Athletic Brewing Review — Is It Worth the Hype?

Athletic Brewing are the most important alcohol-free brewery in the world. That is not hyperbole — it is a statement of fact supported by their impact on the NA category globally. Founded in 2017 in Connecticut by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, they built the first dedicated NA craft brewery in America, and their beers changed what people believed alcohol-free could taste like.

Here is our full review of their range.

Bill Shufelt gave up alcohol in his early thirties and found himself unable to enjoy the craft beer culture he loved. The NA options available were, in his words, awful. So he and brewer John Walker spent two years developing proprietary brewing techniques to make world-class NA beer before opening Athletic Brewing in 2017.

The company grew faster than anyone expected. Within five years they were the best-selling craft beer brand in America by volume. Their success prompted a wave of investment and innovation in the NA category globally — inspiring breweries in the UK, Norway, Australia and beyond.

Athletic now operate two breweries — one in Connecticut and one in San Diego — and distribute across the US, UK and Europe.

The flagship. Clean citrus and pine hops, proper mouthfeel, dry bitter finish. This is the beer that made Athletic famous and it remains their best. If you have never tried an Athletic beer, start here.

The juicier, softer counterpart to Run Wild. Tropical fruit and passionfruit dominate, with a smooth hazy body. Athletic's answer to the hazy IPA craze, and a very good one.

A golden ale that proves Athletic can do restrained as well as bold. Light, slightly floral, easy drinking — the perfect everyday beer for those who want something less hoppy than the IPAs.

Full-bodied and roasty with dark chocolate and coffee notes. One of the best NA stouts available, and proof that Athletic's brewing expertise extends beyond hoppy styles.

American craft lager — slightly fuller and more flavourful than a European pilsner. Clean, consistent and reliable. Not the most exciting beer on this list but one of the most dependable.

Yes. Athletic beers are priced at a premium compared to mainstream NA brands, and they justify it. The quality and consistency across their range is exceptional. Run Wild and Free Wave in particular are benchmark beers that every NA drinker should try.

They are widely available in the UK through specialist retailers and increasingly in supermarkets.

Athletic Brewing are the gold standard of NA craft beer. Their range is consistent, innovative and genuinely delicious. If you are new to alcohol-free beer, start with Run Wild IPA. If you are already a convert, Free Wave and All Out Stout will not disappoint.

Browse and rate all Athletic Brewing beers on Unhopped.

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