Founded in 2017 and based in Stratford, Connecticut, Athletic Brewing is changing the perception of non-alcoholic beer. Their refreshing, 0 calorie craft brews are designed to support healthy and active lifestyles.
Having worked in the industry for years, co-founder Bill Shufelt saw an opportunity to bring a new level of quality and taste to the non-alcoholic beer market. Together with longtime brewer John Walker, they set out to reimagine NA brewing for the modern adult.
1. It’s good for you.
There are a number of ways that athletic brewing benefits you. For starters, it provides the perfect fuel to get you through your training.
When you’re sweating it out, a non-alcoholic beer can help replace electrolytes lost during your workout and provide a great way to socialize with other athletes. Moreover, it’s a booze-free alternative that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their age or activity level.
As a result, more and more people are choosing to drink alcohol-free beers, which have risen to an historic high. It’s a trend that’s made it easier for athletes, weekend warriors and other regular people to enjoy a good beer without compromising their health or wellness.
Stratford, Connecticut’s Athletic Brewing Company is at the forefront of this movement. They produce craft-grade, calorie-free, low-alcohol beverages that have racked up a host of awards. They’ve also got a team of inspiring brand ambassadors and a commanding list of high-profile backers, including Lance Armstrong, TOMS founder Blake Myxoskie and restaurateur David Chang.
2. It’s fun.
Whether you’re trying to live a more active lifestyle, are looking for a more natural solution to alcohol or just want a healthier alternative to beer, there’s a non-alcoholic option out there that will suit your tastes and needs. Athletic Brewing is one of the first national craft breweries to launch in the NA space, delivering a line of great-tasting beers that won’t compromise your performance, passions or health.
Founded in 2017 by Bill Shufelt and longtime brewer John Walker, the brand has a mission to create craft beer with a unique taste and character that can be enjoyed by people who love beer but don’t drink alcoholic beverages. It’s one of the best-selling NA breweries in the country, and its Run Wild IPA has won gold at the U.S. Open of Beer in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and was named “Best Non-Alcoholic Beer USA” at the World Beer Awards.
In addition to delivering tasty beer, Athletic Brewing also contributes to the community by donating 2% of its sales to support and protect trails and the outdoors through its Two for the Trails initiative. Its IMPACT Program donates 1% of its revenue to non-profit organizations that support positive impact and opportunity from the ground up.
3. It’s social.
If you’re an athlete or fitness-minded person, drinking a low-alcohol beer after your workout can be a great way to recover. It contains plant-derived compounds that are good for you, and it has electrolytes that can help replenish your fluids.
But it’s also a social activity, as a lot of athletes will meet at local breweries after an event. You can have a beer with a group, or order a single bottle to enjoy at home.
The company also offers a monthly beer club where members can customize a 12-pack or 18-pack. They can also purchase Athletic’s beer, sparkling waters and merchandise.
The demand for Athletic’s non-alcoholic beer is growing, as consumers become more aware of their health and want to be mindful about alcohol. In fact, sales are up 100% during the last four weeks.
4. It’s a celebration.
Athletic Brewing has a pretty simple business model: produce a quality non-alcoholic beer that’s good for you. Their lineup of styles is fit for all times, made for all palates, and enjoyed by anyone who loves a great craft beer.
As a health-conscious company, they also take a stand for the environment by making the best possible choices when it comes to their ingredients and brewing processes. They’re even committed to the IMPACT program, which means they’ll donate 1% of their sales to non-profit organizations that support positive impact and opportunity from the ground up in their communities.
Among other things, they’ve mastered the non-alcoholic beer brewing process that creates a fully fermented, easy-drinking beverage conditioned to less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). They’re also up for the most fun brewing contest you can imagine: Suped Up, a jingle-jangle IPA collaboration with super coffee that will surely be a hit on social media. And of course, they have a solid marketing strategy that’s backed by the likes of Keurig Dr. Pepper, so they’ve got the money and the know how to keep this one in the top spot.