or with local retailers to see what options are currently available.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Guide to the Best Low-ABV and Non-Alcoholic Brews

Amy enjoying a Shirley Temple at Lydian Stone Brewing Company (with Ben’s flight of beers)

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthier and more mindful drinking habits. This has led to an increase in the popularity of non-alcoholic beer, which provides all the flavor and refreshment of traditional beer without the negative effects of alcohol.

If you’re looking to cut back on your alcohol consumption or simply want to try something new, non-alcoholic beer is a great option. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of non-alcoholic beer and share our top picks for the best low-ABV brews on the market.

Why Choose Non-Alcoholic Beer?

There are several reasons why you might choose to drink non-alcoholic beer. Here are just a few:

  1. Health: Non-alcoholic beer is a healthier alternative to traditional beer, as it contains fewer calories and zero alcohol. This makes it a great choice for those who are watching their weight or looking to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
  2. Sobriety: For those who are sober or recovering from addiction, non-alcoholic beer provides a way to enjoy the taste and social aspects of drinking without the risk of relapse.
  3. Convenience: Non-alcoholic beer is widely available and can be purchased in most grocery stores and online retailers. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to enjoy a beer without leaving the house or going to a bar.

Top Non-Alcoholic Beer Brands

Now that you know why non-alcoholic beer is a great option, let’s take a look at some of the top brands on the market.

  1. Heineken 0.0: Heineken 0.0 is a non-alcoholic lager that has all the classic Heineken flavor without the alcohol. It’s refreshing and easy to drink, making it a great choice for any occasion.
  2. Clausthaler Classic: Clausthaler Classic is a German-style pilsner that is crisp and clean, with a subtle hop flavor. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a lighter beer.
  3. Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA: If you’re a fan of IPAs, you’ll love Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild IPA. It’s hoppy and flavorful, with a smooth finish.
  4. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects: Brooklyn Brewery’s Special Effects is a non-alcoholic IPA that is full of flavor, with a citrusy hop profile and a refreshing finish.
  5. Bitburger Drive: Bitburger Drive is a non-alcoholic lager that is smooth and easy to drink, with a mild hop flavor and a crisp finish.
  6. St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic: St. Pauli Non-Alcoholic is a German-style lager that is light and refreshing, with a clean finish. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a classic beer flavor.
  7. Beck’s Blue: Beck’s Blue is a non-alcoholic lager that is light and refreshing, with a mild hop flavor and a crisp finish. It’s a great choice for any occasion.
  8. Guinness Open Gate Pure Brew: Guinness Open Gate Pure Brew is a non-alcoholic stout that has all the classic Guinness flavor without the alcohol. It’s rich and flavorful, with a smooth finish.
  9. Erdinger Alkoholfrei: Erdinger Alkoholfrei is a German-style wheat beer that is refreshing and flavorful, with a citrusy finish. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter beer.
  10. Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher: Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is a non-alcoholic sparkling water that is infused with hops. It has a hoppy flavor and refreshing carbonation, making it a great choice for those who want the taste of beer without the alcohol.

How to Choose the Right Non-Alcoholic Beer

When choosing a non-alcoholic beer, there are a few factors to consider:

  1. Flavor: Non-alcoholic beer comes in a variety of flavors, from classic lagers to hoppy IPAs to fruity shandies. Consider what flavor profile you prefer and choose a beer that suits your taste.
  2. ABV: Non-alcoholic beers can have varying levels of alcohol content, with some containing up to 0.5% ABV. If you’re looking for a completely alcohol-free option, be sure to choose a beer that is labeled “0.0% ABV.”
  3. Brand: Different brands of non-alcoholic beer have different brewing processes and flavor profiles. Consider trying a few different brands to find one that you enjoy.

Conclusion

Almond Cream Soda by Red Ribbon Soda Works

Non-alcoholic beer is a great option for those who are looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption or simply want to try something new. With a wide variety of flavors and brands available, there’s a non-alcoholic beer out there for everyone. Consider trying one of our top picks to experience the flavor and refreshment of beer without the alcohol. Cheers to healthier drinking habits!

Take a look at non-alcoholic beers and craft sodas from Amy’s perspective from her nearly year long hiatus from drinking (due to being pregnant with Scarlet) here: I’ve Missed Drinking (A Look at Non Alcoholic Beers).

You can also read back on Let Us Drink Beer‘s guest post where he details The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021 by going here: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers of 2021.

Ending Notes

2023 looks to be a good year for non-alcoholic beers, and the sales are rising. I’m not a huge non-alcoholic beer drinker, but they are perfect for pregnant women, non-drinkers, sobers, and designated drivers and helps everyone feel included, respected, and to have fun together. Its great to see local craft breweries jump on the idea and trend and run with it.

I hope this primer will help many people learn more about non-alcoholic beers and get them interested in trying some out.

Thank You For Reading

Thank you for everyone who read the article and made it to our blog. We pride ourselves on writing good content and to helping people learn about craft beer, breweries, non-alcoholic craft beer, and all things brewing related.

If you enjoyed this article please like, subscribe, and follow us. Share the content if you find it relevant and want to show it off. Leave a comment if you have any questions, concerns, comments, suggestions, or anything to say. We love hearing from our readers. Let us know what your favorite non-alcoholic beers are in the comments!

Currently right now we are in the Finals of our Battle of the Breweries (2023). You can check out the final four breweries left in the Finals Fatal Four Way here and vote:

In the upcoming two weeks I am going to do a more thorough look at the full tournament, breaking down the votes and how well each conference winner did. I will also do a full write up on each of the breweries in the Finals Fatal Four Way too, where I will list what articles we’ve done about them, and my visits to each of those places.

We are currently starting to work on creating maps of all the breweries in each state, starting geographically with Maine. So be on the lookout for these great resources to soon be popping up on the blog. Hoping to get a state done every 2 – 4 days. (Some will be quicker and easier than others, but 50 states, plus Washington D.C., will certainly take some time!)

Here is a list of some of our most recent articles:

And here is some of our more popular articles:

Thank you all for visiting. I hope you enjoy the site and the blog. And I hope you have fun voting in the tournament.

As always, once again, thank you all so very much for reading. If you’ve enjoyed this article – please click the like button, please subscribe and follow our page, and please share our content. It really helps us and means so much to us!

Every like, share, subscribe, follow, comment, etc helps us with the algorithm and also helps us to know what you – our readers – enjoy and want to see more of. So let us know in the comments what you want to see and read. We love hearing from you all!

Cheers Everyone!

-B. Kline

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer ReviewsHike ReviewsBook ReviewsBrewery News, Brewery OpeningsBrewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – FacebookFacebook GroupTwitterInstagramYouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!

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.

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Best Non-Alcoholic Beers For 2021 https://thebeerthrillers.com/2021/02/15/best-non-alcoholic-beers-for-2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-non-alcoholic-beers-for-2021 Mon, 15 Feb 2021 14:24:00 +0000 https://thebeerthrillers.com/?p=10970

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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