Craft Beer Without the Buzz
If you love beer but want to skip the hangover, Athletic Brewing Company is changing the game. This isn’t your typical “near beer.” It’s bold, balanced, and brewed with the same craft standards you’d find in a full-strength IPA.
As someone who’s always been a fan of a good stout or IPA—but has had to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes after my 2024 heart transplant—finding a satisfying non-alcoholic alternative felt impossible. That is, until I cracked open my first Athletic Brewing beer.
Why Trust This Review
I’m Tim from Timbo’s Food Box, and my channel and blog are all about real, tested food experiences. I buy every box and product myself, cook, taste, and give you the unfiltered truth.
After my transplant and a long journey battling heart disease, thyroid cancer, and weight-loss surgery, I take what I consume seriously. I’m not chasing hype—I’m chasing quality and honesty.
So in this review, you’ll get my full Athletic Brewing experience:
- My unboxing and first impressions
- Taste tests across multiple styles
- A breakdown of their subscription program
- Honest pros and cons before you buy
Table of Contents
Company Overview – Who Is Athletic Brewing Company?
Founded in 2017 in Connecticut, Athletic Brewing Company was built around a simple goal: make great beer that just happens to be non-alcoholic. They use traditional brewing techniques—grain mashing, fermentation, and dry-hopping—but with a proprietary process that keeps alcohol under 0.5%.
They’ve quickly become the #1 non-alcoholic craft brewery in the U.S., winning awards from the World Beer Awards and the Great American Beer Festival.
Beyond taste, Athletic Brewing is deeply rooted in sustainability—they donate 2% of all sales to environmental restoration and support multiple community-wellness initiatives. That aligns perfectly with my mission to support brands that care about health and the planet.
Unboxing Experience – Fast Delivery & Thoughtful Presentation
First Impressions
My order arrived via FedEx in 2–3 days — quick enough to rival Amazon. The packaging was clean, sturdy, and well-branded. Inside, each 6-pack was neatly separated with recyclable dividers.
One cool perk? Subscribers get free swag. I got a sleek Athletic Brewing pint glass with my first shipment — small bottom, wide lip — perfect for tasting pours.
Packaging & Eco Details
Everything was eco-friendly, recyclable, and well-labeled. There were zero leaks, and the cans stayed cold during shipping. No Styrofoam, no wasteful fillers—just efficient packaging.
💡 Timbo’s Pick: Store your beer haul in a mini beverage fridge from Amazon to keep your NA brews perfectly chilled without crowding the family fridge.
Contents and First Look
Here’s what I ordered for this taste test:
- All Out Extra Dark (90 cal) – Rich stout-style brew with coffee & chocolate notes
- Stump Jump Autumn Brown (80 cal) – Nutty & toasty seasonal ale
- Dark & Gourdy (70 cal) – Pumpkin-spiced porter (fall limited edition)
- Spruce & Jupiter IPA (70 cal) – Hoppy pine and citrus IPA flavor
- First Ride Coffee Porter (105 cal) – Dark brew with bold coffee and malt
- Daypack Black Cherry Seltzer (0 cal) – Hoppy, bubbly sparkling water
Detailed Review of Contents – Tasting Each Beer
All Out Extra Dark
This one’s for Guinness lovers. Thick, dark, and satisfying with roasted malt and chocolate aroma. The mouthfeel is creamy without being heavy. It gives you that rich stout experience with just 0.5% ABV and 90 calories.
💡 Pair it with a cast-iron pan brownie or seared steak for an unreal combo.
Stump Jump Autumn Brown
Smooth and balanced. It reminded me of a Sam Adams Boston Lager but lighter. Hints of caramel and toffee come through with a nutty finish. Perfect for fall cookouts or campfire nights.
💡 Timbo’s Pick: Try serving this one in a beer tasting flight set to compare flavors side-by-side with friends.
Dark & Gourdy Pumpkin Spice Beer
My personal favorite. Think pumpkin pie meets porter. Subtle spices and warm malt flavor make it ideal for Halloween or holiday season sipping. I ordered three 6-packs because this one’s a limited edition — when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Spruce & Jupiter IPA
Hoppy and grassy with a hint of pine. If you normally love West Coast IPAs, you’ll appreciate the bite here. Light on the palate but big on aroma. My wife Meggan and I were surprised how much this tasted like a “real” IPA.
First Ride Coffee Porter
For coffee fans like me, this beer hits every note right. Rich roast, smooth finish, and a touch of vanilla. At 105 calories, it’s the heaviest of the bunch, but totally worth it for flavor.
