Listen, I’ve been the type of person that believes that if you’re going to drink beer it better get you drunk. Or at least a little loopy. To me a non-alcoholic beer like Athletic Brewing Company makes just didn’t make any sense. Why would I drink a beer that doesn’t get me a bit loopy? That’s how I felt until I did a triathlon. My favorite thing to do after a long training workout is to have a beer. I was finding that when I would do my two to three hour workout then have an alcoholic beverage, I would pass out for the next four hours. That is not a helpful or healthy thing to do.

Half Ironman and Athletic Non- Alcoholic Beer

My friend Stephanie and I did a half ironman relay a few years ago. She swam and biked while I did the 13.1 mile run. When we were out picking up our packets the night before we saw a booth for Athletic Brewing. It was the first time I had ever seen a non-alcoholic beer that wasn’t O’doul’s. I didn’t believe it could be any good and wasn’t keen on trying it.

But then Stephanie said we should go for it. I was extremely surprised by the flavor! I couldn’t believe a non-alcoholic beer could be this could and not be so……basic. It had nuance and depth. I was intrigued and excited. Over the course of my training for different events, I’ve been reaching for Athletic more and more often.

This experience is VASTLY different than when I tried the non-alcoholic wines. Those were easy to distinguish from wine with alcohol. There was no denying that Non-alcoholic wines were different. Athletic has done something amazing and they just keep churning out more and more flavors and styles to try.

History

Athletic Brewing Company was established in Connecticut about 10 years ago. Other companies may have only one or two non alcoholic beers besides their regular beers. Athletic ONLY produces Non-Alcoholic beers.

Check out their website here to see where you can locate their beers. Also take a look at their ongoing support of communities around the world. They are helping the environment in those communities as well as supporting the education of people. If you’re also on a sober journey they have an app that helps you track your dry days. You join with a large community of other trackers to track and motivate your dry journey.

What to Try: Free Wave Hazy IPA

The Free Wave Hazy IPA is their best seller and can be found worldwide. As someone who enjoys a beer after a triathlon training session or a hot day at the beach. I appreciate Athletic for their commitment to producing non alcoholic beers that still taste like beer. As well as their unrivaled selection of different beer styles.

Athletic Brewing describes Free Wave as “a hugely hoppy hazy IPA with a juicy body and velvety pour. A trio of Amarillo, Citra and Mosaic hops generate bodacious aromatics of tangerine and grapefruit. Notes of pine and florals emerge in the secondary palate for an herbaceous reprieve in all the right places. It’s luscious, smooth, and highly aromatic.”

Other Flavors and Styles of Beer From Athletic

Athletic Brewing Company is known for producing a variety of non-alcoholic beers that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some styles and types they offer:

1. Run Wild – An IPA (India Pale Ale) that packs citrusy and piney hop flavors with a solid malt backbone, reminiscent of traditional IPAs but without the alcohol.
2. Upside Dawn Golden – A light and refreshing golden, perfect for easy drinking with a touch of fruity notes and a clean finish.
3. Cerveza Atletica – A Mexican-style lager that brings crisp and refreshing characteristics with a hint of corn sweetness and a touch of bitterness.
4. First Ride – A medium-bodied dark brew with sweet chocolate and caramel notes.

Athletic Brewing’s range of non-alcoholic beers showcases their commitment to quality and innovation. This appeals to both craft beer enthusiasts and those looking for flavorful, non-alcoholic options. I know that I’ll be drinking Athletic the next time I’m a designated driver. Being a designated driver is more likely than me every training for a triathlon ever again, that was the worst. Thank god for great tasting non alcoholic beers like Athletic to get me through it.