You’ve probably heard of athletic brewing, the beer company that’s on a mission to give health-conscious drinkers a suds-free way to celebrate their next workout or marathon. But do you know how the brand got its start?
Shufelt wanted to bring back the occasion of drinking a beer, but with a more moderate approach. After years of experimentation, he and brewmaster John Walker landed on a process that allows them to craft full-flavored NA beer with a smooth mouthfeel and aroma.
It’s Non-Alcoholic
Choosing to live without alcohol can feel like an upheaval. The idea of going from drinking beer to chugging Gatorade isn’t exactly a celebratory moment, but the truth is, if you’re looking for something refreshing, low in calories, and alcohol-free, you have plenty of options.
That’s what Bill Shufelt, co-founder of Athletic Brewing, was thinking when he created the company in 2017. He wanted to find a craft non-alcoholic (NA) beer that actually tasted good.
And so he did. The result is a lineup of flavorful brews that are made from four traditional beer ingredients — water, barley, hops, and yeast — but without any of the booze. Their flagship year-round brews, Run Wild IPA and Upside Dawn Golden Ale, have received awards across the country (including gold at the U.S. Open of Beer), and they also offer seasonal and limited release styles. Whether you’re at a party, at a sporting event, or just at home relaxing, there’s an Athletic beverage for every occasion.
It’s Low Calorie
Beer is naturally hydrating, so it’s great for replenishing lost electrolytes after a hard workout. However, many people tend to drink sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice, which add unnecessary calories. Fortunately, athletic brewing has developed a line of nonalcoholic beers that are low in calories.
The company’s products are brewed with the help of high-quality ingredients and the latest technology. They are also naturally hydrating and contain no added sugars. Additionally, the brand has a wide range of flavors and styles to suit any palate.
The company’s mission is to provide alcohol-free beers that are delicious and healthy. As a result, their products are popular with athletes, weightlifters, and other health-conscious consumers. In addition, the company is backed by a number of celebrities and athletes. These include cyclist Lance Armstrong, TOMS founder Blake Myxoskie, restaurateur David Chang, and NFL players JJ Watt and Justin Tuck. These investors share a common interest in fitness, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship.
It’s Gluten-Free
When you’re a beer lover who’s also a fitness buff, it can be tough to find a tasty way to celebrate a workout victory or race finish without undoing all that hard work. Enter Athletic Brewing, which offers a line of non-alcoholic beers that are both delicious and lower in calories than the typical brewskie.
The company’s brews are made with traditional ingredients, but without the alcohol. Shufelt’s patent-pending process—think Willy Wonka equipment with a whole lot of magic—replaces the fermentation stages with a cornucopia of natural elements, including organic Vienna malt, English hops and traditional American hops, which are then brewed to remove the alcohol.
Unlike traditional beer, which contains gluten, these brews are crafted to be gluten-free, so they’re safe for people with celiac disease or those with other sensitivities. You can drink them chilled, alone or with a meal, and they’re a great option for post-workout recovery. Plus, their taste is comparable to a regular beer.
It’s Delicious
With a slew of high-profile backers, including NFL players JJ Watt and Justin Tuck, as well as chef and TV host David Chang and cycling legend Lance Armstrong, Athletic Brewing has taken the non-alcoholic beer world by storm. The company’s portfolio of rich IPAs, porters, and sour goses have made it the go-to drink for health-conscious beer lovers looking to enjoy adult beverages without overdoing it on the calories.
The brews are not only delicious, but they also do a great job of replenishing the spent sugar and electrolytes that athletes need to recover after intense workouts, according to the company’s website. And, since they aren’t technically considered “beer,” the company is able to ship them directly to consumers, bypassing the patchwork of state alcohol laws that have traditionally kept craft beer brands from direct-to-consumer sales.
In a 9,000 square foot warehouse in Stratford, Connecticut, co-founder Bill Shufelt and head brewer John Walker honed the brewing regimen during a feverish nine month R&D sprint. But they wouldn’t share the secrets to their magic formula, citing a pending patent application.