💡 Pair it with breakfast brunch or post-dinner desserts from your Tovala Smart Oven Pro.
Daypack Black Cherry Seltzer
Zero calories, zero carbs, and a subtle hoppy cherry finish. This is a fantastic alternative for anyone cutting sugar or doing Keto. It’s light, crisp, and refreshing without being overly sweet.
💡 Timbo’s Pick: Keep these organized with a can fridge organizer to save space in your main fridge.
Subscription Options & Pricing
Athletic Brewing offers single case orders or a subscription membership for $39.99 per year.
Membership perks include:
- 15% off all beer orders
- Free shipping on orders over $20
- Access to members-only beers like Spruce & Jupiter and First Ride
- Free swag with select orders
If you buy beer often, the subscription pays for itself fast. And for new customers, my referral link below saves you $15 on your first order:
👉 Save $15 here: Timbo’s Athletic Brewing Link
Website & Ordering Experience
Athletic’s website is polished and modern. You can filter by style, flavor profile, calories, or availability (all-year vs. seasonal).
Checkout was smooth, shipping updates were instant, and tracking was accurate.
I especially like the option to bundle limited releases with core favorites like Run Wild IPA or Upside Dawn Golden Ale.
💡 Timbo’s Pick: If you love hosting friends, get the Best Cooler On The Go for tailgates or beach days—it keeps your non-alcoholic beers ice-cold for hours.
Sourcing & Ethical Practices
Athletic BrewingCo. uses premium, non-GMO grains and hops sourced from U.S. and European growers. All brewing is done in Connecticut and San Diego facilities powered by renewable energy and waste-reduction programs.
They also donate millions of gallons of water through their Two for the Trails initiative — 2% of all sales fund environmental projects nationwide.
Target Audience & Dietary Fit
Who It’s For
- Health-conscious beer fans wanting authentic flavor without alcohol
- Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for hydration options
- Parents and professionals cutting back on alcohol
- Keto and low-calorie dieters
Diet Compatibility
| Diet | Fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keto / Low Carb | ✅ | Most beers ≤ 5 g net carbs |
| Vegan / Plant-Based | ✅ | Certified Vegan & Non-GMO |
| Paleo / Whole30 | ⚙️ | Occasional use ok |
| Gluten-Reduced | ✅ | Many beers test < 20 ppm gluten |
Customer Service & Support
Customer service is fast and friendly. I contacted them to clarify shipping rules for different states (MA is fine—cheers to that) and received a response within hours.
They offer support by email and live chat during business hours and have a great FAQ portal that explains their brewing process in plain English.
Comparative Analysis – How It Stacks Up
| Brand | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Brewing | Huge flavor range, NA authenticity, $15 off deals | Higher price per can |
| Heineken 0.0 | Widely available | Limited flavor depth |
| Bud Zero | Cheap, easy to find | Watery taste |
| Partake Brewing | Great for Keto | Low carbonation |
Athletic Brewing Co. dominates on flavor, variety, and craftsmanship — hands down.
Rewards & Incentives
Join the Athletic Club Subscription to get:
- 15% off every order
- Early access to limited runs
- Free shipping on orders $20 +
- Bonus merch and swag
Conclusion & Ratings
Summary of Experience
Athletic Brewing Co. is proof that non-alcoholic beer doesn’t mean boring. Each brew delivers full flavor and a sense of craftsmanship that rivals traditional brewers. Add in fast shipping and a $15 discount, and it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to drink smarter.
Ratings (1–5 Scale)
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Flavor | 4.8 |
| Freshness | 5 |
| Packaging | 4.7 |
| Value | 4.5 |
| Website Experience | 4.8 |
| Overall | 4.8 / 5 |
Pros
- Incredible variety of styles and flavors
- Sustainable and vegan friendly
- Fast shipping & free merch for subscribers
- Perfect for athletes and healthy lifestyles
- Exclusive flavors only online
Cons
- Slightly pricey per can (~$2 each)
- Subscription fee ($39.99) may deter casual drinkers
- Limited shipping states for beer (NA regulations)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athletic Brewing Co. completely alcohol-free?
Almost — each beer contains less than 0.5% ABV (legally non-alcoholic in the U.S.).
Can you ship Athletic Brewing Co. beer to my state?
They ship to most states except GA, MI, MS, KS, ID, NE, and SC (due to state laws).
Are these beers vegan and non-GMO?
Yes — certified vegan, non-GMO, and brewed with natural ingredients.
What’s the best beer to start with?
Try Run Wild IPA for hops or All Out Extra Dark if you love stouts.
